Here are just a few recent and upcoming Chicago happenings:
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
A new permanent exhibit, Shoot for the Moon, highlights the exciting stories of space exploration and America's bold plans to return to the Moon, featuring the fully-restored Gemini 12 spacecraft and the Jim Lovell Collection of personal space artifacts.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Modern Wing - Opening May 2009
- Construction has begun on the new north wing. This new wing, designed by Italian architect, Renzo Piano, will house the collections of modern art, contemporary art, photography, and architecture and design, and will be the largest expansion in the Art Institute’s history.
- In addition to 65,000 square feet of new galleries, the Modern Wing will offer visitors stunning skyline views, an outdoor sculpture terrace, and the opportunity to experience a work of landmark architecture.
19th-century French Paintings Renovations
The galleries devoted to 19th-century French paintings are undergoing major renovations. Due to construction, 92 works from the museum's collection of Impressionist and Postimpressionist paintings will be on loan to the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, this summer. A selection of works, including Georges Seurat's pictured masterpiece, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte--1884, will remain on view. The loaned collection will return to the Art Institute this December, just in time for the holidays. This is a great opportunity for groups to explore the other wonderful galleries, including the newly renovated Old Masters galleries, the recently opened Galleries of American Art, and the brand new Prints and Drawings galleries, opening June 11.
Matisse and the Methods of Modern Construction
(March 20, 2008 - June 6, 2010)
Matisse’s most demanding, experimental and enigmatic works explored through 100 examples of his paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints.
The Divine Art: Four Centuries of European Tapestries
(November 1, 2008 - January 4, 2009)
For the first time in the history of the Art Institute, a major portion of its unparalleled tapestry collection will be featured in a spectacular presentation in Regenstein Hall. The exhibition will feature masterpieces from the 15th through the 18th century that will cover entire walls of gallery space. Subject to an extensive conservation process in Belgium, the tapestries were examined by scholars who made extraordinary discoveries about the collection. These findings are detailed in a fully illustrated catalogue that will accompany the exhibition. This presentation will show these works of art at their best—dazzling the eye beyond expectation.
Apostles of Beauty: Arts and Crafts from Britain to Chicago
(November 8, 2009 - January 31, 2010)
The first Arts and Crafts exhibition mounted at the museum in more than 30 years, Apostles of Beauty: Arts and Crafts from Britain to Chicago will present designs by the movement’s most notable practitioners, from William Morris and Charles Robert Ashbee to Gustav Stickley and Frank Lloyd Wright. Highlighting a wide range of objects, including ceramics, furniture, metalwork, paintings, photographs, and textiles, the exhibition will focus on Chicago collections, featuring works from the Art Institute, the University of Chicago, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Crab Tree Farm, and other private collections.
Arts, Crafts Chicago (November 8, 2009 - January 31, 2010)
The first Arts and Crafts exhibition mounted at the museum in more than 30 years, Arts, Crafts Chicago will present designs by the movement’s most notable practitioners, from William Morris and Charles Robert Ashbee to Gustav Stickley and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Becoming Edvard Munch: Influence, Anxiety, and Myth
(February 14, 2009 - April 26, 2009)
Two potent myths have historically defined the work of the artist Edvard Munch: that he was mentally unstable, as his canonical work The Scream suggests, and that he was influenced by the contemporary art of France and Germany to the exclusion of his native Norway. The Art Institute's upcoming exhibition Becoming Edvard Munch: Influence, Anxiety, and Myth aims to challenge and overturn these entrenched myths by presenting Munch's paintings, prints, and drawings in relation to those of his European contemporaries.
Broadway in Chicago
- WICKED at Ford Center for the Performing Arts/ Orental Theatre
(Through January 25, 2009)
- Jersey Boys at the Bank of America Theatre just made Chicago their home
(Open Run)
- A long run of the Disney favorite, Mary Poppins, begins March 25, 2009 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre
Chicago History Museum
Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum (September 27, 2008 - July 26, 2009)
- An opportunity to see 50 of the greatest couture treasures from the collection ranging from Gilded Age gowns by Worth and Pingat to modern masterpieces by Chanel and Schiaparelli. Naturally, there will also be fashions by Chicago's own great designers, Charles James and Mainbocher. Among the ensembles that testify to Chicago's sense of style are Mrs. Robert McCormick Adams' Lanvin wedding dress, several lavishly embroidered Callot Soeurs dresses from the wardorbe of Mrs. Potter Palmer II, and a Balenciaga evening gown worn by Clare Booth Luce.
- Curated jointly by Timothy Long, curator of costumes at CHM, and Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator at the Museum at FIT, Chic Chicago will present outstanding examples of clothing that reflect dynamic trends in art, history, and fashion.
200th Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s Birth
(October 10, 2009 – March 28, 2010)
The Chicago History Museum will present two exhibitions on Abraham Lincoln during this time. The first exhibition will celebrate the life and accomplishments of Lincoln. The second exhibition will examine Lincoln and one of his contemporaries, Benito Juarez, President of Mexico from 1858-1871 and how they each dealt with similar issues during their presidencies.
The Field Museum
Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters
(May 23, 2008 - January 4, 2009)
Earthquakes. Tornadoes. Hurricanes. Volcanic eruptions. Tsunamis. These immense forces of geology and weather have shaped our planet and our world for eons. While human beings cannot stop these forces, our actions can have a strong impact on how frequently they occur, and on how damaging they are when they happen.
Aztecs (November 1, 2008 - April 19, 2009)
Take a journey from the bountiful shores of Lake Teexococo to the heart of Tenochititlan, the complex and radiant capital of the Aztec world. Encounter more than 250 beautiful objects crafted from precious metals, terra cotta, obsidian, greenstone and other materials, shaped by the vaired members of Aztec society.
Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship (March 2009 – October 2009)
Follow the slave ship Whydah-the most advanced vessel of her day-and her capture by Sam Bellamy and his pirate crew. In 1717 it sank off the coast of Cape Cod packed with plunder and lay undiscovered until 1984. It is the first authenticated pirate ship ever found.
Water: H2O – Life (June 19, 2009 – September 20, 2009)
The exhibition illuminates one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century: humanity’s sustainable management and use of the life-giving, but finite, resource – water. Examining the most compelling challenges that people and ecosystems around the globe face with respect to water quality and availability, the exhibition will present the comprehensive story of water from scientific cultural, and environmental points of view while also celebrating the beauty and inspiration humans have found in water.
The Nature of Diamonds (October 23, 2009 - March 29, 2010)
Prized by cultures as a symbol of strength, wealth and love, inspiring extravagant myths and incorporated into powerful tools enabling cutting-edges research,see why diamonds have a special place in our past, present and future.
Gold: Natural Treasure, Cultural Obsession
(October 22, 2010 - April 24, 2011)
Gold tells the fascinating story of the world’s most desired metal, exploring its natural beauty, scientific value, and its power to shape history. A dramatic array of hundreds of extraordinary geological specimens and cultural objects from around the world follows the path of gold from the molten depths of Earth to glittering examples of jewelry and artifacts that captivated ancient civilizations, from gold rushes that shaped the world to the modern pop-culture baubles that continue to mesmerize us today.
Millennium Park
Chicago's must-see cultural gem includes the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate- affectionately nicknamed "The Bean," The Harris Theater for Music and Dance on East Randolph Street, along with formal gardens, sculpture parks, public art, fountains, landscaped walkways and green spaces.
Museum of Science & Industry
Smart Home Green + Wired (through January 4, 2009)
View master works of glass from artists such as Dale Chihuly, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Frank Lloyd Wright as you aslo learn the art, science, and technology of glass influence our culture, lifestyle, and economy in a multitude of ways.
Navy Pier
Chicago Flower & Garden Show, Festival Hall (March 7 - 15, 2009)
Highlights include:
- Lush theme gardens spotlighting the styles of Chicago’s top landscapers and designer
- Garden Market selling garden services and products
- Garden Gourmet featuring culinary talents of 27 top chefs from Chicago and the U.S.
- Home Market featuring home improvement products and do-it-yourself (DIY) items
- Educational Seminars presenting local and national horticulture and botany experts
- Photography Garden showcasing floral/landscape images by amateur photographers.
- Tablescapes showing floral-inspired table settings for home, parties and weddings.
- A Horticulture Competition
- A Children’s Activity Garden
- Green Industry Initiative
For more information, visit chicagolandflowerandgarden.com or call 773-435-1250.
Tall Ships Chicago! 2010
Once again a fleet of 20-25 tall ships will return to Chicago as part of the American Sail Training Association’s Tall Ships Challenge, August 24-29, 2010. The International Parade of Sail on August 24th will be kicked off by Mayor Daley with cannon blasts and foreign anthems with the boats docking at Navy Pier and along the Chicago River. This free, six day festival includes international music, ship exhibits, crew challenges, arts and crafts, boat building, maritime displays, fireworks and more. There is a nominal charge for passes to board the vessels. More details to come.
The Oprah Store
A free-standing retail specialty store full of merchandise that represents the style and taste Oprah celebrates, including a variety of favorites chosen by Oprah! From souvenirs to loungewear and from baby products to South African arts and crafts. The store is located across the street from Harpo Studios at 37 N. Carpenter Street (between Washington and Madison) Reservations required for groups.
Shedd Aquarium & Oceanarium
Beginning September 2, 2008 through early summer 2009, the Oceanarium at the Shedd Aquarium will be closed for a $50 million renovation. This is its first major overhaul since it opened in 1991 and includes recoating the five pools, updating animal life-support systems and installing new major interactive exhibits. At the same time, they will enhance guest amenities throughout the aquarium.
During the renovation, the belugas, Pacific white-sided dolphins and other Oceanarium animals will be in the good care of several aquariums and zoos around the country that are accredited by the same organizations that accredit Shedd: the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Many of our trainers are accompanying the animals, and they’ll send regular updates and photos for the Web site during the nine months that they all are away.
Please note: The rest of the aquarium will remain open throughout the work on the Oceanarium. You can still visit about 25,900 animals in the Waters of the World galleries, the Caribbean Reef, Wild Reef and Amazon Rising, including such favorites as sea turtle Nickel and Australian lungfish Granddad, the oldest fish in a public aquarium in the world. And you can still experience sense-sational short features (while you rest your feet) in our popular 4-D Special FX Theater. Also look for exciting new activities: a dive presentation in the shark habitat of Wild Reef; new animal encounters; behind-the-scenes tours in the aquarium; and a new interactive program called “Aquarist for a Day.”