Mentioned by Matador Network
The 7 best museums in Chicago
"Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, just off the Magnificent Mile, explores, exhibits, and collects art created since 1945. The museum is dedicated to allowing the public "to directly experience the work and ideas of living artists and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the art of our time." It also puts a major emphasis on diverse voices that communicate through art. Continue to 5 of 10 below."
"The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is one of the biggest contemporary art museums in the world. The MCA's collection focuses on post World War II visual art; works in the collection include pieces by Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Jasper Johns, Kara Walker, and Alexander Calder. The MCA once held the United States debut of Frida Kahlo's exhibit."
"The Museum of Contemporary Art provides free museum days in Chicago every single Tuesday for Illinois residents. Always free for those under 18, MCA members, or who are members of the military, police, or fire department. And here’s a secret: year-round general admission is suggested."
"PilsenImmerse yourself in Mexican culture The Pilsen neighborhood in itself is rich with Mexican murals and culture, but the National Museum of Mexican Art holds a 10,000-piece permanent collection by artists from both Mexico and America, offering a 3,000-year overview of works that often go overlooked in the American art world. Enjoy folk art, photography, sculpture, paintings and more, and make a visit here a priority during October for the museum’s Día de los Muertos exhibit, which features altars and other Day of the Dead art. What to know before you go: The museum is open 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is always free."
"This accredited museum in the Pilsen area is dedicated to preserving and facilitating knowledge about Latino life and history. Exhibits focus on Mexican culture as it's represented in the US and in Mexico, and the permanent collection includes folk art, ephemera, sculpture, textiles and drawings. Performing arts are also featured and the center hosts special events throughout the year to advance the museum's objectives."
"Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is one of the top things to do in Chicago with kids. Located in Lincoln Park museum, this is a great museum that creates hands-on experiences for the kids to enjoy themselves as well as learn something along the way. The museum is an informative curation of Illinois’ natural history and ecology."
"The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has been a Chicago staple for more than 160 years!. Located in Lincoln Park, the museum is dedicated to educating visitors about our natural world, conservation, preservation, and restoration through hands-on fun. Toddlers love exhibits and museum areas such as:"
"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."
"Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!. Tags:adler planetariumart institute of chicagoBrookfield ZooChicago Botanic GardenChicago Children’s Museumchicago history museumClarke House MuseumDePaul Art MuseumDuSable Museum of African American Historylincoln park zooLoyola University Museum of Artmuseum of contemporary artMuseum of Science and IndustryNational Museum of Mexican ArtNational Veterans Art Museumshedd aquariumSmart Museum of ArtThe Field MuseumThe Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum"
"Nestled on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, the Smart Museum houses more than 15,000 artworks, ranging from European paintings and Asian arts to contemporary and modern art. This is also home to The H. C. Westermann Study Collection, which is one of the most significant public collections of artwork and archival material related to the artist’s life and work. Bonus: the Smart Museum is free."
"Just beyond the aquarium is the Adler Planetarium, which when constructed in 1930 became America's first planetarium. The building is more than a museum; it is a laboratory, a classroom, and a community exploring the Universe together. Each year half a million visitors experience the museum's interactive exhibitions, live planetarium shows, hands-on educational programs, and world-class collections."
"Finish your ride at the waterfront behind the Alder Planetarium, for your very last photography stop. With dreamy views of the skyline framed by the glittering lake, it’s considered one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset and makes for the perfect ending to a whirlwind Chicago getaway."
"Art Institute of Chicago* – Fast PassOR Adler Planetarium* – VIP Entry *Your CityPASS tickets include the option for you to choose between two attractions. There’s no need to decide upfront where you’d like to visit. You can choose when you get there."
"A long-standing Logan Square chop suey house, Friendship has undergone a wonderful renovation into a worthwhile place to sit and linger instead of grabbing takeout. Friendship’s menu has plenty of familiar terms like “Sesame” and “Kung Pao,” but the food is cooked with a care not usually associated with those cheap paper box staples. Beyond what's predictably good are things like the Barbarian seared steak, chive flower pork belly, and bird’s nest of seafood and shredded potato."
"After his father passed away, Alan Yuen renovated his family’s chop suey house (even installing beautiful hardwood floors himself) and set about turning out solid Canto-American classics. Sesame beef and honey-walnut shrimp are joined by creations such as stir-fried seafood in a shredded potato “bird’s nest,” pan-seared salmon with champagne apple, and boneless Peking duck with Grand Marnier sauce. Don’t want to go out?"
"Great money wise and you get a huge variety of things to eat--not just Chinese food. Their Won Ton Soup is the bomb!"
"In my opinion, there’s nothing better than a dumpling, whether it be a crispy potsticker, a plump and juicy soup dumpling, or even a crunchy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside Crab Rangoon. The menu here is filled with such delights (especially the dim sum). Boiled Shrimp, Pork and Chive Dumplings might not be kosher (!!!) but you won’t be able to get enough of them, likewise the Shanghai-Style Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings."
"Hannah's serves creative sandwiches for all meals, from breakfast through dinner, all available on freshly-baked pretzel bread (the “bretzel” in the name, naturally). There are also wraps, soups, salads and fruit dishes available, as well as organic desserts and kid’s meals. And did we mention the wall of chocolate with bars from over 24 national and international brands?"
"Each sandwich starts with an organic pretzel roll, followed by free-range chicken or wild Alaskan salmon, lastly local white cheddar or fresh mixed greens to make every layer of this lunch good for you."
"Enjoy creative gourmet Indian offerings, including high teas and Thali, a presentation that blends tastes and textures into a culinary wonder served on a single plate. You’ll find fun, contemporary versions of Indian classics at Mango Pickle, which is among the best restaurants in Chicago. Mango Pickle | 5842 N."