Chicago. The Windy City. Second City.
There are so many reasons to visit Chicago.
Chicago is a Mid-West City, in more than just location. That “midwestern” philosophy echoes throughout the city. The city that works, it is. There is a lot of History. There is character. Cookie-cutter it is not. The various neighborhoods have their own vibes. Most of the neighborhoods developed as immigration was taking place. Germans, Italians, Scandinavians, all settled here and usually in a little clusters. These clusters became fully independent. Germans did work with other Germans, as did the Swedes and the Italians.
Of course, there are stories of Al Capone and the Untouchables, when the mob ruled the city. The Great Fire. The politics and how Mayor Daley and “the machine” ruled the city. Ah Yes.
Chicago. The City that works.
Chicago is also a city with great museums. Here are just a few of the more well-known museums.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute was founded as a school and a museum in 1879 and has been in its current location since 1893. Its main entrance features the famous lion statues. A massive expansion project was complete in 2009 with the wing devoted to Modern Art. Be sure to check out the family events for the art and maker series.
The museum is free for children under 14.
This museum houses famous works from artists from Monet to Warhol. Marc Chagall’s stained-glass America Windows. Be sure to check out Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jette – it’s painted not with brushstrokes but with little dots.
The Museum Campus:
The big three museums are located in a little triangle, often referred to as the Museum Campus. You can actually walk from museum to museum through the paths in Grant Park.
The Field Museum (Natural History)
Often referred to as “The Field”.
The Field Museum opened at its current location in 1921. But the museum actually began out of the World’s Columbian Exhibition. It, too, has been a fixture in Chicago for a long time. Its namesake is the legendary, Marshall Field, of Marshall Field’s department stores (“The customer is always right”). Note, Marshall Field’s department stores is now Macy’s.
This museum houses Sue- the largest and most complete T-Rex. It’s the place for fossils. There is a whole section devoted to fossils and dinosaurs. A must for any Dinosaur enthusiast. The Mummies and Ancient Egypt. Biology and Ecology. Enchanting travelling exhibits.
The Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium opened to the public in 1930, as the first planetarium in the western hemisphere! The planetarium was named after Chicago businessman, Max Adler, who contributed funds for construction.
For your space fanatics, you cannot miss the Adler. Be sure to check out the star shows. Kids can “Blast off to Planet X”, where they can search for life in outer space. Plenty of interactive exhibits to engage and inspire.
The Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium has been in existence since 1930. The Caribbean Reef Tank which is the large tank, right in the center. You can see sharks, rays, and green sea turtles. You can even watch a show with the diver, who feeds the fish and talk about the various fish in the tank and answer your questions. You can also see Jellyfish, Beluga Whales and a Giant Pacific Octopus.
Museum of Science and Industry
This is located just on the south side of the city. You definitely need a car if you are going to visit this museum. This museum is actually located on the original site of the Field Museum, from the World Columbian Exposition in the Palace of Fine Arts.
Interesting fact. This museum is actually one of the largest museums in all the world. Over 400,000 of hands-on and interactive exhibits. Science. Let’s go.
You can visit a World war II submarine, a 727 aircraft, experience a tornado, a Fairy Castle, Genetics, a mirror maze, Ships and trains, explore a modern farm. When I was a kid, I remember walking through the Heart exhibit. This has been completely reimagined for the 21st century! The heart will now beat in tune with your pulse. This is part of the Your Body exhibit. There is so much to see and do.
The Children’s Museum
With little ones, you can’t miss The Children’s Museum at Navy Pier.
At the Chicago Children’s Museum, kids can enjoy the Art Studio, excavate dinosaur bones, play at a market and in a firetruck. Among many other activities. My kids favorite was the Water Ways, they play with water and connect various pipes. Fun stuff.
There you go five world-class museums perfect for rainy day afternoons in Chicago.
C’mon Let’s Go!