2013 Travel Guide
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Showing 1-96 of 536 items found in Arts & Culture
Riddles Comedy Club
South side's hottest comedy! Located at 5055 W 111 street in Alsip. we are just 20 minutes from the Chicago loop and Northwest Indiana. 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: Alsip
Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne is one of the country's premier facilities for energy-related research and development. Visitors must be at least 16 years old.
CITY: Argonne
Metropolis Performing Arts Center
More than 40 productions and 360 performances each year ranging from musical theatre, plays, live music, dance, family shows, The Second City Comedy and professional regional children's theatre.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Big Shot Piano Lounge & Restaurant
Big Shot is an upscale Restaurant & Piano Bar. A cozy place to meet, eat, and drink while listening and interacting with talented musicians. From the warm atmosphere to the variety of enticing menu items, this intimate spot will showcase live talent every night. The extremely friendly restaurant will invite its patrons to participate and sing along with new songs performed by talented professionals. This will definitely be a place to start and end an evening.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Downtown Arlington Heights Shopping & Entertainment District
Diverse collection of charming local shops and major retailers. Outstanding restaurants, theaters, nightlife, and entertainment, all within walking distance.
CITY: Arlington Heights
A Nightmare on Elm Street - John Hersey High School
Horror icon Freddy Krueger returns, complete with knife-tipped gloves, to terrorize and kill teenagers in their dreams.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Above and Beyond Framing and Gallery
Custom framing, art and gift gallery. Featuring Steve Hanks, Tom Lynch and Scanlan.
CITY: Bartlett
Civic Center Authority Visitor Center
The Bedford Park Heritage Corridor Visitor Center is full of information and literature of exciting things to do and see throughout the Heritage Corridor. The Visitor Center provides National Heritage Corridor promotional literature and I&M Canal related resources to the public. It is operated by the Civic Center Authority in partnership with Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Village of Willow Springs. The Center is staffed by volunteers recruited and managed by the Civic Center Authority. Open Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
CITY: Bedford Park
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
Adventures in Babysitting - FitzGerald's
A suburban babysitter is forced to take the kids along with her to Chicago when her friend is stranded in a seedy bus station. Chicago filming sites include the city's L trains and FitzGerald's nightclub in suburban Berwyn, known for hosting some of the best bands on the local music scene.
CITY: Berwyn
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 Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook
Providing the nation with access to the rich history of aviation in Illinois, the Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook focuses on technology, research, education and community service.
CITY: Bolingbrook
iPic Theaters & Salts Sports Bar & Lounge
IPic Theaters has a passion for movies and provides you with the ultimate escape. A premium and affordable movie-going experience, there is something for everyone. Enjoy fresh seasonal cocktails at Salt Sports Bar, full menu selection, billiards and more.
CITY: Bolingbrook
Wild Reef: Sharks at Shedd Aquarium
See sharks glide through underwater gardens of iridescent corals and garden eels. Wander through a lagoon and mangrove forest, and visit a fishing village where residents saved their reef from destruction.
CITY: Chicago
Broadway Playhouse
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place is operated by Broadway In Chicago, a Nederlander Presentation. Located at Water Tower Place in Chicago, Illinois, it was formerly known as Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place.
CITY: Chicago
Deep Space Adventure
Adler Planetarium will reveal Deep Space Adventure, a new, immersive space experience like no other in the world. Visitors will come aboard the observation deck of a futuristic starship for an adventure through deep space.The centerpiece of the experience is the Grainger Sky Theater (formerly the historic Sky Theater), which will open as the most technologically advanced theater ever developed.
CITY: Chicago
Lookingglass Theatre
Housed in the historic Water Tower Water Works, this award-winning, local ensemble has offered dynamic, physical, intellectual theater since 1989. The main stage will allow Lookingglass to reconfigure the stage and audience seating as dictated by the needs of each production, allowing for a maximum capacity of 270 persons, 60 of whom may be seated at the balcony level.
CITY: Chicago
Transformers 3 - Willis Tower
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
Wrigley Building
Located in the center of the Magnificent Mile, and steps from the Michigan Avenue Bridge, The Wrigley Building has been a hallmark of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Designed as the headquarters for the successful chewing gum, the building was modeled after the Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain. Today, it is still home to Wm Wrigley Jr. Company, and is perhaps best known for its dazzling white towers that illuminate the city at night.
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 Blues Brothers- South Shore Cultural 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
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
Tribune Tower
Home of the Chicago Tribune newspaper offices, this Gothic-Revival landmark features flying buttresses and gargoyles This is a result of New York architects John Mead Howells and Raymond M. Hood's design that was chosen as a winner out of 263 entries from twenty-three countries during an international architectural competition to immodestly "erect the most beautiful building in the world" in 1922.
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
Harold Washington Library Center
The creation of Harold Washington Library Center is a product of a widely publicized architectural competition. Designed by Tom Beeby, the red brick, granite, and glass composition uses traditional design motifs to establish itself as a civic structure. A two-story battered granite base supports a five-story brick body punctuated by five arches along State Street and three facing Congress and Van Buren. The Harold Washington Library Center is a hybrid design that reflects the conflicting architectural ideas that characterized the late 1980s.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Historic Water Tower
One of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire, the Historic Water Tower is an icon on North Michigan Avenue and houses the City Gallery, which showcases Chicago photography. The tower was built in 1869 by architect William W. Boyington.
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
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
Public Enemies - Auditorium Theatre
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
Public Enemies - Biograph Theater
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
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
Road to Perdition - LaSalle Street Bridge
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
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
Running Scared - Downtown Chicago L tracks
Two Chicago cops work to bring down a drug kingpin before they retire and head off to sunny Key West to open a bar together. The climax of the movie takes place in the Thompson Center. One of the movie's most memorable scenes is a car chase that takes place on the city's El (elevated) train tracks.
CITY: Chicago
Running Scared - James R. Thompson Center
Two Chicago cops work to bring down a drug kingpin before they retire and head off to sunny Key West to open a bar together. The climax of the movie takes place in the Thompson Center. One of the movie's most memorable scenes is a car chase that takes place on the city's El (elevated) train tracks.
CITY: Chicago
Sin Bin - Happy Foods
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
The Informant! - Federal Building
The vice president of an agri-business giant is recruited by the FBI to uncover evidence of his company’s suspected illegal price-fixing. But in his zealous attempt to become the ultimate informant his lies begin to pile up and erode the secret agent world he has created for himself. Look for Alexander Calder’s giant red outdoor Flamingo sculpture as two of the movie’s main characters walk through downtown Chicago’s Federal Plaza
CITY: Chicago
The Informant! - Federal Plaza
The vice president of an agri-business giant is recruited by the FBI to uncover evidence of his company’s suspected illegal price-fixing. But in his zealous attempt to become the ultimate informant his lies begin to pile up and erode the secret agent world he has created for himself. Look for Alexander Calder’s giant red outdoor Flamingo sculpture as two of the movie’s main characters walk through downtown Chicago’s Federal Plaza
CITY: Chicago
The Informant! - North Avenue Beach Chess Pavilion
The vice president of an agri-business giant is recruited by the FBI to uncover evidence of his company’s suspected illegal price-fixing. But in his zealous attempt to become the ultimate informant his lies begin to pile up and erode the secret agent world he has created for himself. Look for Alexander Calder’s giant red outdoor Flamingo sculpture as two of the movie’s main characters walk through downtown Chicago’s Federal Plaza.
CITY: Chicago
The Informant! - Washington & Wells El Station
The vice president of an agri-business giant is recruited by the FBI to uncover evidence of his company’s suspected illegal price-fixing. But in his zealous attempt to become the ultimate informant his lies begin to pile up and erode the secret agent world he has created for himself. Look for Alexander Calder’s giant red outdoor Flamingo sculpture as two of the movie’s main characters walk through downtown Chicago’s Federal Plaza.
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
The Time Traveler's Wife - Newberry Library
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
The Time Traveler's Wife - "L" Train Platform
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
The Unborn - 111 N. Wabash Ave
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 Unborn - Bohemian National Cemetery
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 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 Unborn - Kraff Eye Institute
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 Unborn - Loyola University
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
Sin Bin - Irish American Heritage Center
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
Baby on Board - Daley 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
Baby on Board - Equinox Health Club
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
Fred Claus - Bridges Downtown Chicago
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
Fred Claus - Michigan Ave Storefronts
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
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
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
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
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
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
Baby on Board - The Capital Grille
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
Horsemen - Spaulding School
A recently widowed detective discovers a shocking connection between himself and a serial killing spree linked to the biblical prophecies of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
CITY: Chicago
Horsemen - Tower Building
A recently widowed detective discovers a shocking connection between himself and a serial killing spree linked to the biblical prophecies of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
CITY: Chicago
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
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
Contagion - Chicago Midway Airport
An international team of doctors is contracted by the CDC to deal with the outbreak of a deadly disease.
CITY: Chicago
National Lampoon's Vacation - Buckingham Fountain
In this wacky comedy a Chicago family takes a hysterical road trip across country to reach a theme park on the West Coast. Illinois scenes include Buckingham Fountain in downtown Chicago's Grant Park (seen spouting its famous cascades of water in the background as the family leaves Chicago) and the Poplar Street Bridge that spans the Mississippi River in East St. Louis (where the family gets lost).
CITY: Chicago
Eagle Eye - Various El Stations
Two young strangers are thrown together by a phone call from a mysterious woman who pushes them into increasingly dangerous situations as she tracks their every move and controls them via technology while they are pursued by the FBI.
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
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - The Art Institute
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 Sears 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
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Willis Tower Skydeck
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 Sears 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 Dark Knight - Hotel 71
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 Dark Knight - Navy Pier
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 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
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 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
The Dilemma - Garfield Park Conservatory
A man wrestles with the dilemma of whether or not to tell his best friend that his wife is having an affair.
CITY: Chicago
Richard J. Daley Center & Plaza
This powerful, 31-story tower was designed by Jacques Brownson (b. 1923) of C. F. Murphy Associates. Composed of three massive structural bays, each an unprecedented 87-feet wide and nearly 48-feet deep, and supported by warren trusses at every floor, the building achieves incredible structural integrity and interior flexibility. The exterior wall plane consists of 12-foot-high windows with amber-tinted glass and 6-foot-high panels of self-weathering Cor-Ten steel, which has aged to a rich brown color. The large public plaza features a 50-foot-tall Cor-Ten sculpture of 1967 by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), gifted by him to the city of Chicago. The Daley Center plaza is one in a line of three important public plazas in the heart of the Loop (see also the Federal Center and Chase Bank Plaza). Photo courtesy of AIA Chicago, Wes Urschel. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com
CITY: Chicago
Wayne's World - Gift Shop, 63rd St. at Pulaski Rd., Chicago
This excellent comedy follows the pursuits of a pair of suburban Aurora slacker friends who have a public access cable show and a penchant for ‘70s rock. The movie was filmed on location in Aurora and Chicago. One of the notable Chicago sites includes a kitschy gift shop with a large Indian statue on its roof.
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
The Dilemma - United Center
A man wrestles with the dilemma of whether or not to tell his best friend that his wife is having an affair.
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
The Fugitive - Hilton Chicago
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
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
Carson Pirie Scott & Company
Carson Pirie Scott & Company’s former flagship store, designed by Louis H. Sullivan (1856-1924) was also built in stages, beginning in 1899, 1903, augmented by an addition by D. H. Burnham & Co. in 1906, and ending with a 1961 addition by Holabird and Root. Although Carson’s wide windows and narrow piers are expressive of the internal steel frame, the building is more famous for its exquisite ornament by Sullivan. The embellished storefronts, newly restored decorative cornice, and ornate columns capitals on the interior all bear Sullivan’s personal style of ornament. It was both named a Chicago Landmark and listed in the National Register in 1970. It was 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
Federal Reserve Bank
A thirty story court house and a forty-five-story office building, the federal building was completed after Mies' death in 1969. The building's sober black and gray exterior expression, the steel mullion and glass model, counterpoints the curving forms and bright red paint of Alexander Calder's sculpture. Photo courtesy of AIA Chicago, Wes Urschel.
CITY: Chicago
Auditorium Building
The Auditorium Building original configuration combined a theater seating, a four-hundred-room hotel, and 136 offices and stores. The hotel lobby with a notable interior is now Roosevelt University. The Auditorium Building is one of the best-known designs of Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975 and it was designated a Chicago Landmark on September 15, 1976.
CITY: Chicago
Brando's Speakeasy
Brandos Speakeasy, the Chicago Loop bar in the historic South Loop, is where everyone wants to be. Once you enter Brando’s Speakeasy, which is a landmark status building, you will be impressed and welcomed with the intimate, warm, feeling you get from the staff as well as the patrons.
CITY: Chicago
The Black Ensemble Theater
The Black Ensemble Theater is a dynamic organization described as a local cornerstone, a national treasure and an international success. It has launched over 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists since its inception. Annually 50,000 patrons experience its musical theater and it has become one of the most prominant African-American theater companies in the nation.
CITY: Chicago
About Face Theatre
For the past 15 years, this innovative theater has presented original plays that challenge audiences and seek to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
More than 150 singers make up this chorus that presents choral, cabaret and musical theater all rolled into one. The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus performs at various venues and special events throughout the city.
CITY: Chicago
Andersonville & Edgewater: Chicago Neighborhood Tours
Discover the gay-friendly shops and restaurants of Andersonville, then head to Edgewater to see Art Deco and Tudor Revival architecture in the Bryn Mawr Historic District. Tours depart from the Chicago Cultural Center.
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
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
SPIN Nightclub
This huge club features two dance floors, four bars, several spacious lounges, drag queen hosts and music spun by live DJs. Regular live events include singers (complete with go-go boy dancers) and special theme nights.
CITY: Chicago
The Call Bar
This dance bar, located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, plays music that ranges from retro to pop and show tunes. Themed video nights include Britney Spears videos all evening long on the last Friday of the month.
CITY: Chicago
