The stretch of Michigan Avenue that runs through Chicago’s Loop is affectionately known as the “Cultural Mile”, with its high density of museums, theatre, and cultural events. Check out these things to do on the Cultural Mile!
Art Institute
The Art Institute is one of the oldest art museums and second largest (after the Met) in the United States. It houses more than 300,000 permanent pieces in addition to 30 annual temporary exhibits. Some of it’s famous collection pieces include Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Seurat, The Old Guitarist by Picasso, and Grant Wood’s American Gothic. The current spotlight exposition is Andy Warhol’s From A to B and Back Again, through January 26th.
The Art Institute also hosts art driven events and will be hosting a celebration of the Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 8th, from 1 to 4:30pm, with gallery tours in both English and Mandarin, performances, music, art making, artist demonstrations, and interactive experiences. The celebration is included with museum admission. The celebration continues with a lantern procession at Millennium Park at 5pm.
Better yet– general admission is free to Illinois residents each Wednesday from 5 to 8pm, all the time for children under 14, and for children under 18 on weekdays from January 27th to March 4th and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Auditorium Theatre
The Auditorium Theatre is a national historic landmark building and was designed in 1889 by Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. The Auditorium has been home to the Joffrey Ballet for over 20 years and hosts a multitude of live performances and dance companies. Upcoming performances include Alvin Ailey dance company, the American Ballet Theatre, and National Geographic-Live. Click here for all upcoming performances and ticketing.
The Auditorium hosts daily tours. See the stunning 24 karat gold ceiling arches, ornate sculptural designs, floor and wall mosaics, and murals by Charles Holloway and Albert Fleury.
Second Fridays at the Fine Arts Building
The second Friday of each month, the Fine Arts Building opens its doors to the public, free of charge, to showcase the work of its resident artists. The historic building is located on Michigan Avenue and is home to a collective of visual artists, musicians, teachers, book stores, writers, craft instrument designers, yoga studios, dance and theatre performances, and artisan workshops.
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