Things To Do in Chicago » Museums/Parks

MCA’s Tuesdays on the Terrace: Corey Wilkes – July 27

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:46:03 +0000

Looking for a great outdoor music experience? Why not check out the Museum of Contemporary Art, that hosts free live jazz concerts every Tuesday this summer during “Tuesdays on the Terrace”. The July 27 performance features Corey Wilkes. The music starts at 5:30pm every Tuesday. Museum admission is free to everyone on Tuesdays so come early and visit the galleries and then stick around for constructive entertainment accompanied by a glass of wine or a cup of Joe and a tasty snack from Puck’s Cafe.

Click to enlarge

A different, internationally-themed dinner buffet prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering is served each week, with dishes created using fresh locally-grown produce from the MCA Farmer’s Market. For a more casual evening, guests may bring their own blanket or rent an MCA lawn chair ($5 each). Summer favorites such as hamburgers, hotdogs, and lighter fare may be purchased from the outdoor grill along with cold beverages, wine, and seasonal cocktails.

Reservations are recommended at 312.397.4034. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the sculpture garden. In case of rain, the event takes place in Puck’s Café.

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Taking a cue from the artists in the exhibition Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art, visitors can come during the day and sculpt and play with forms, materials, and ideas to make their own art at the MCA Creation Stations. During the day, visitors can feed their inspiration with the colors of the Farmer’s Market, and during the evening, create art to the rhythms of jazz. The theme of the July 27 creation station is “motion,” during which guests can learn to use their bodies and the environment to create motion in their art work.

The Farmers Market Creation Station is from 11 am – 2 pm and the Jazz on the Terrace Creation Station is from 5 – 8 pm. These drop-in themed workshops feature a new activity every week and are open to all ages. Every Tuesday the MCA is free all day and open until 8 pm.

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Museum of Contemporary Art

220 E. Chicago

Chicago, IL 60611

312.280.2660

www.mcachicago.org

Free Museums this Week in Chicago – July 26-31

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:48:19 +0000

If you are looking for things to do in Chicago, why not check out one of our fine museums, especially if you can catch it on a free admission day. Many of Chicago’s more than 50 cultural institutions, historic sites and museums have designated ‘free days’ throughout the year so grab a friend, pack the kids into the car or just get away for an individual stroll through some of Chicago’s favorite cultural attractions. Here are some of the museums in Chicago that have free days this week. Found another? — leave a comment for the community!

FREE MUSEUMS EVERY DAY

Lincoln Park Zoo – This world-class Zoo is free every day.

Museum of Contemporary Photography – Admission is free every day.

National Museum of Mexican Art – Admission is free every day.

The Oriental Institute – Admission is free every day. (although there is a suggested donation $7 adults, $4 children).

Smart Museum of Art – Admission is free every day.

MONDAY

Chicago History Museum – Admission is free every Monday.

TUESDAY

Museum of Contemporary Art – Admission is free every Tuesday.

Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) – Admission is free every Tuesday.

WEDNESDAY
Charnley-Persky House Museum – Admission is free every Wednesday
Clarke House Museum- Admission is free every Wednesday
Glessner House Museum - Admission is free every Wednesday

THURSDAY

Art Institute of Chicago – Admission is free every Thursday from 5-8pm only; this admission does not include special exhibitions like the new Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition

Chicago Children’s Museum – Admission is free every Thursday from 5-8pm only

Nature Museum – Admission is free every Thursday, although they call it “suggested donation” day.

SUNDAY

DuSable Museum of African American Art – Admission is free every Sunday

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Free Museums Weekend - Also remember that Bank of America sponsors free admissions on the first weekend of the month, which is coming up next weekend. The Museums on Us® program through Bank of America allows cardholders to gain free admission to over 70 museums on the first weekend of every month. Participants simply show their Bank of America ATM, credit or debit card or check to participating museums to gain free general admittance. Read more here.

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Free Museum Discount Coupons

Do you love Chicago’s museums but looking for free or discounted tickets to the museums? Now you can enjoy special free discounts at many of Chicago’s most popular museums and much more! Brought to you by the Chicago Office of Tourism, the free ChicaGo Guide to Special Museum Values lets you save while exploring museums throughout the city. Read more here

FREE Family Workshop: Things with Wings: Bees, Butterflies and Birds” – July 24

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:15:02 +0000

Come out for the FREE family workshop called “Things with Wings: Bees, Butterflies and Birds”, Saturday, July 24, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the fourth floor conference room at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. The garden is buzzing with flying creatures of all shapes and sizes. Join as we explore some of their adaptations, learn some cool facts and then make a few crafts inspired by our winged friends. This great workshop also includes a free walk in the garden at the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, where children can get acquainted with the flying creatures of the Lurie Garden and take home craft-based projects inspired by the bees, butterflies and birds around them.

Note: Children must be at least six years old and accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required. Call 312-742-TIXS (8497) or visit www.luriegarden.org to register.

FREE Jazz: MCA Tuesdays on the Terrace – Matt Ulery’s Loom – July 20

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:51:52 +0000

The MCA presents free live jazz concerts every Tuesday this summer during Tuesdays on the Terrace. The July 20 performance features Matt Ulery’s Loom. The music, while coming from the American and European jazz tradition, including highly syncopated rhythms, modern jazz harmony, and improvisation, is also influenced by folk music from the Americas and Eastern Europe as well as modern alternative and indie rock bands from all over the world. Ulery’s music has also been described, at times, as cinematic and fanciful. ‘Loom’ is based out of Chicago, IL.. The music starts at 5:30pm every Tuesday. Museum admission is free to everyone on Tuesdays so come early and visit the galleries and then stick around for constructive entertainment accompanied by a glass of wine or a cup of Joe and a tasty snack from Puck’s Cafe.

Click to enlarge

Reservations are recommended at 312.397.4034. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the sculpture garden. In case of rain, the event takes place in Puck’s Café.

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Museum of Contemporary Art

220 E. Chicago

Chicago, IL 60611

312.280.2660

www.mcachicago.org

Free Admission and Family Fun at Kohl’s Children’s Museum – Chicago Area – July 25

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:43:23 +0000

The Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview kicks off its 25th anniversary year with free admission for all guests on Sunday, July 25 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum’s founder, Dolores Kohl, created the institution to show teachers, parents, and caregivers the critical role of hands-on complex play in early childhood education. Originally housed in a former bowling alley in Wilmette, the Museum quickly outgrew its facility, and in 2005 moved to a much larger home in Glenview. The new site offers 17 engaging, on-hands exhibits, all exclusively designed for children ages birth to eight.

Other FREE Events on FREE Admission Day on Sunday, July 25 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m:

Kohl Children’s Museum kicks off 25th anniversary celebration with free admission to all during Museum hours on Sunday, July 25.
Chicago Parent Goody Bags: 12 p.m.
The first 200 guests will receive complimentary goody bags stuffed with prizes, coupons, and free magazine issues courtesy of Chicago Parent Magazine.
“Readers are Leaders” performance by Miss Lori: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Sponsored by WTTW, this performance will include original songs, engaging activities, story readings, and a free children’s book for the first 200 children in attendance!
Block Play: 12 – 5 p.m. Explore the world of construction with oversized soft building blocks, perfect for children ages 1 to 4.

Free Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour – July 16

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:43:09 +0000

Looking for some excellent free things to do in Chicago? This free Bronzeville Art District trolley tour in Chicago on July 16 features art galleries in the Bronzeville area that focus on African American, African and Caribbean art and artists— Hop on and off the trolley to tour Gallery Guichard (3521 S. Martin Luther King), Blanc Gallery, DuSable Museum, Little Black Pearl , the South Side Community Art Center (3831 S. Michigan), and Faie African Art (4317 S. Cottage Grove). The free circuit takes about 30 minutes total, and riders can catch anywhere along the route. The tour is free and runs continuously.

See gallery listings for exhibition details.

Dates:
July 16 : 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
August 20 : 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
September 17 : 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
October 15 : 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
www.galleryguichard.com

When: Every 3rd Friday of the month 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. (ends October 15)

Price: Free, call for info 773-373-8000

Free “Concert in the Park” with Orchestra – July 15

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:29:53 +0000

The Mayfair Park Advisory Council (MPAC) is pleased to announce its second free, outdoor performance coming to Mayfair Park. Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m. for the second FREE “Concert in the Park” featuring an 8-piece big band/swing performance by the Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra (www.akorchestra.com). Having played many major formal, private and corporate events and received recognition and play on Chicago’s leading radio and television stations, this is one performance you don’t want to miss. Thank you to our lead sponsors @Properties, MARIE’s Pizza and XOX Salon and Spa for their sponsorship along with our other level sponsors at www.mayfairpac.org.

The concert will include two 45 minute sets along with an intermission. Bring a blanket, chair and dinner to enjoy an evening of free entertainment, or for an even more stress-free night, treat yourself to dinner at the event! A selection of dinner foods will be available for purchase (at the event and prior to the event) with all proceeds benefiting Mayfair Park.

PICNIC BOX DINNERS STILL AVAILABLE – MARIE’s Pizza has a variety of Picnic Dinner Boxes that can be pre-purchased and delivered to you at Mayfair Park Thursday night. Simply visit Maries Pizza for more details. A portion of the proceeds from each Picnic Dinner Box will benefit the Mayfair Park Advisory Council’s campaign to raise funds for mats and equipment for theMayfair Park gymnastics program.

Visit www.mayfairpac.org for more information.

4550 W. Sunnyside Ave. (Map it)
Chicago, IL 60630
Phone: 773.685.3361

FREE Jazz: MCA Tuesdays on the Terrace – Mwata Bowden – July 13

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:48:47 +0000

The MCA presents free live jazz concerts every Tuesday this summer during Tuesdays on the Terrace. The July 13 performance features Mwata Bowden, a talented multi-instrumentalist who can play the saxophone, the clarinet, and the didgeridoo, among others. The music starts at 5:30pm every Tuesday. Museum admission is free to everyone on Tuesdays so come early and visit the galleries and then stick around for constructive entertainment accompanied by a glass of wine or a cup of Joe and a tasty snack from Puck’s Cafe.

Click to enlarge

A different, internationally-themed dinner buffet prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering is served each week, with dishes created using fresh locally-grown produce from the MCA Farmer’s Market. June 29 is Cuban-themed and includes lechón and cubano sandwiches. For a more casual evening, guests may bring their own blanket or rent an MCA lawn chair ($5 each). Summer favorites such as hamburgers, hotdogs, and lighter fare may be purchased from the outdoor grill along with cold beverages, wine, and seasonal cocktails.

Reservations are recommended at 312.397.4034. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the sculpture garden. In case of rain, the event takes place in Puck’s Café.

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Museum of Contemporary Art

220 E. Chicago

Chicago, IL 60611

312.280.2660

www.mcachicago.org

Free Admission on Mondays at Chicago History Museum – July 12, 19, 26

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:54:17 +0000

The Chicago History Museum is free on Mondays which would be July 12, July 19 and July 26 this month so bring the the kids and family to see the new exhibit” I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot”. In this exhibit, The museum looks at the times before the grand white wedding, when there was the simple ceremony in one’s home with family and few friends. There were brown dresses, green, blue, even black, since one’s wedding dress served double duty as a special-occasion gown and one’s ‘Sunday best.’ Brides wore so many different colors, a rhyme popped up with a fate for each color. Not until the late nineteenth century did the trend for ivory wedding gowns become popular, often credited to Queen Victoria’s startling choice to wear ivory when she wed in 1840.

For centuries, wedding fashion followed everyday fashion. Only recently have brides chosen to eschew contemporary formal wear for styles that directly reference the past. Today, hoop skirts, corsets, sinewy fishtails, long trains, and leg-o-mutton sleeves can all be seen on the aisle, but each style echoes decades past. The Museum’s vast costume collection includes a stunning array of wedding attire—for brides, grooms, bridesmaids, and more—that reveals 150 years of fashion favored by Chicago couples. I Do presents forty-five dresses, plus accessories, corsets, men’s attire, and—after June 24—the winning dress of the FashioNext competition.

Also take in the permanent exhibit about Lincoln Park Block by Block. Lincoln Park is a dynamic neighborhood and home of the Chicago History Museum.
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Other Monday Free Options:
View Millions of Dollars at the Free Chicago Fed Money Museum

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Also take in the permanent exhibit about Lincoln Park Block by Block. Lincoln Park is a dynamic neighborhood and home of the Chicago History Museum. For 150 years, Lincoln Park residents and visitors have experienced some of the city’s most historic events—from the opening of the Chicago’s first public beach in 1895 to the riots of the late 1960s. Set on an oversized map, the exhibition invites you to discover the history, culture, and making of Lincoln Park. Share your memories with other visitors, and explore Lincoln Park—a place that constantly remakes itself with a nod to the past and an eye toward the future. Read some great memories in Celebrating Lincoln Park History (11/5/09)

Or check out the Chicago: Crossroads of America exhibition. The exhibition Sensing Chicago invites children of all ages to explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. Visit the Sensing Chicago gallery to:

Ride a high-wheel bicycle down a wood-paved street
Hear the Great Chicago Fire
Catch a fly ball at Comiskey Park
Discover history through your nose with our Smell Map
Be a Chicago-style hot dog
Create an oversized postcard of your favorite sights to post on the gallery wall or e-mail to a friend

Whether you are interested in Chicago’s changing economy, challenging crises, diverse neighborhoods, groundbreaking innovations, or lively cultural scene, this museum is a must see! The Chicago History Museum cares for, showcases, and interprets millions of authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history. The Museum aims to illuminate the past as a reminder of what really happened once upon a time and as a way to shed light on the present, and compellingly inform the future.

Location:
1601 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
312.642.4600

Current exhibits include:

My Chinatown

Discover the sights and sounds of Chicago’s Chinatown. The Chicago History Museum’s first multimedia theater experience, My Chinatown is driven by the personal stories of the people who live in the neighborhood and keep its traditions alive.

Chinese immigrants first came to Chicago after 1870, once the railroad they helped build connected the Pacific coast to the Midwest. After decades in downtown, Chicago’s Chinese Americans developed a new Chinatown around the intersection of Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue. Today, a wave of new people and new languages is changing Chinatown.

The voices of My Chinatown tell the story of the neighborhood’s past and present, providing an insider’s view of culinary delights and traditional medicine, the powerful role of family and business associations, and the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

The Museum’s collection of over 22 million artifacts and documents is a rich source for the study of Chicago history, both as urban center and as part of the larger United States.

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About the Chicago History Museum:

Chicago’s oldest cultural institution has eight main collection areas:
- Architecture
- Archives and Manuscripts
- Books and other Published Materials
- Costumes
- Decorative and Industrial Arts
- Oral History, Film, and Video
- Paintings and Sculpture
- Prints and Photographs

Location:
Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street – Chicago, IL

Monday–Saturday

9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Sunday

12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.

Contact:
312-642-4600
www.chicagohistory.org

Free Admission to Chicago’s Field Museum – July 12

admin — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:50:10 +0000

As part of their Field Museum Free Days, there are 52 days a year when basic admission is free - including the Second Monday free day this month — July 12, 2010. So come on down to the Field Museum at 1400 South Lake Shore Drive – Chicago, IL for free admission (regular price is $15/adults and $10/kids so this is a BIG savings!).

Check out the Evolving Planet or DNA Discovery Center Exhibitions. The Field Museum was originally founded to house the biological and anthropological collections assembled for the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, which form the core of the Museum’s collections. The Museum’s exhibition, research and education programs are reknown and include a world-class natural history library of more than 250,000 volumes.

The Field Museum offers a variety of exhibitions, click below for more info on…
- Permanent Exhibits (including Africa, Animal Biology, The Ancient Americas, The Hall of Jades, etc.)http://www.fieldmuseum.org

- Temporary Exhibits (including The Nature of Diamonds, Sacred Waters, Real Pirates, Vision, etc.)
- Online Exhibits (Ancient Americas, Evolving Planet, etc.)

Contact: 312-922-9410
Evolving Planet takes visitors on an awe-inspiring journey through 4 billion years of life on Earth, from single-celled organisms to towering dinosaurs and our extended human family. Unique fossils, animated videos, hands-on interactive displays, and recreated sea- and landscapes help tell the compelling story of evolution—the single process that connects everything that’s ever lived on Earth.

DNA Discovery Center
Ongoing

Discover what DNA is, how it works, and what it can tell us about all life on Earth in this new, fascinating, hands-on exhibition at The Field Museum.