2013 Travel Guide
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Showing 193-288 of 444 items found in Arts & Culture
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago
In the new installation, visitors are once again greeted at the top of the Grand Staircase by Gustave Caillebotte’s Paris Street, Rainy Day, and other iconic paintings from the height of the Impressionist period in the 1870s. However, works that once were located in galleries south of this central space now stretch east though upper Gunsaulus Hall, completing the Allerton Building’s chronological circuit of European painting from the 15th through the 19th century. Two additional galleries and nearly 5,000 square feet of extra space house not only the paintings and sculpture that had been on loan but also works from the collection of European decorative arts and recently acquired objects that have never before been displayed.
CITY: Chicago
Baby on Board - John Hancock Center
The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.
CITY: Chicago
Marc Chagall's America Windows at the Art Institute
In the fall of 2010, after a five-year absence, the Art Institute welcomes the much-anticipated return of one of the most beloved treasures in our vast collection, Marc Chagall’s America Windows. First debuting at the Art Institute in 1977 and made forever famous less than ten years later by an appearance in the film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the “Chagall Windows,” as they are more popularly known, hold a special place in the hearts of Chicagoans. Following an intensive period of conservation treatment and archival research, the windows return as the stunning centerpiece of a new presentation at the east end of the museum’s Arthur Rubloff building.
CITY: Chicago
Public Enemies - Aragon Ballroom
The Feds hunt notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson during a 1930s crime wave. The restored period exterior of Chicago’s Biograph Theater, site of Dillinger’s infamous demise, is featured in a pivotal scene in the movie.
CITY: Chicago
Mission Impossible - The Drake Hotel
In this fast-paced action thriller, a secret government agent is wrongly accused of the death of his espionage team and must find the real spy killer on his own. In the movie, the head of the Impossible Missions Force stays at Chicago's historic Drake Hotel, located at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile.
CITY: Chicago
James R. Thompson Center
Immense glass and steel structure, designed by Helmut Jahn, houses State of Illinois government offices and three levels of stores and restaurants in an atrium mall.
CITY: Chicago
Road to Perdition - The Chicago Cultural Center
In this period drama a hit man for an Irish gangster finds himself on the run and looking for revenge after his young son witnesses a mob killing. The movie was filmed primarily on location in the Chicago area, including the interiors, which were shot on a soundstage that was specially constructed in a city armory. The iconic shot of the hit man's car driving into Chicago involved 120 1930s-era cars motoring over the downtown LaSalle Street Bridge on a quiet Sunday morning.
CITY: Chicago
The Time Traveler's Wife - Lincoln Park Zoo
This is the story of Henry DeTamble, an adventurous and handsome librarian who travels involuntarily through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare's passionate love affair travels back and forth through time and captures the lovers in a romantic trap.
CITY: Chicago
High Fidelity - Green Mill
Chicago record store owner takes stock of his life and loves as he ponders middle age while still in his 30s. Several Chicago movie locations include Wicker Park's Double Door (a hip venue that has hosted everyone from up-and-coming alternative bands to the Rolling Stones) and the legendary Green Mill jazz club in Uptown (a former speakeasy that was frequented by gangsters back in the day).
CITY: Chicago
The Rookery
John Wellborn Root designed the Rookery in 1885-9, which reflects the development of new structural systems for large urban buildings during that time. It holds one of the most spectacular interior spaces in the state, an elaborate main lobby and light court that were renovated by Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) in 1905. The Rookery was named a Chicago Landmark in 1972, listed to the National Register in 1970, and named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com
CITY: Chicago
Briolette Beads & More
Get creative at this crafter's paradise! Beads from around the world, unique rubber stamps & papers, Ranger inks, paints, and stamp pads. Sit at our "crystal bar" and work on your projects. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. Classes for all skill levels. Parties are our specialty! Birthdays, bridesmaids, "girls night out" -- we do them all. Come take a look!
CITY: Forest Park
Little Fockers - Hilton Chicago
Greg Focker still finds himself battling to win the respect of his uptight father-in-law when the family gathers to celebrate his twins’ birthday (known as the little Fockers).
CITY: Chicago
Backdraft - Chinatown Fire Station
This action film centers on two feuding firefighter brothers who battle Chicago blazes and an arsonist on the loose. Many of the extras used in the movie were actual Chicago firefighters. Much of the filming took place at the Chinatown Fire Station, located right across the street from the ornamental gateway to Wentworth Avenue, Chinatown's main drag that's filled with shops and restaurants.
CITY: Chicago
Isle A La Cache Museum
Isle A La Cache Museum is devoted to the history of the 18th century fur trade between voyagers and Native Americans.
CITY: Romeoville
Mercury Theatre
A nicely renovated space (opened in early 1996 and converted from a 1912 nickelodeon), this comfortable theater offers excellent sight lines and adequate acoustics. The Mercury is located in Chicago’s vibrant Southport Corridor, the stretch of Southport Avenue between Belmont to the south and Irving Park Road to the north. A popular neighborhood for shopping and nightlife, the Corridor is home to a diverse range of restaurants, cozy pubs, and eclectic boutiques. Neighboring Wrigleyville is home to Chicago’s most popular sports bars, and of course, Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.
CITY: Chicago
The Unborn - Helicopter Run
In this supernatural flick, a young woman is haunted by the spirit of her unborn brother who tries to take over her body. Desperate to survive, the woman undergoes an exorcism to prevent her evil sibling from being born.
CITY: Chicago
The Dark Knight - Richard J. Daley Center
Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.
CITY: Chicago
The Abbey Theatre at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate
Located on the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate, guests are greeted with our famous family hospitality, homemade meals and heartwarming musical productions. Lunch matinees and dinner shows are complimented by itineraries that include tours of our other historic properties, or excursions into Joliet's vibrant downtown. The Jacob Henry Mansion Estate Dinner Theatre welcomes groups with onsite motorcoach parking and handicap accessibilty.
CITY: Joliet
Riddles Comedy Club - Berwyn
Located at 6910 Windsor Ave in Berwyn, we are just 20 minutes from the Chicago loop. Lots of free parking, a full service bar offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages,and friendly staff all add up to a great night out!
CITY: Berwyn
Illinois State Museum - Chicago Gallery
This museum gallery features rotating theme-based exhibitions of works created by past and contemporary Illinois artists and artisans.
CITY: Chicago
McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
Climb the five-story historic tower on the Michigan Ave. bridge and learn how the Chicago River changed with the city it inspired. You can also view the massive gears that allow the bridge to open. Seasonal May-Oct.
CITY: Chicago
Ray A. Kroc Museum
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Experience the story of the life and values of McDonald's Corporation founder, Ray A. Kroc. Here you will be able to "Talk to Ray" at individual monitors with interactive scrapbooks.
CITY: Oak Brook
Mexican Fine Arts Center and Museum
The MFACM has become the nation's largest Latino cultural institution and the first Latino museum accredited by the American Association of Museums.
CITY: Chicago
Source Code - Cloud Gate in Millennium Park
In this non-stop action thriller, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot wakes up in the body of another man and discovers that he’s become part of a mission to find a bomber on a Chicago commuter train.
CITY: Chicago
While You Were Sleeping - North Michigan Ave
In this romantic comedy a lonely Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) worker saves a handsome commuter from being hit by an El (elevated) train and tries to fool his family into believing that the two are engaged while he is hospitalized in a coma. Naturally, Chicago's CTA trains are prominently featured, along with North Michigan Avenue (home to upscale shops and boutiques) and the luxurious Lake Point Tower, one of the premier residential addresses in Chicago.
CITY: Chicago
Public Enemies - Stateville Correctional Center
The Feds hunt notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson during a 1930s crime wave. The restored period exterior of Chicago’s Biograph Theater, site of Dillinger’s infamous demise, is featured in a pivotal scene in the movie.
CITY: Crest Hill
Pleasant Home
Explore this opulent 30-room mansion designed by prominent Prarie School architect George H. Maher, which today serves as a museum.
CITY: Oak Park
National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum
The National Veterans Art Museum inspires greater understanding of the real impact of war with a focus on Vietnam. The museum collects, preserves and exhibits art inspired by combat and created by veterans.
CITY: Chicago
Sauce
This upscale yet moderately priced American bistro and bar has as clubby atmosphere with its mahogany, chrome and steel accents. The large outdoor patio draws a hefty Lincoln Park crowd who make this place their warm-weather hangout.
CITY: Chicago
House of Blues
A juke-joint inspired restaurant featuring down home American cuisine in the heart of Chicago's entertainment district. World Famous Sunday Gospel Brunch. Live music nightly.
CITY: Chicago
Hannah Free - G Keith House
This film focuses on the love affair between two women who grew up in the same small Midwest town. Weaving back and forth between the past and present, the movie reveals how the women maintained their relationship despite marriage, a world war and the denial of their families.
CITY: Chicago
My Best Friend's Wedding - The Drake Hotel
In this romantic comedy a food critic jealously tries to put a stop to her best buddy's wedding. The movie filmed extensively around Chicago, including the historic Drake Hotel on North Michigan Avenue; on a Mercury boat cruise as it sailed down the Chicago River; and at the suburban Cuneo Museum & Gardens, a Mediterranean-style mansion that features 75 acres of beautiful formal gardens. The gazebo featured in one of the wedding scenes was built for the film, but Cuneo's owners decided to keep it permanently.
CITY: Chicago
The Break-Up - Fireside Bowl
This comedy concerns a couple who decides to break up, despite the fact that neither of them is willing to move out of the Chicago condo they share. Numerous film locations around the city include the bike path that winds along Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach, the funky Fireside Bowl in the Logan Square neighborhood, the Riviera Theatre in Uptown (site of some of the hippest concerts in Chicago) and historic Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs baseball team, in Wrigleyville.
CITY: Chicago
Joliet Mosaic Walking Tour
Take a self-guided walking tour of the magnificent murals, sculptures and mosaics found throughout Joliet's city center.
CITY: Joliet
16th Street Theater
Berwyn's professional equity theater under the umbrella of the Berwyn Cultural Center, a North Berwyn Park District managed facility.
CITY: Berwyn
Chicago Union Station
This architectural gem has been featured in many movies over the years, including Derailed. But it's the marble staircase here—featured in the climatic scene from The Untouchables—that still attracts visitors over 20 years later.
CITY: Chicago
Transformers 3 - Rookery Building
This latest high-tech “Transformers “ installment involves a race between the Autobots and Decepticons to find a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon. Highlights include amazing scenes of downtown Chicago being destroyed by the battling robots.
CITY: Chicago
Tivoli Theatre
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Current movies, bargain prices in a beautifully restored French Renaissance 1920s movie theatre. Over 1,000 seats and Dolby Sound. Wurlitzer Pipe Organ player Friday and Saturday.
CITY: Downers Grove
Illinois State Museum - Lockport Gallery
Changing exhibitions focus on Illinois art and artisans.
CITY: Lockport
Ernest Hemingway Birthplace
Visit the Victorian home where Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway was born in 1899 and learn about his early family life.
CITY: Oak Park
International Latino Cultural Center
Most recognized for the production of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, ILCC has screened more than 900 films and videos, including many award-winners that otherwise would have never been shown in Chicago.
CITY: Chicago
McCormick Place
The largest indoor convention exhibit area in the country is 2.2 million square feet, with 8 levels of exhibit halls, restaurants, meeting rooms and audiovisual theaters that provide all the necessary amenities for a successful trade show or convention. McCormick Place is designed by Gene Summers, who worked for Mies van der Rohe. It is derivative of a long-span convention center proposed by Mies van der Rohe. When the earlier version of McCormick was destroyed by fire, the firm C.F. Murphy was retained for the job and hired Summers specifically to design the new structure.
CITY: Chicago
Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
Located in Hyde Park, this stunning Gothic chapel (funded by a gift to the University of Chicago by John D. Rockefeller) hosts regular performances by the Rockefeller Chapel Choir and visiting musical artists.
CITY: Chicago
Baby on Board - Wrigley Building
The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.
CITY: Chicago
The Fugitive - Daley Plaza
This crime thriller involves an eminent surgeon who is wrongly accused of murdering his wife and is pursued by a relentless U.S. Marshal. The film was shot around the city, including scenes at the majestic Hilton Chicago (which was the largest hotel in the world when it opened in 1927), downtown Daley Plaza (the site of numerous outdoor events year round, ranging from Pumpkin Plaza in October to Christkindlmarket during the holidays), the L train (named for the elevated tracks that encircle the city) and even a foot chase through a parade.
CITY: Chicago
Ernest Hemingway Museum
Explore displays featuring rare photos of Hemingway, his childhood diary, letters, early writings, and other memorabilia. Enjoy videos documenting the author's life and work. Bookshop on site.
CITY: Oak Park
Facets Multimedia
Facets Multimedia screens a diverse assortment of films, including the latest from Eastern Europe, South America, Africa and the former Soviet Union.
CITY: Chicago
Lakeshore Theater
Formerly known as The Broadway Theatre, this 340 seat house is being renovated from a former movie theater.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Board of Trade
The LaSalle Street Financial Corridor is one of the most visually stunning districts in the city. A long canyon of buildings, unlike any other area of Chicago, terminates at the Chicago Board of Trade Building, the 1930 Art Deco masterpiece by Holabird & Root. A sparkling, stainless-steel sculpture of Ceres, the goddess of grain, by John Storrs (1885-1956) caps the composition, visually focusing this whirling financial district on the commodity that enabled so much of Chicago’s growth. The Board of Trade was named a Chicago Landmark in 1977 and listed to the National Register in 1978. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com
CITY: Chicago
Marina City
This complex, designed by Bertrand Goldberg, includes two corncob-shaped residential towers perched along the Chicago River. Designed to be a “city within a city,” Marina City includes a restaurant, theatre, bowling alley, and a marina for 700 small craft.
CITY: Chicago
High Fidelity - Double Door
Chicago record store owner takes stock of his life and loves as he ponders middle age while still in his 30s. Several Chicago movie locations include Wicker Park's Double Door (a hip venue that has hosted everyone from up-and-coming alternative bands to the Rolling Stones) and the legendary Green Mill jazz club in Uptown (a former speakeasy that was frequented by gangsters back in the day).
CITY: Chicago
Will County Historical Society
Incorporated in 1964, the Will County Historical Society exists to connect people and organizations to the county's rich history. The Society's museum is housed in the original headquarters of the I&M Canal. Built in 1837, the structure played a central role in the design, financing, and construction of the Canal and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Changing exhibits highlight the history of Will County and the Canal. The Society's extensive collection includes significant county and canal-related records, including maps, plats, land records, obituaries, photographs, newspapers, receipts, and correspondence.
CITY: Lockport
David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art
The Smart Museum of Chicago's Fine Art Museum. Located on the University of Chicago Campus, the Smart Museum houses a collection of over 7,500 objects, spanning 5,000 years of artistic creation.
CITY: Chicago
Irish American Heritage Center
The Irish American Heritage Center provides community events, a historic museum, musical programs, an Irish history library and a place for Irish Chicagoans to gather to celebrate their heritage.
CITY: Chicago
The Blues Brothers- Daley Center
In this comedy classic set in Chicago, the Blues Brothers are on a "mission from God" to save the Catholic home where they were raised by putting together their old blues band for a fundraising concert. One of the most memorable scenes is a car chase that ends with the pair crashing their Bluesmobile into Chicago's Daley Center. Although the interiors for the Blues Brothers' concert were shot at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, the exterior is actually Chicago's South Shore Cultural Center, a beautifully restored historic landmark that offers arts programs.
CITY: Chicago
The Dark Knight - Old Brach's Candy Factory
Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.
CITY: Chicago
Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center
Now in its 35th season, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) is the largest performing arts organization in Chicago’s Southland - providing professional orchestral music of beauty and excellence to the region. The IPO’s repertoire ranges from Baroque and Classical masterpieces, to world premieres and modern favorites.
CITY: Frankfort
Art Gallery at the Oak Park Public Library
Architectural award-winning Main Library features extensive contemporary art collection and Art Gallery with rotating exhibits by local artists. Free one-hour art appreciation tours are offered on the first and third Saturday of each month.
CITY: Oak Park
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
The Harris Theater continues to host the most diverse offerings of any venue in Chicago, featuring the city's world-renowned music and dance institutions, as well as acclaimed national and international companies.
CITY: Chicago
Stranger Than Fiction - Daley Plaza
This flick focuses on an IRS auditor who suddenly finds himself the subject of narration that only he can hear. Chicago movie locations include the East Campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), located just south of the Loop near Greektown; and downtown Daley Plaza, home to a huge outdoor Picasso sculpture.
CITY: Chicago
Derailed - Union Station
In this thriller, two married business executives meet on a Metra train to Chicago and begin a dangerous affair. Chicago filming sites include Union Station, a 1920s stunner designed by Daniel Burnham that is still a major rail hub in the city today; and the ice rink at Millennium Park, Chicago's 24-acre showplace for the arts that also features the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a unique outdoor performance venue.
CITY: Chicago
Country Club Hills Amphitheater Theater
Our beautiful new Country Club Hills Amphitheater Theater is an intimate, 2000-seat venue that combines stylish, modern architecture and state-of-the-art audio and video technology with the same kind of rustic, community charm that our city is famous for.
CITY: Country Club Hills
"Much Ado About Nothing" at Circle Theatre
Circle Theatre's Emerging Young Artists presents Shakespeare's classic comedy of courtship.
CITY: Joliet
Ernest Hemingway Museum and Birthplace
The museum displays rare photos of Hemingway, his childhood diary, letters, early writings and other memorabilia. The Birthplace Home features some original furniture and belongings of the Hemingway family.
CITY: Oak Park
Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District
Take a guided or self-guided tour of this historic district that contains the world's greatest concentration of Wright-designed structures built in the Prairie School of Architecture style. Tours are offered daily.
CITY: Oak Park
Source Code - Orland Park Metra Station
In this non-stop action thriller, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot wakes up in the body of another man and discovers that he’s become part of a mission to find a bomber on a Chicago commuter train.
CITY: Orland Park
Republic
Republic delivers an inclusive ambiance of styles and scenes in a lavish, ultra modern 11,00 sq ft facility.
CITY: Chicago
Oriental Institute Museum
World-famous collection of artifacts from the ancient Middle East, including a recreation of an Assyrian palace and a 17-ft.-tall statue of King Tut.
CITY: Chicago
Crown Hall
Located on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology, S.R. Crown Hall is widely regarded as Mies van der Rohe's masterpiece, and is one of the most architecturally significant buildings of the 20th century Modernist Movement.
CITY: Chicago
Ocean's Eleven - Emmit's Irish Pub
An all-star cast recreates the 60s Rat Pack flick about a charismatic thief who assembles a team of elite criminals to help him pull off the most elaborate Las Vegas casino heist in history. Chicago film locations include Emmit's Irish Pub, a great neighborhood bar with loads of authentic Chicago atmosphere in the West Loop area.
CITY: Chicago
The Dark Knight - Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.
CITY: Chicago
Big Chicks
This friendly bar in the Uptown neighborhood caters to a lesbian and gay clientele. Try Big Chicks’ next-door restaurant, Tweet, for a delish breakfast, lunch or brunch made with organic ingredients.
CITY: Chicago
Midwest SOARRING Foundation Native American Cultural Center
Native American Office and Cultural Center. Experience Indigenous cultures through lectures, cultural presentations, educational programs, Save the Bison Project, and the Annual Harvest PowWow. Call for information or visit our website for a calendar of events. Group programs are available upon request.
CITY: Oak Brook
Cinemark Imax Theatre
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - The Cinemark Imax experience is a 5-story tall, 7-story wide version of educational and recreational film subjects of both 2-D and 3-D.
CITY: Woodridge
The Riviera Theatre
One of Chicago's oldest concert venues still hosts national headliners, up-and-coming acts, and even the occasional movie, including The Break-Up.
CITY: Chicago
Angels & Kings
This cool rock and roll bar, co-owned by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz (a Chicago native), boasts over-sized celebrity mug shots adorning its walls. Stop in and croon on the karaoke stage with a live band or dance to the DJ-driven music.
CITY: Chicago
Sidetrack
This multi-level gay bar spans eight storefronts and has room for 1,000 revelers. Be sure to check out the chic courtyard, along with U-Video Request Night on Tuesdays featuring all ’80s songs.
CITY: Chicago
Alderman Exhibitions
Alderman Exhibitions is a contemporary art gallery featuring emerging and established artists offering photography, painting, sculpture and editions.
CITY: Chicago
Gene Siskel Film Center
Two pristine move theaters with state-of-the-art capabilities located in the heart of Chicago's Loop. Sunlit cafe overlooking State Street.
CITY: Chicago
Jacob Henry Mansion
Elegant National Historic Landmark offers unique Victorian setting for weddings/receptions. Groups and tours welcome.
CITY: Joliet
Oak Park Visitors Center Walking Tour
This PDA guided tour will show you the evolution of architecture in Oak Park, from the Victorian period through to Prairie School and the 1930s Art Deco period. Hear the reflections of the famous people who walked these streets and nurtured their creativity in Oak Park.
CITY: Oak Park
Art Gecko, Ltd.
Located in the Oak Park Arts District, we feature contemporary folk art, found object art and fine crafts created primarily with vintage, re-used, reworked, recycled and reclaimed materials. You will find truly unique, eco-friendly, "green" art and artful objects for yourself or for gift giving created by Lisa Nordstrom and other intriguing artists. Visit our website for current exhibits and special events.
CITY: Oak Park
Public Enemies - Chicago Union Station
The Feds hunt notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson during a 1930s crime wave. The restored period exterior of Chicago’s Biograph Theater, site of Dillinger’s infamous demise, is featured in a pivotal scene in the movie.
CITY: Chicago
Sin Bin - Lincoln Park Zoo
This teen coming-of-age comedy centers around a high school senior who loans out his van, called the Sin Bin, to friends as a place to bring dates and serve as an apartment on wheels.
CITY: Chicago
Fred Claus - Upper Illinois Ave
Fred Claus lived his entire life in his brother's shadow. Fred tried, but could hardly live up to the example set by the younger Nicholas, who was a saint. Nicholas grew up to be the model of generosity, while Fred became the opposite: a fast-talking repo man who is jealous, sad and broke. Eventually Fred's bad behavior sends him to jail. His only option is to turn to his brother. Over Mrs. Claus' objections, Nicholas agrees to help his brother on one condition: that he come to the North Pole and earn the money he needs by working in Santa's Toy Shop. Features Starbucks, Clark and Hubbard Streets.
CITY: Chicago
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Chicago Board of Trade
This classic Chicago teen comedy involves the wise-cracking title character who decides to cut school and see the city with his friends. Their romp around Chicago includes stops at The Art Institute (one of the world's leading art museums that's known for its important collection of French Impressionist paintings), Chicago Board of Trade (the world's oldest futures and options exchange that's housed in a magnificent Art Deco building), and the Willis Tower Skydeck (offering dizzying views of the city from atop one of the world's tallest buildings). The movie's famed Twist and Shout scene was filmed during the city's annual Von Steuben Day Parade.
CITY: Chicago
The Dilemma - The Green Mill
A man wrestles with the dilemma of whether or not to tell his best friend that his wife is having an affair.
CITY: Chicago
Glessner House Museum
Located on Chicago's historic Prairie Avenue, the Glessner House Museum explores urban life and design through the preservation of this H. H. Richardson designed architectural treasure. Guided tours Wed - Sun at 1pm & 3pm. $10/adult, $9/senior, $6/child. Combo price w/Clarke House.
CITY: Chicago
Civic Opera House
The world-renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago performs in one of North America's most beautiful opera houses, the Civic Opera House. The decorative character of the entire building is a hybrid of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Comedy-tragedy masks and cornucopia of instruments abound as playful ornaments around entrances, inspired by the Paris Opera House designed by Jean-Louis-Charles Garnier. The famous painted fire curtain (depicting the parade scene from Aida) and the interior decoration details of the Civic Opera House were created by American artist Jules Guerin in a palette of salmon pinks, roses, olives, golds and bronzes.
CITY: Chicago
Public Enemies - Joliet Prison
The Feds hunt notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson during a 1930s crime wave. The restored period exterior of Chicago’s Biograph Theater, site of Dillinger’s infamous demise, is featured in a pivotal scene in the movie.
CITY: Joliet
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
This unusual complex served as Wright's private residence and studio from 1889-1909. Here he raised his 6 children. He designed 25 buildings in the neighborhood surrounding the studio.
CITY: Oak Park
Prodigy Glassworks, Inc.
Prodigy Glassworks is in the heart of the Oak Park Art's District at 207 Harrison St. Stop in to watch daily glass blowing demonstrations and to see our beautiful gallery offering unique hand-blown and fused pieces made by local artists. Classes are available weekly for adults and children ages 12+. Beginner classes offered Tuesdays from 6pm–9pm: $150/person, and Saturdays from 10am–1 pm: $150/person. Make your own paperweight Mondays and Thursdays from 12pm-5pm. Paperweights take approximately 30 minutes: $25 each for ages 12+. Call ahead to schedule at (708) 445-8000 or email us at info@prodigyglassworks.net. For a full list of class offerings see our website.
CITY: Oak Park
Historic Pleasant Home - Oak Park
Explore the opulent 30-room mansion designed by prominent Prairie School architect Geroge H. Maher
CITY: Oak Park
Oak Park Arts District
A unique collection of galleries, boutiques and restaurants on Harrison Street from Austin Blvd. to Elmwood Ave. in Oak Park, Illinois. Find one of a kind apparel, art, jewelry, beads and home accessories. Have a meal or a snack or specialty coffee drinks at the Buzz Café, or a meal and a cocktail at Trattoria 225. Dance and exercise studios, healing arts businesses, and hair salons are among the district's offerings. The nine blocks feature painted artist benches and public art throughout. Convenient to the Austin Blvd. exit from the Eisenhower Expressway, the Austin stop on the CTA Blue Line and Stop 17 on the Free Shuttle. Gallery hours vary -- call or check website for more information.
CITY: Oak Park
