Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Calumet Park

"Description: The MCA was the first project in the United States by Josef Paul Kleihues, the German architect behind Berlin’s reconstruction after the fall of Berlin Wall. The Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago opened its doors in 1996 with an exposition of Frida Kahlo, the first in the US!. Don’t miss a remarkable aspect of the museum: the stairwell."

"Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art holds one of the world’s largest collections of post-1950 art. You can easily explore the museum by foot in just a couple of hours, making it perfect for an afternoon activity. In addition to world-famous works, they also host exhibits dedicated to local artists and put a lot of care into the local community."

"It was the first Latino museum in the country to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It has built its permanent collection to 10,000+ objects, making it one of the largest collections in the nation. The museum has remained free to all since originally opening in 1987."

"The largest Latino museum in the country (and the only Latino one accredited by the American Alliance of Museums) is definitely worth…"

"Part of Columbia College Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Photography contains images by some of America’s greatest photographers. This includes Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. A particular highlight is the Farm Security Administration collection of images, which portray life during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl."

"Museum of Contemporary Photography dedicates art spaces for photography masterpieces. It is an international hub for all photography artists and enthusiasts Furthermore, various ideas and dialogues are generated and provoked in the gallery. Students, artists, and guests are given the opportunity to experience groundbreaking exhibitions."

"Admission is free year-round at the Museum of Contemporary Photography. All visitors must reserve a free timed ticket. Dates are subject to change and may not include fees to view special exhibits."

"The Smart Museum of Art has impressive collections of European, American and Asian art|© Andre Jenny / Alamy Stock Photo. Located on the University of Chicago campus, the Smart Museum of Art bills itself as “an intimate museum for bold encounters with art.” The collection – which includes pieces by Edgar Degas, Frank Lloyd Wright, Henri Matisse, Mark Rothko and Pablo Picasso – is renowned for its extensive array of fine art and objects representing a plethora of eras, continents and genres."

"Plan ahead to pack a few stops in the surrounding area of this museum. You could explore the beautiful campus setting (University of Chicago in the leafy Hyde Park neighborhood) as well as other Museum Campus South attractions — like DuSable Museum of African American History — with budget-friendly admission prices. At the Smart Museum, everything is free."

"Founded in 1974, the Smart Museum of Art is part of the University of Chicago and is home to acclaimed special exhibitions and a permanent collection that spans five thousand years of artistic creation."

"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."

"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."

"Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art in Chicago is a non-profit with a mission to share the work of outsiders. The center defines an outsider in the art world as "the work of artists who demonstrate little influence from the mainstream art world, and who instead are motivated by their unique personal vision." Since its inception in 1991, Intuit has become a leader in the field of promoting outsider and intuitive art. The museum's permanent collection, which they began amassing in 2002, has come to include more than 1,1000 works of art."

"It is actually the only nonprofit organisation in the USA that is fully devoted to ‘outsider’ art and self taught art. It’s more than just an art gallery or museum – it’s somewhere to come for inspiration, and it’s actually used a lot by art students in the city of Chicago. There are over 1000 works of art here, so plenty to see!"

"High up there on the other end of the Chicago spectrum, Old Irving resides just east of Portage Park and offers plenty of beers for all kinds of hops lovers. Favorites include the Being Ernest, a Hemingway-inspired Belgian tripel made in collaboration with Forbidden Fruit, Marz, Maplewood, and Off Color, and ‘Til Death, a Pilsner worthy of wedding bells. It’s homey and delightful and a perfect hideaway spot."

"The food is often very kid-friendly, and parents can kick back with a few craft beers. Old Irving is no exception. It’s bright and spacious with plenty of room for squirmy little ones."

"In 2002, Sweet Mandy B’s opened its doors to sprinkle some magic into the community. This nostalgic cake shop in Chicago features old fashioned vibes and pastel colors. From Adult Cakes and Holiday Cakes to Special Occasion Cakes and a never ending selection of cupcakes, there’s something for everyone at Mandy B’s!"

"In all our years of baking cookies, we can’t believe we never thought of this. Even if you have no qualms eating raw cookie dough on your own, rest assured, Sweet Mandy B’s has made the filling of this next-level sandwich safe to eat (aka eggless)."

"Yes, this is slightly biased because it’s my favorite bakery in the country, but I promise this is by far the best bakery in Chicago. All of your baked good dreams are fulfilled here. There is not a single bad item on the menu."

"Nothing says summer in Chicago like grabbing a cup of cool and colorful Italian ice at Miko’s. The sorbet-like dessert is made exclusively out of crushed, frozen fresh fruit and is completely dairy-free. Though Miko’s boasts exotic flavors like cucumber and guava, nothing beats the classic lemon on a hot July night."

"Holy Trinity is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Chicago Landmark and is the oldest Orthodox parish in Chicago. Its unique style is typical of Slavic provincial architecture. Designed by Louis Sullivan, it is the famous architect’s only remaining church in Chicago and one of just two in the world."