Mentioned by Secret Chicago
An Essential List Of Chicago's Most Instagrammable Spots
"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations—and with good reason. The 3,300-foot (1,010-meter) pier jutting into the waters of Lake Michigan, originally constructed in 1916 as a freight dock and public space, encompasses almost 50 acres (20 hectares) of exhibits, rides, parks, and family attractions.More"
"If you’re not in the mood for shopping, check out Navy Pier which is a Chicago Landmark and offers a variety of attractions for all ages to enjoy. If you’re interested in learning about science, I recommend visiting Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, which is the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere."
"The MCA is one of the city’s museums that’s in a near constant state of transition. With its relatively small permanent collection, it relies on special shows—from large scale installations to video, fashion, music, photography, and more—that showcase just as many rising local talents and underground, avant-garde renegades as recognizable names. Past exhibits include David Bowie Is, Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg, and Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech."
"Much like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art is an architectural masterpiece containing some of the world’s most important creative gems."
"Established in 2001, the Monique Meloche Gallery has garnered quite some attention from art enthusiasts worldwide for its exquisite display of conceptual art. The gallery has featured unique artworks by thousands of emerging artists from different parts of the world, emphasizing curatorial and institutional outreach. Rashid Johnson, who has been included in the 2011 Venice Biennial, was discovered and featured at the Monique Meloche Gallery."
"Monique Meloche Gallery built its reputation on spotting young talent that others overlooked. The gallery worked with Amy Sherald long before the artist painted Michelle Obama's official portrait. Founded in 2000, the gallery moved to its current location in the West Town arts district in 2018."
"The National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the only Chicago museums of art that showcases the art, culture and history of the Latino, Mexican and Chicano communities. Founded in 1982, it now counts some 10,000 pieces in its collections. These range from pre-Hispanic and pre-Colombian objects made by indigenous Mexican groups – including the Maya, Mezcala and Toltec – to folk art, textiles and paintings."
"Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes."
"This appealing gallery displays complex artwork, especially in media like wood, glass, fiber, and clay. National and local artists are represented, and jewelry is available. Read more about Vale Craft Gallery →"
"It’s all about the inventive cocktails, dark spirits and plush leather seats at Drumbar. Located in Gold Coast, this modern-day speakeasy perched atop the Raffaello Hotel has both indoor and outdoor seating and is an excellent place to nurse a cocktail and watch the sunset over Lake Michigan. Prop yourself up next to one of the outdoor firepits while you sip whiskey and scotch or try one of the four riffs on the classic old fashioned, swirled with gin, brandy or bourbon."
"On the 18th floor of Raffaello Hotel you find this classy Chicago rooftop bar. Location is quite perfect, right next to the John Hancock Center and just a few minutes away from Lake Michigan and the beach. This cocktail-focused rooftop bar has a year round old fashion indoor lounge and a rooftop terrace offering greenery, white lounge chairs, fire pits and panoramic views over the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan."
"For theatre lovers, check out a performance at The Chicago Theatre. If you feel like doing an activity, head to 10pin Bowling Lounge under the Marina Towers north of the Chicago River. They offer a selection of beers and upscale snacks."
"Based on Navy Pier, this adored non-profit theatre company has done as much as anyone to help keep Chicago on the cultural map over the last 30 years. In short order the theatre has earned three Laurence Olivier Awards, as well as a regional Tony in 2008. Its main aim is to introduce people to the works of William Shakespeare, through school tours, summer plays in parks and productions at its own majestic venue, adding up to 600 performances a year."
"With attractions as varied as the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater to a massive concert venue, you can practically spend the entire day here! One of the most popular attractions on Navy Pier is its iconic Ferris wheel, visible from many vantage points across the city."