Best Arts and Culture Places in Hometown

"Navy Pier is a Chicago landmark and the perfect place to spend a day with a family—no matter what you're looking to do. Be sure to check out the "today's events" section of the Navy Pier website for a complete listing of the many unique current and upcoming events at the Pier. Kids will enjoy: Riding the 1920s style carousel at Navy Pier Park or a visit to the Chicago Children's Museum."

"Located at 800 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611 is one of the most popular places in Chi-Town for residents and visitors, chances are high that you’ve been to Navy Pier a few times. Don’t discard it when you’re looking for ways to keep the Chicago children active. There’s plenty to do here, and as often as you may visit, there’s always something new to see."

"In any case, there is something magical about having the Ferris wheel or the Pepsi Wave Swinger in the backdrop of a photo, even more so in the evening when the pier is fully lit up. As Chicago’s second-biggest tourist attraction it’s not just an iconic landmark but also full of photo opportunities."

"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 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."

"The enterprise looks for originality and quality of execution and showcases European and American sculpture and paintings in a range of styles and media. Past exhibits have featured Scott Hill and Robert Erickson. Read more about Addington Gallery →"

"Addington Gallery specializes in featuring mixed-media artworks and paintings made with hot wax. they feature artists creating art from contemporary subjects and mediums. Furthermore, they also host exhibitions with paintings and installations."

"Designed by architect William Boyington, the 47 meter (154 foot) tall turreted Chicago Water Tower once played a critical role in the city’s water system. In 1871, a fire that began in a barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O’Leary quickly spread and destroyed the city’s entire business district. One of the few surviving structures of the infamous Great Chicago Fire, the Chicago Water Tower is a symbol of the city’s resilience."

"Who can resist the charm of this Gothic revival sandcastle tower in the middle of the Mag Mile?. Add to that its history and use, and this structure always gets a vote in our best-of lists. Built in 1869, following completion of the Pumping Station across the street, the Tower now houses a city-run art gallery."

"The Water Tower is Chicago’s oldest known building and is the only structure that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Built in 1869, it sourced clean water from nearby Lake Michigan to use for fighting fires. But today you can visit it as a cultural venue that showcases art and photography exhibits."

"This appealing gallery displays complex artwork, especially in media like wood, glass, fiber, and clay. National and local artists are represented, and jewelry is available. Read more about Vale Craft Gallery →"

"Art aficionados will want to pop into LIK Fine Art Chicago, which displays incredible pieces from famed photographer Peter Lik. Not only are his images of dreamy destinations around the world beautifully captured, but thanks to an innovative printing process the appearance of his works change depending on how bright the lights are in the room."

"This center dedicated to the famous artist is located in Jefferson Park, and with its bright mural you can’t miss it. You can check out an iPod at the front desk for a self-guided tour, or visit the first Thursday of the month at 2pm for a thirty-minute guided tour."

"The Field Museum is an open invitation for visitors to embark on a journey of scientific discovery. Immersive exhibitions are sure to inspire curiosity and further understanding, making the museum a truly educational experience for all ages. Kids will enjoy: The Crown Family Playlab, an interactive space that invites kids to experience science through hands-on creative play."

"Photo courtesy of Copyright Field Museum, photography by Lucy Hewett. Mummies, fossils and dinosaurs, kid favorites, are some of the historic treasures inside the Field Museum. Massive columns and striking galleries filled with natural light help kids feel the history and you're immediately greeted by two massive elephants and Maximo the Titanosaur."

"From the world's largest Titanosaur to the exploration of ancient cultures, embark on an awe-inspiring journey through 4 billion years of life on Earth and discover over 20 million artifacts that make up history as we know it. Category: Activities. view Field Museum on google map"

"ChinatownLearn how one of the country’s oldest Chinatowns developed Chinatown is a favorite stop among visitors to Chicago, and the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago is a must-see of the neighborhood. With a permanent exhibit that tells the story of Chinese immigration to the Midwest, plus rotating exhibits on things like Chinese clothing, art, and more, this museum is sure to teach visitors something new about an important culture that has been rooted in Chicago's community for more than 100 years. What to know before you go: The Chinese-American Museum of Chicago is open 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday and 9:30am to 2pm Tuesday-Friday."

"The Chinese American Museum of Chicago opened in 2005 in Chicago's Chinatown. Three years after its opening, the museum suffered a fire and lost a considerable amount of its collection. Today, the museum is a hotbed of cultural artifacts from the Chinese culture and hosts a popular Chinese New Year celebration in the city each year."

"238 W 23rd StHours: Tues-Fri, 9:30am-1:30pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-5pmSuggested donation: $5. Sign up here for our daily Chicago email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town."

"Guy headed to North Park to get his Scandinavian fix, with dishes like classic Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce, and fluffy Swedish pancakes. Watch the Video: Swedish Meatballs at Tre Kronor"

"I’ve had burgers from fudruckers, shake shack, Culver’s, I’ve had burgers from 5 star restaurants.. these guys are definitely up..."

"A second outpost of Midwestern-focused restaurant Land & Lake has taken over the former Passerotto space in Andersonville. On weekends, the daytime menu boasts salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more. To top it off, diners can add bottomless mimosas for $18."