Chicago Visitors Guide - 2024
Dive into Chicago’s culture scene
Amy Bizzarri 2024-01-06 06:56:53
Once you’ve experienced Chicago’s iconic museums, theatre, music, and dance, it’s time to dive deeper into the city’s hidden cultural gems.
MUSEUMS
CHICAGO CLASSICS
Founded in 1879, the celebrated Art Institute of Chicago brims with over 300,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary Cassatt, and Claude Monet.
One of the world’s largest museums dedicated to modern art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago showcases the art of our time with thought-provoking exhibits that challenge the status quo.
Beyond its roster of free music, theatre, and dance events, the landmark Chicago Cultural Center is a prominent art venue with exhibits highlighting contemporary works by Chicago-based artists and beyond, accompanied by a robust schedule of engaging lectures and gallery talks.
LOCAL FAVORITES
The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in suburban Skokie seeks to “Remember the Past, Transform the Future” with engaging exhibits that explore the devastation of prejudice and indifference.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, the first independent museum in the U.S. dedicated to the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent, features inspiring exhibits, events, and lectures that explore the Black experience across the Diaspora.
Designed by Pritzker Prizewinning architect Tadao Ando, Wrightwood 659 is a stunning gallery space in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, with special exhibits focused on architecture and socially engaged art.
THEATRE
CHICAGO CLASSICS
Broadway In Chicago brings exciting premieres and touring productions to the stages of historic downtown theatres.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation’s premier ensemble theatre, presents must-see shows featuring a roster of established stars and up-and-coming talent.
Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theatre, the Goodman Theatre has won international renown for its wide array of classic and contemporary productions.
LOCAL FAVORITES
For more than 20 years, Congo Square Theatre Company has shone the spotlight on the African Diaspora with its transformative plays.
The Black Ensemble Theater is recognized as one of the most diverse, innovative theatres in the nation, producing outstanding African American-centered musical theatre.
Aguijón Theater Company — Chicago’s oldest Latino theatre — provides a space for Spanish-speaking artists to present both new and classic works.
MUSIC
CHICAGO CLASSICS
Millennium Park is a stunning open-air cultural hub. Settle in for a performance under the stars at the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which hosts an amazing series of free concerts.
Symphony Center, home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, presents over 200 concerts a year featuring the best of classical, jazz, world, chamber, and pop music.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is one of the world’s great opera companies, presenting spectacular music combined with riveting theatre.
LOCAL FAVORITES
Epiphany Center for the Arts hosts a wide range of musical performances in a historic circa 1885 church.
The Salt Shed is Chicago’s newest indoor-outdoor concert space, housed in the historic Morton Salt complex along the Chicago River.
The Promontory, Hyde Park’s premier entertainment venue, pairs modern design with exciting music programming.
DANCE
CHICAGO CLASSICS
On the grounds of beautiful Millennium Park, the sleek Harris Theater brings Chicago’s leading dance companies to the forefront on its state-of-the-art stage.
Chicago’s premier ballet company, the Joffrey Ballet is renowned for its classical ballet and modern dance productions, including beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago introduces audiences to top contemporary choreographers through its ever-evolving repertory.
LOCAL FAVORITES
Rooted in African American dance, music, and folklore, Muntu Dance Theatre is known for dynamic performances centered on rhythm and song.
Red Clay Dance Company seeks to amplify diverse voices by creating, performing, and teaching the traditional dances of the African Diaspora.
Ballet 5:8 is a female and minority-led ballet company recognized for its remarkable artistic excellence and innovation.
CHICAGO THEATRE WEEK
Experience the extraordinary range of Chicago’s theatre scene during this 10-day celebration each February. Snag discounted tickets to more than 100 shows, from rousing musicals to experimental dramas. Learn more at chicagotheatreweek.com.
CHICAGO THEATRE PICKS
PURPOSE
Steppenwolf Theatre | March 14 – April 21
steppenwolf.org
Two-time Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad directs the world premiere of this epic family drama about family, faith, and Black American politics.
HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED
Congo Square Theatre | April 20 – May 5
congosquaretheatre.org
Congo Square Theatre and Broadway In Chicago present August Wilson’s play tracing his journey to becoming one of America’s leading playwrights.
JUDGMENT DAY
Chicago Shakespeare Theater | April 23 – May 26
chicagoshakes.com
Tony and Emmy Award winner Jason Alexander makes his Chicago stage debut as a corrupt lawyer threatened with eternal damnation.
DEATH BECOMES HER
Broadway In Chicago | April 30 – June 2
broadwayinchicago.com
This hilarious musical-comedy explores friendship, love, and burying the hatchet — again and again.
BLACK SUNDAY
TimeLine Theatre Company | May 8 – June 29
timelinetheatre.com
This world premiere takes a look at the conflicts of climate change, race, and gender in the days leading up to an infamous dust storm in 1930s Texas.
LAVENDER MEN
About Face Theatre | May 9 – June 8
aboutfacetheatre.com
Performed at The Den Theatre, multiracial femme Taffeta conjures dead historical figures to confront issues of visibility, race, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
NATIVE SON
Lifeline Theatre | May 10 – June 30
lifelinetheatre.com
This production captures the power of Richard Wright’s classic novel for a whole new generation.
THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTER
Raven Theatre | May 16 – June 23
raventheatre.com
Unresolved feelings, racial tension, and a deadly urban clash drive this riveting play set in Chicago’s Black Belt during the Red Summer of 1919.
STOKELY: THE UNFINISHED REVOLUTION
Court Theatre | May 24 – June 16
courttheatre.org
Stokely depicts revered civil rights activist Kwame Ture’s rise to prominence.
MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL
Goodman Theatre | June 25 – Aug. 4
goodmantheatre.org
The blockbuster true crime New York Times best seller is brought to life in a seductive new musical.
GET THE SCOOP
THEATRE
chicagoplays.com features upcoming shows for more than 200 theatres, all in one handy calendar.
DANCE
seechicagodance.com is a comprehensive source for dance performances and events.
TICKETS
hottix.org offers discounted, last-minute tickets for hundreds of theatres throughout the city.
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