Best Arts and Culture Places in Stone Park

"If you are wondering what to see in Chicago with kids, I would highly recommend the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. This is a landmark in Chicago and while there are several other things to do at the Navy Pier, the Ferris Wheel should be on every tourist’s list. The wheel is 200-feet high and offers an incredible 360-degree view of Lake Michigan and the exciting pier."

"Probably the most iconic part of Navy Pier is the Centennial Wheel, a large ferris wheel. It’s open year round, weather permitting. Towards the end of the pier, you can also get a really good view of the city. It also holds several free events from time to time, so make sure to check the calendar before you go."

"The Chicago Children’s Museum offers veterans and active military free admission every day with the presentation of valid military status identification. They also offer families that qualify for state food assistance and are in possession of an EBT card or WIC card free admission for up to 6 people."

"Installation view, Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago, MCA Chicago Feb 29-May 10, 2020 Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago. Now openIn The Magnificent Mile area, Museum of Contemporary Art presents provocative and thought-provoking exhibits by local and global artists. With an emphasis on contemporary works, the museum presents a variety of compelling exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs throughout the year."

"$15, $8 seniors, students and teachers, free members and age 18 and under; advanced registration required. Family Days on the second Saturday of each month give parents and kids an opportunity to dive into art using different mediums. The program has continued online during the pandemic."

"Located on the lakefront just south of Jackson Park, this park has 65 acres of green space and is home to the South Shore Cultural Center, originally built in 1095 as a country club. Today, the center is a historic landmark maintained by the Chicago Park District and offers a large variety of cultural programs, including classes for all ages in culinary arts, music, dance, and visual arts, as well as special events throughout the year. The parkland surrounding the center includes a golf course, acres of green grass dotted with shade trees, a beach, and the South Shore Nature Sanctuary."

"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."

"Often referred to as a “pioneer” for its role in discovering exceptional and internationally acclaimed “Outsider artists” like Henry Darger, Bill Traylor and Eugene Von Bruenchenhein, the Carl Hammer Gallery is widely known for its unique blend of artists, visions and backgrounds. Carl Hammer Gallery represents both historical and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Although it is widely recognized for its role in leading to the discovery of significant artists from both “Outsider” and self-taught genres, the gallery’s scope also includes artists from Chicago “Imagist” and modern art traditions."

"Next on my list of top art galleries in Chicago, The Carl Hammer Gallery. The creator original focused on the Outsider Art movement, work created by self-taught artists with no industry connections. But now the gallery is designed to challenge the mind and ideas of identity and the human condition to struggle and grapple with themes of identity and being, now with more well known artist being incorporated its collection to challenge the heart and mind."

"After initially championing the Outsider art movement – work created by self-taught artists with no industry connections – the Carl Hammer Gallery gradually began to incorporate mainstream contemporary pieces into its collection. By engaging with visitors, the gallery staff aims to help them understand and experience art that grapples with issues of national and global identity and the human condition."

"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."

"I like the Hyde Park Art Centre because it’s main goal is to make art more approachable and accessible to people in all walks of life. I love this, and I love the diverse and ever-changing selection of artists they choose to exhibit. But it’s not just exhibitions here, there is also a big focus on community programming, classes and courses too."

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

"Nestled in the heart of Humboldt Park is Golden Chef Chinese Kitchen. The affordable lunch and dinner specials contain a variety of meals for a person or group. Call 773- 772-6719 or place an order online!"

"With more than three million visitors per year, the Taste of Chicago is the largest food festival in the world. It’s an absolute smorgasbord of everything from sloppy street food to elegant, restaurant-quality dishes. If you like getting your grub on, it should be at the top of your bucket list!"

"Pizzaiolo Gabriele Bonci chose Chicago as his first pizzeria location outside of Italy and the throngs are loving his Roman-style pizza cut with scissors and sold by weight. Bonci offers only fresh, natural ingredients primarily imported from Italy and considers "Agriculture as culinary art" so expect ever-changing toppings on the Roman-style crust. You probably won't experience the same pizza twice since options can change hourly and Bonci has more than 1,500 recipes that have emerged from the Italian ovens."

"For those new to Roman pizza, the signature crust is a delightful contradiction: spongey (like focaccia) crispy and toothsome. Selections vary daily, with 20 creative topping combinations (crispy pancetta and scrambled eggs, paper-thin potato slices and rosemary, sometimes even octopus) that are actually sold by weight. Just grab a number, wait to be called and don't be afraid to experiment."

"Glazed and Infused’s classic doughnuts are sugar heaven, but their specialty doughnuts for holidays and special occasions are the real treat. The jumbo sprinkle doughnut is also a great birthday surprise."

"Put together your typical diner fare, Chicago-style hot dogs, and spaghetti and meatballs and you’ll get the Pittsfield Cafe’s huge menu. This place has it all, from “The Best of the Best Breakfasts” to chicken parmesan. Bring your picky eater or a group with diverse tastes here and everyone is likely to find something they love."

"Eat This, You’ll Like It: Le Croissant Sandwich – Sausage, Gouda Cheese, Eggs, and Caramelized Jam stuffed Croissant ($5.99). If you’re like me, you don’t want a frilly breakfast. You’re this close to skipping breakfast anyway, but you need fuel."

"In Latin, "temporis" refers to the passage of time but you may want time to stand still so your ten-course tasting menu of progressive American cuisine will last forever. Executive chef Troy Jorge's menu defines "seasonal" and the restaurant's own indoor hydroponic garden brings a bounty of herbs, greens and flowers to the courses year round. Your experience may launch with canapés of Wagyu, apple and pear and move onto octopus shored up with perky 'Nduja, celery root and Vidalia onion."

"Restaurants Contemporary American River West/West Town. The first thing you'll notice about Temporis is the noise level—or lack thereof. Even when it's filled to capacity, the handsome 20-seat dining room maintains a hushed tone."

"Just try looking at pictures of food from Temporis and not wanting to try it. These culinary works of art seem too beautiful to destroy but the taste is always worth it."

"With more than three million visitors per year, the Taste of Chicago is the largest food festival in the world. It’s an absolute smorgasbord of everything from sloppy street food to elegant, restaurant-quality dishes. If you like getting your grub on, it should be at the top of your bucket list!"

"Located in the heart of Old Town, this multi-level bar sports a retractable roof to make an amazing indoor/outdoor atmosphere. Known for it's amazing food and unbeatable atmosphere...it's time to Check In."