SPEND 3 DAYS IN CHICAGO DAY 3: CULTURE MORNING Spark your creativity at the Art Institute of Chicago , where your group can peruse one of the world’s largest collections of Impressionist paintings — from Claude Monet to Georgia O’Keeffe to Vincent van Gogh — as well as ancient sculptures, miniature dioramas, stained glass Chagall windows, and medieval armor. Be sure to take a picture with the Historic Route 66 sign near the main entrance on Adams Street. Or, get a glimpse into the minds of modern artists through the ever-changing exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art . Experience musical history on the Chess Records Tour at Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation , highlighting American blues and rock ‘n’ roll greats like Etta James and Muddy Waters who recorded at this legendary studio. AFTERNOON Chicago is a diverse city representing more than 100 countries within its 77 distinct neighborhoods, so spend a few hours exploring some of these vibrant communities. Immerse yourself in the colorful Latinx culture of the Pilsen neighborhood, where you’ll find eye-catching murals, family-owned Mexican restaurants, panaderías, and the free National Museum of Mexican Art , showcasing more than 9,000 pieces spanning from ancient times to modern day. In culturally diverse Hyde Park, learn about the achievements of Africans and Americans of African descent at the DuSable Museum of African American History . Take a guided tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Robie House , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then stroll through the free Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park to take in the beauty of Japanese culture. On The University of Chicago campus, visit two free museums: the Oriental Institute Museum (housing amazing ancient artifacts) and the provocative Smart Museum of Art . EVENING For nighttime entertainment, bring your group to one of Chicago’s renowned theatres. With Broadway in Chicago , watch hit Broadway musicals and beloved classics on a variety of downtown stages. For daring and thought-provoking productions that touch on social, political, and personal themes, take a seat at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company . Meanwhile, Buddy Guy’s Legends pairs nightly blues performances with New Orleans-inspired fare, making it easy to plan dinner and a show in one convenient location. Other classic Chicago blues clubs to check out include Kingston Mines and B.L.U.E.S. , both located in Lincoln Park. Or, head to the Ravenswood neighbor-hood and sample locally made brews on Malt Row , home to some of the city’s best microbreweries, as well as Chicago’s first craft distillery, KOVAL . Garden of the Phoenix Discover even more group itineraries at choosechicago.com/tools . National Museum of Mexican Art 8 choosechicago.com/tools TOP TO BOTTOM: ADAM ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY; GRAHAM CHAPMAN
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