Best Arts and Culture Places in West Chicago

"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."

"The MCA is one of the city’s museums that’s in a near constant state of transition. With its relatively small permanent collection, it relies on special shows—from large scale installations to video, fashion, music, photography, and more—that showcase just as many rising local talents and underground, avant-garde renegades as recognizable names. Past exhibits include David Bowie Is, Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg, and Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech."

"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."

"Children under 18, members of the military and police and fire departments, and veterans are always free. Illinois residents are admitted free every Tuesday. Proof of residency is required."

"Vertical Gallery, billed as “Chicago’s premier urban-contemporary art gallery,” features monthly exhibits that spotlight work influenced by street art, graffiti, urban environments, graphic design, pop culture and illustration. Patrick Hull, a Bay Area marketing executive who dreamed of fostering a street-art scene in Chicago that rivaled those on the East and West Coasts, founded the art space. The gallery has helped launch the careers of many urban-contemporary artists who have gone on to exhibit at renowned museums and galleries across the globe."

"Often referred to as "Chicago's premier urban-contemporary art gallery," Patrick Hull founded a street art scene in Chicago that rivalled those on the East and West Coasts. The Gallery features monthly exhibits that focus on work influenced by urban environments, graphic design, street art, graffiti, pop culture, and illustration. It has helped launch the careers of many urban-contemporary artists who have gone on to exhibit at renowned museums and galleries across the globe."

"Probably my favourite on this list of top art galleries in Chicago… The Vertical Gallery. The Vertical Gallery was, voted  “Chicago’s premier urban-contemporary art gallery,” the Vertical Gallery is a showcase of urban and unorthodox arts. It was founded by Patrick Hull, who fostered an artistic community to rival anywhere else in the world."

"Working since 1963 in the city's West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Richard Gray is dedicated to fostering the development of historically important artist careers and to building outstanding art collections. Devoted to both contemporary and modern arts, the gallery represented a number of celebrated artists, including Magdalena Abakanowicz, Bethany Collins, Jim Dine, Jean Dubuffet, David Hockney, Alex Katz, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Jaume Plensa and Evelyn Statsinger. Featured image: Richard Gray Gallery, the view of Richard Gray Gallery Every Square Needs a Circle by Theaster Gates, via Richard Gray Gallery."

"On the edge of Lake Michigan, is the Richard Gray Gallery – and this is my next pick for top art galleries in Chicago. Showcasing the biggest names in this century art, and one of the most diverse galleries, Aboriginal Australian and African artists, Established in 1963, the Richard Gray Gallery became one of the most famous and popular galleries in Chicago, The gallery’s founder Richard Gray, passed away in 2018. Image sourced from https://www.richardgraygallery.com/"

"Richard Gary Gallery was established back in 1963 and was named after its late founder, local art dealer Richard Gray, who is best known for his role in helping the Field Museum secure Sue the T."

"Whether you have the money for a Chicago-style shopping spree or just want to walk around window shopping while pretending that you do, the Water Tower Place is a great place to check out while you're in town. Here you'll see the big retailers and plenty of high-end stores. This seven-story complex also has a food court and the Lego and American Girl stores if you're there with the kids."

"Water Tower Place is a Chicago landmark on the Magnificent Mile and renowned for its vast selection of over 100 stores. Beyond shopping, the eight story mall also houses a number of restaurants and entertainment options, including a live theatre..."

"A post shared by elly’s (@ellysbrunchcafe) on Nov 18, 2019 at 5:02pm PST. Do not come here if you don’t plan on ordering the oven-baked pancakes. That’s not to say there’s no other reason to visit—it’s to say you’d have regrets for daaays."

"Great service and an excellent environment; Logan square is a nice slice of heaven on earth. The employees and staff are always friendly and attentive, a..."

"The early bird not only gets the worm, it also gets the breakfast deal at Cozy Corner. Stop in between 6 a.m."

"Pelago is part of the Raffaello boutique hotel in Streeterville and serves some of the most elegant and refined fine dining cuisine in all of Chicago. He is also the owner of the s..."

"On Chicago's Gold Coast is Pelago: a modern Italian restaurant that is stylish and upscale. Pelago serves a delicious lunch of contemporary takes on Italian classics, like minestro..."

"Located in the luxurious Raffaello Hotel in the heart of the city, Pelago is a hidden gem. It puts a modern twist on traditional Northern and Southern Italian pasta and seafood dis..."

"Started in 1947 as a tiny father- and son-run pizzeria, Marcello’s expanded to three locations but remains family-run. This trio of family-built restaurants definitely prioritizes the families who come to dine with them. They still have incredible thin-crust pizza and their famous “broasted chicken,” and they’ve expanded their menu to include pastas, sandwiches, and salads, all at reasonable prices."

"I have been dining at Spring with my husband for his birthday for the last 3 years. Each and every experience has been a pure delight."