Chicago's Hottest Things-To-See

Long-Running Major Museum Exhibits, Most-Popular Theatre Performances
If you are only in town for a short while, these are some of the "Must-See's" to include in your Chicago plans. They are major events in the city, but have a limited engagement. They belong on your short-list of things-to-see. Included among them are traveling exhibits, major theatre productions as well as other uniquely-Chicago events. Some are seasonal in nature, but all are worth a look. They are either here now or are coming soon.

Dates	Name	Location	Description
SPECIAL EVENTS
Jun 3 - Sep 7	Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit	Navy Pier Pepsi Skyline Stage 600 East Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611	Featuring such exotic acts as "Diabolo," "Aerial Ballet," and the "Russian Barre," this dazzling showcase of strength, agility and grace is meticulously choreographed to a specially produced musical score and performed with ingenious stagecraft, offering audiences a full-scale theatrical experience. Full of energy, color, raw power and fluid beauty, “Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit” is a soaring celebration of life appearing only in Chicago and only at Navy Pier for this limited summer engagement. Performances are held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2, 6 and 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 and 4 p.m. The Wednesday and Saturday 8 p.m. performances are immediately followed by Navy Pier’s fireworks display presented by Pepsi, B96 and Jack FM.
Jun 17 - Aug 9	2009 Theater Season	Theater on the Lake Fullerton Ave. & Lake Michigan Chicago, IL (312) 742-7994	The Chicago Park District’s 57th annual Theater on the Lake season features reprisals of eight artistically diverse Chicago theater companies June 17 – Aug. 9, 2009. The season opens with Collaboraction Theater Company’s production of Jon (June 17-21) and continues with popular productions by Redmoon Theater (June 24-28), Blindfaith Theatre Company (July 1-5), Theo Ubique Theater Company (July 8-12), Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (July 15-19), Barrel of Monkeys (July 22-26), The Artistic Home (July 29 – Aug. 2), and Eclipse Theatre Company (Aug. 5-9). Each production will be performed for five evenings only at the theater at Fullerton Avenue and Lake Michigan. One of this year’s new features includes three family friendly productions recommended for ages six and up: Once Upon a Time (or the Secret Language of Birds), Woody Guthrie's American Song and Fun O'Clock: A Very Special That's Weird Grandma.
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Opens April 30 - thru Sept 7th	Harry Potter: The Exhibition	Museum of Science & Industry 57th Street & Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60637 1 (773) 684-1414	Enjoy an up-close and personal look at the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and costumes that appeared throughout the Harry Potter films. These authentic artifacts will be displayed in elaborate settings inspired by locations from Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including the Gryffindor™ common room, Hagrid’s hut and the Great Hall. You will also get a first glimpse at items from the next film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™, which is scheduled to open in theaters on July 17, 2009.
Feb 27 - Oct 25	Real Pirates	The Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 922-9410	Hear the Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship. Sail with legendary pirate Sam Bellamy and his crew and learn the true story of the Whydah, from her historic transformation from slave ship to pirate ship to her final resting place on the ocean floor.
Jun 17 - Sep 20	Water	The Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 922-9410	Discover the importance of Earth’s most vital and fleeting resource. Examine how living things adapt to extremes of wet and dry environments, and learn how human behavior alters precious aquatic ecosystems. Become inspired by conservation efforts from around the world and discover what you and your family can do to protect and conserve our planet’s water. Through hands-on activities, immersive dioramas, artifacts, and multi-media, this exhibition presents life’s essential element that unites us, surrounds us, and challenges us, now on display at The Field Museum.
May 30 - Aug 15	Paradise Lost: Climate Change in the North Woods	Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N. Cannon Drive Chicago, IL	Climate change is leaving its mark on every environment and ecosystem in the world. But what are the specific challenges facing the northern climate? A group of artists, scientists and educators recently came together in Wisconsin to consider ways that art could increase public understanding about climate change. The result is a thought-provoking environmental art exhibition, featuring everything from paintings, quilts, puzzles and music, which explores the roots of climate change, encouraging everyone to take action to preserve the environment.
May 22 - Nov 15	Animal Houses	The Morton Arboretum 4100 Illinois Rt 53 Lisle, IL	See, touch, and explore 11 imaginative animal houses, all built to human-scale. It's your chance to imagine life as an animal and learn how trees provide animal habitats. Don't miss free special animal events and activities all summer long! Climb in a squirrel drey. Rummage through a raccoon den. Perch in a heron nest. Express your inner animal among the trees. So grab the kids, don your explorer's hat, and come to the Arboretum for an animal habitat adventure the whole family will be talking about for weeks!
Open Run	The Ancient Americas	The Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 922-9410	The Field Museum’s ground-breaking new exhibition, The Ancient Americas, takes you on a journey through 13,000 years of human ingenuity and achievement in the western hemisphere, where hundreds of diverse societies thrived long before the arrival of Europeans.
May 22 - Dec 31	Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass	Adler Planetarium 1300 S Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605-2403 312.922.STAR	The most comprehensive exhibition of its kind to date, Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass presents the technology used to gather information about the Universe. From Galileo's first observations in the 17th century to the leading-edge technology employed by the Hubble Space Telescope and to the adaptive optics used in the telescopes of today and tomorrow, the exhibition shows how these amazing instruments have changed our concepts of the Universe and of our place in it.
Open Run	One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure	Adler Planetarium StarRider Theater 1300 S Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605-2403 312.922.STAR	One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure is an original planetarium show based on the popular children's show Sesame Street. Big Bird, Elmo and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, take viewers on a journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun and the Moon.
Open Run	Cosmic Collisions	Adler Planetarium StarRider Theater 1300 S Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605-2403 312.922.STAR	Narrated by award-winning actor, director, and producer Robert Redford, Cosmic Collisions launches visitors on an awe-inspiring trip through space and time-well beyond the calm face of the night sky-to explore the hypersonic impacts that drive the continuing evolution of the Universe.
Mar 19-Jan 3 '10	Smart Home: Green + Wired	Museum of Science & Industry 57th Street & Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60637 1 (773) 684-1414	The real, three-story modular and sustainable “green” home in the Museum’s own backyard is about to reopen its doors. Learn about the new ways, big and small, that you can make eco-friendly living a part of your life. See the Feb MSI Newsletter.
May 16 - Dec 31	The Great Migration: What They Brought With Them	Pullman State Historic Site 11111 S. Forrestville Ave. Chicago, IL 60628 773.660.2341	Join us for this special exhibition of photos, documents, artifacts & memorabilia brought to Chicago by Black migrants. For more information please call 773-291-9115 or email chgoblackhistory@sbcglobal.net
THEATRE PERFORMANCES
Tickets available through Dec 27th	Jersey Boys Premium Tickets	Bank of America Theatre 18 W Monroe Chicago, IL	Award winning best musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history.
Tickets available through Jul 12th	The Blue Man Group Premium Tickets	Briar Street Theatre 3133 N Halsted Chicago, IL 773.348.4000	Featuring three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else.

CHICAGO SHOWS ITS SWEET SIDE WITH THE TOP 10 ACTIVITIES FOR A COUPLES GETAWAY

With world-class art, architecture, restaurants, and hotels, Chicago is a premier destination for romance. The Chicago Office of Tourism has put together a menu of activities and story ideas for visitors to Chicago that is sure to reinvigorate both your senses and your mood for love. In Chicago there is something for every couple, no matter your interest. From theater and museums to shopping and professional sports, Chicago’s activities for couples are the perfect recipe for a great romantic getaway.

Gardens and Parks – With more than 7,500 acres of parkland, two world-class conservatories, 26 miles of lakefront and 600 acres of nature areas, Chicago lives up to its motto “City in a Garden”. Chicago is home to two beautiful conservatories, the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park Conservatories, both located in the city’s public parks. Chicago’s downtown area is home to two world-class parks, Grant Park and Millennium Park. Both parks are convenient to downtown lodging and perfect for a romantic stroll with a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone. In the colder months ice skating is available in ten Chicago area rinks. In the warmer months, couples can enjoy one of Chicago’s free outdoor concerts or movies.

Shopping – Shopping can be very romantic, especially if you are the one getting bought for. Chicago is a leading center for fashion and design, home to more than 400 fashion designers and 375 independently owned retail boutiques. The city is also an international shopping capital, with a vibrant retail scene that caters to the needs of every shopper, including major department stores, chic designer boutiques, and unique ethnic stores. For more information of Chicago’s thriving fashion scene, please visit www.chicagofashionresource.com .

Museums – Chicago is world renowned for its incredibly diverse collection of over 40 museums. For romance seekers, the Museum of Modern Art and The Art Institute of Chicago are both great options for a relaxing afternoon of art. The Art Institute is one of the world’s leading art museums with over 300,000 works, including an extensive impressionist and post-impressionist collection. The Museum of Contemporary Art explores art dating from 1945 to present-day with a strong focus on surrealism, minimalism, conceptual photography and work by Chicago-based artists.

Restaurants –Chicago is a world-class culinary destination, featuring more than 7,000 restaurants and more 5-diamond restaurants than any city in the nation. For a dinner spot with a romantic view try the Park Grill in Millennium Park. In the summer months you can dine alfresco, people watch, and gaze out over the sweeping city views. For a more interactive experience where you and your date can work together to cook dinner, try Geja’s Café in Lincoln Park. Geja’s features traditional fondue and is hailed by many to be the most romantic restaurant in the city.

Hotels – For romance, nothing beats the beautiful amenities, stellar views, and top-notch service of Chicago’s hotels. In the year 2009 alone, five Chicago hotels have made it to Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 World’s best hotels list. The W Hotel Lakeshore and the Trump International Hotel and Tower offer some of the best views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River around. For prime location and proximity to shopping and nightlife, the Park Hyatt and The Peninsula Chicago can not be rivaled. And for their cool urban vibe, the DanaHotel and Spa and the Affinia Hotel will not disappoint.

Architecture – Visitors from around the world come to Chicago, the birthplace of the modern building, to view its romantic cityscapes and architectural marvels. From historic landmark buildings to contemporary technological masterpieces, Chicago is home to unique and innovative designs that have shaped American architecture. A view of the city's buildings by boat offers a unique perspective. Visitors to Chicago may take one of many architectural river cruises to experience the preservation of ageless architectural styles in classic and modern structures along the Chicago River. For a more detailed look, the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers more than 50 walking or bus tours, conducted by knowledgeable guides.

Spas – After a long day of exploring head to one of Chicago’s spas to relax before a night out on the town with your significant other. Chicago’s Spa Space, exhale spa, and Kiva Salon and Spa are all perfect options for any treatments you desire including manicures and pedicures, aromatherapies, massages, and scrubs. For the budget conscious, Cortiva School of Massage Therapy in Chicago’s Loop offers great discounted massages and treatments given by students and instructors.

Walk or bike Chicago – Chicago’s scenic views and flat landscape make it the perfect city for exploring either on foot or bike. It is no wonder that Chicago was named the one of the top five running cities in the country by Runner’s World. No matter how you choose to explore, Chicago views are sure to evoke romance with stunning skyline and lakefront views. A favorite of Chicagoans is to start your trip south of downtown at the Museum Campus and walk north along the lakefront path to Monroe Street. Along the way you’ll see the iconic image of sailboats along Lake Michigan flanked by the Chicago skyline. Bicycles can be rented at a number of locations around the city.

Recreation – Chicago has something to offer all couples looking to get out in the city and participate in something recreational. Romance seekers can take a cooking class at either World Kitchen or the Chopping Block; take a Segway tour of the city; or a moonlight kayak trip down the Chicago River. Depending on your interests, other romantic activities for couples include attending one of Chicago’s professional sporting events with a Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, or White Sox game.

Theater –Enjoy a classic date in Chicago with dinner and a show. From storefront theaters and Tony-award winning regional companies to major Broadway shows, Chicago theater is recognized throughout the world for its diverse selection and critically-acclaimed productions. Choose a musical or play in the bustling downtown theater district or venture out into the neighborhoods for a performance at one of Chicago’s many resident theater companies such as Steppenwolf Theatre. Purchase half-price tickets to a show through Hot Tix, in person or online, at www.hottix.org .

Visitor Information Resources -Chicago's visitor information centers are conveniently located in two of the city's most popular areas. Plan to visit the information centers when you arrive in Chicago and receive free brochures featuring attractions and special events. Friendly information representatives will answer your questions and assist your family in planning an action-packed itinerary. The visitor centers are located in the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 East Randolph across from Millennium Park and at the City’s historic Water Works pumping station on Michigan Avenue. Additionally, the Chicago Office of Tourism is home to the Chicago Greeter program. Chicago Greeter links friendly, knowledgeable Chicagoans with visitors looking to see the sights through the eyes of a local. The Greeter program can tailor their tours to meet the needs of the entire family.

The Chicago Office of Tourism, a division of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, is the official city agency dedicated to promoting Chicago to domestic and international visitors and to providing innovative visitor programs and resources. For more information please visit www.explorechicago.org or call 1.877.CHICAGO.