Best Arts and Culture Places in Griffith

"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."

"In the warmer months, kids of all ages will love visiting the outdoor sculpture garden and all year long families can try their hands and Family Day on the first Saturday of the month. Located on the University of Chicago campus, students, faculty and alumni often contribute to the exhibitions."

"The Hyde Park Art Center has been the south side heart of contemporary arts and an incubation space for artists since 1939. The venue reopens in 2021 with a trio of exhibitions featuring established and emerging Chicago-based artists. See Cuts and Beats: Cecil McDonald, Jr., photomontages of manipulated historical images of Black artists (vintage sheet music covers, theater ads, and artist publicity photographs) with contemporary photographs taken by the artist himself in dance clubs around Chicago."

"Jonathan Castillo, Will, Ni Yi Xuan Gift Shop, Chicago(Chinatown), 2019, Archival pigment print, 23 x 34.5 inches. Courtesy of the Artist..jpg. Now openThe Hyde Park Art Center is a community hub for contemporary works, that typically offers dozens of exhibits and hundreds of classes each year."

"Chicago’s oldest alternative art exhibition space, Hyde Park Art Center focuses on emerging and fringe artists, as well as those from underrepresented communities."

"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."

"Located only a few minutes south from Hyde Park's Museum of Science & Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood since 1905. Throughout the summer it focuses on rich programming that is free to all. Entertainment ranges from West African dance performances to live jazz or classical music."

"The Renaissance Society is a kunsthalle-style museum that presents about 4 exhibits a year from international artists. It focuses on contemporary art and is located at the University of Chicago."

"The Beverly Arts Center is a multifaceted space that hosts regular programs on dance, film, theater and music. There is also a gallery space here that presents a rotating and diverse program of visual arts. Past exhibits have included works by local Chicago cartoonists, printmakers, photographers and painters, as well as programs focused on the LGBTQ community."

"A focus on mid-career artists sets this gallery apart from the pack. It features contemporary American and European works that range from abstracts to landscapes. Open afternoons Wednesday through Sunday and by appointment."

"Great money wise and you get a huge variety of things to eat--not just Chinese food. Their Won Ton Soup is the bomb!"

"Salpicon is not only, the best Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood but also very well may be the best in the entire city. Born and raised in Colonia San Angel, Mexico City, Chef Priscilla Satkoff and her husband created Salpicon in 1995. They have been showered deservedly in accolades ever since."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user One Homo Sapiens used under CC BY 3.0. Heading to the Southwest Side of Chicago?. Ford City Mall has stood there since 1945."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel X. O'Neil used under CC BY 2.0. Another outdoor shopping centre on our list is located in Bronzeville, known for being the centre of African-American life and culture. If you are planning to visit this area in August, check out the annual Bud Billiken Parade."

"Chicago summer is here, which means it’s time to roll up your sleeves, put your hair up, and eat accordingly—we’re talking ice cream, of course, that frosty refresher that is wildly hard-earned after every Chicago winter. Luckily, our fine town is continuing to up its scoop game in big, memorable ways each year, serving up enough sundaes, fro-yo, gelato, and soft serve to keep you cool all season long. From ice-cold curls and koala-inspired cones to avocado scoops and vegan soft serve, here are this summer’s most scream-worthy ice cream shops."

"This ice cream shop and its stacks of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with walnuts plus cherries), pistachio, and orange sherbet have been a total staple of summer in Chicago for more than 80 years now. This year, the Original Rainbow Cone is spreading some love all across Chicago with its brand spanking new van, complete with ice cream paint job, so make sure to follow the rainbow (van)!. You can find the Original Rainbow Cone at 9233 S Western Ave or Navy Pier."

"I always want to talk up South Shore because it is a stunning lakefront neighborhood with a ton of hidden gems, the perfect place to ride your bike to via the lakefront trail and full of colorful, quirky buildings for photo ops. The coffee is perfect for a pick-me-up after your ride, but the food here really steals the show. The chicken jerk panini is a favorite, and their grilled cheese with kale and red onions is a unique spin on this staple sandwich that will offer vegetarians something a little different."

"South Shore Brew is a bright and modern spot to grab a cup of coffee or a sandwich. With plenty of seating it’s a great place to spend some time with a friend or a good book. Order ahead for an easy pickup."