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. |
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