Best Arts and Culture Places in Westchester

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and is certainly not your average pier. Stretching over 3,000-feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is packed full of entertainment, offering 50-acres of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Enjoy a ride on the Centennial Wheel that stands prominently in the middle of Pier Park, and there’s often live music, art exhibitions, and firework displays throughout the summer."

"The only Chicagoans you'll run into at Navy Pier are the employees but out-of-towners and suburbanites seem to love the downtown pier that extends into Lake Michigan. Once used by the military, it's now Chicago's largest tourist attraction. You can just walk up and down the pier, taking in skyline and lake views."

"You have two choices here: you can either take a selfie from afar, with Navy Pier and its massive Ferris wheel in the background, or you can buy a ticket and take the ride, snapping a selfie from 150 feet up in the air."

"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."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago — better known as the MCA — is a triple threat. There’s a constant rotation of thought-provoking works and artist retrospectives in the galleries; a cutting-edge mix of dance, music, and theater on the stage; and a menu of seasonal cuisine from a top Chicago chef in the kitchen. If you can visit in the warm-weather months, alfresco concerts and outdoor installations add to the mix."

"Often referred to as a “pioneer” for its role in discovering exceptional and internationally acclaimed “Outsider artists” like Henry Darger, Bill Traylor and Eugene Von Bruenchenhein, the Carl Hammer Gallery is widely known for its unique blend of artists, visions and backgrounds. Carl Hammer Gallery represents both historical and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Although it is widely recognized for its role in leading to the discovery of significant artists from both “Outsider” and self-taught genres, the gallery’s scope also includes artists from Chicago “Imagist” and modern art traditions."

"Next on my list of top art galleries in Chicago, The Carl Hammer Gallery. The creator original focused on the Outsider Art movement, work created by self-taught artists with no industry connections. But now the gallery is designed to challenge the mind and ideas of identity and the human condition to struggle and grapple with themes of identity and being, now with more well known artist being incorporated its collection to challenge the heart and mind."

"After initially championing the Outsider art movement – work created by self-taught artists with no industry connections – the Carl Hammer Gallery gradually began to incorporate mainstream contemporary pieces into its collection. By engaging with visitors, the gallery staff aims to help them understand and experience art that grapples with issues of national and global identity and the human condition."

"The Water Tower Place-based family-friendly gallery serves as dedicated space for Dr. Seuss's artwork. Visitors may view the various collections--which include sculptures, illustrated art and "secret" art--and have the option to buy. Some of the works have never been exhibited before."

"No matter what night of the week you ache to get out, The Whistler has your back - and brain. There's a live show every night: it could be jazz, rock, electronic, country, soul, Movieoke (karaoke to movie clips), film screenings, DJ sets, readings and other various and sundry entertainment to tickle your neurons and move your body. It's also a craft cocktail bar and offers a storefront art gallery so you can sip, observe and remark about the state of art, music."

"Located at the Logan Square, The whistler has got you covered whenever during the week you hop into the club. Every night a live show is held. It could be rock, jazz, electronic, country, DJ sets, film screenings, and other various and small doses of entertainment to tickle your brain and get your body moving."

"If you’ve ever complained that The Whistler is too tiny, summer is the best time to visit when you can spill over into the back patio and enjoy some personal space and strong drinks."

"Located on the lakefront just south of Jackson Park, this park has 65 acres of green space and is home to the South Shore Cultural Center, originally built in 1095 as a country club. Today, the center is a historic landmark maintained by the Chicago Park District and offers a large variety of cultural programs, including classes for all ages in culinary arts, music, dance, and visual arts, as well as special events throughout the year. The parkland surrounding the center includes a golf course, acres of green grass dotted with shade trees, a beach, and the South Shore Nature Sanctuary."

"Originally built as the South Shore Country Club, this South Side icon was penned by architects Marshall and Fox in 1905. Purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and renamed as the South Shore Cultural Center, the landmarked Mediterranean Revival building features painstakingly restored historic details, a grandiose ballroom, and golf course. It remains a popular venue for weddings and other large events."

"The South Shore Cultural Center is a great example of what the South Side has to offer. The sprawling landscape surrounding the center features manicured gardens, a golf course, nature paths, a butterfly garden, and picnic areas. Next to the former country club is a wild, overgrown nature preserve with a fire circle and views of Lake Michigan and the city."

"With a strong focus on American Design, there is a strong emphasis on emerging contemporary artists at the Volume Gallery in Chicago. The gallery releases its editions and publications and also organizes exhibitions that showcase the works of American artists to the regional, national and international audiences. Specialization : contemporary"

"Because Chicago has non-deep dish pizza too and it is just as heavenly. Their pizza selections are rivaled by none, so good luck choosing just one."

"The outdoor patio at Homeslice is newly redone and looks better than ever, with clever signage and a converted Airstream for your private parties."

"American , Pizza"

"Sitting just a few blocks west of the Kimball Brown Line stop is a true neighborhood gem, worth the trip to the end of the line and a favorite for anyone within walking distance. Peking Mandarin is Korean-style Chinese, a fusion of Korean ingredients with Chinese dishes that is popular fare in Korea. Regulars come from all over Chicago seeking out spicy seafood noodles and sweet & sour pork, which amounts to comfort food for many Korean immigrants and anyone else who gets to taste it."

"Among the best restaurants in Chicago is this luxe dining room, with a deep menu of Indian favorites from samosas to curry and a lovely selection of vegetarian options prepared by gourmet chefs. There are also seafood, beef and chicken offerings as well, and catering is available for those events that call for something special on the table. The Spice Room | 435 N."

"After all that walking, head back to your room at the Dana Hotel and Spa in the chic River North neighbourhood to freshen up ahead of the night portion of your Chicago itinerary. The design-forward property wows from the moment you walk through the multi-storey, airy foyer, which is accented with geometric seating and light fixtures that set the tone for the surrounding ultra luxe spaces. On-site amenities include an acclaimed spa and multiple restaurants, like the rooftop Apogee Lounge where the in-crowd comes to sip hand-crafted cocktails and soak in the views."

"Renowned for her 100% organic, vegan, and raw cuisine, Karyn Calabrese turns up the heart with her latest addition to the fold: Karyn’s Raw. Still offering a menu of organic vegan and vegetarian dishes, the restaurant serves conscious comfort raw food such as house-made empanadas, chunky nachos, peanut Asian style noodles, crêpes, mouthwatering vegan tiramisu, and more. Diners can enjoy a range of organic wines and beer with their meals and kick back on a Sunday with a long, lazy brunch."

"The Roman Catholic Parish on West Adam Street is one of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This church is considered a cornerstone of Irish Culture in Chicago, where God’s grace is demonstrated- amidst the bustle. It is also an important landmark that preserves history."

"Address: 700 W Adams StSaturday Mass Times: 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, and 5:00pmA/C: YesCost: $1,500.00Parishioner?. NoTime for photos after: 20 minutesCan you bring your own priest?. Yes, they suggest you reach out to a priest you think of first."