Top Chicago Shows

Hidden Chicago - Underground Streets (plus RATS!)

Genre: History, Animal, Chicago

  • Discover the history and features of Chicago's underground streets
  • See where a car chase scene in "The Dark Knight" was filmed
  • Learn how rats are made to thrive in urban settings

Chicago Architecture 101 (Part 6) - Contemporary Style

Genre: Architecture, History, Chicago

  • Learn about the trends in contemporary architecture happening all over the world.
  • See how architectural philosophies of the past are integrated into 21st century buildings.
  • Discover wonderful designs by starchitects Renzo Piano, Frank Gehry, and Jeanne Gang.

Chicago After Dark - Art on theMart

Genre: Art, Architecture, Chicago

  • See digital artists and musicians transform theMart's 2.5 acre facade into multimedia art
  • Watch the new "Ba Boom Boom Pa Pop Pop" show by the internationally acclaimed Nick Cave
  • Discover how Joseph P. Kennedy turned the Merchandise Mart into the most profitable investment he ever made

Christmas in Chicago - The Nutcracker is here

Genre: Christmas, Chicago, Dance

  • For the holiday this year, the city of Chicago projects the world-famous Joffrey Ballet performing The Nutcracker
  • Chicago's world-class architecture festively lit up for the holiday season
  • Learn interesting stories about the Chicago River and its wonderful buildings

Chicago's Greatest Hits - Magnificent Mile

Genre: Architecture, History, Chicago

  • See some of Chicago's most famous buildings, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and the John Hancock Center
  • View pieces from some of the world's most legendary structures, like the Great Pyramid of Giza, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Great Wall of China
  • Learn how Chicago's most well-known street became what it is today

Chicago's Greatest Hits - Millennium Park

Genre: Architecture, Art, Chicago

  • Get incredible views of the reflective Cloud Gate (aka, The Bean) sculpture
  • See amazing perspectives of the iconic Pritzker Pavilion
  • Watch the digital faces of Crown Fountain "spit" at each other

Neighborhoods by Elevated Train - Lincoln Park & Lakeview

Genre: Architecture, History, Chicago

  • Discover the histories of one of Chicago's most desirable residential neighborhoods and one of the country's largest LGBTQ districts.
  • See a beautiful collection of art specifically commissioned for the train stations.
  • Learn about the history of Chicago's iconic elevated train system.

Chicago Architecture 101 (Part 1) - Commercial Style

Genre: History, Architecture, Chicago

  • Discover some of the world's oldest skyscrapers.
  • Find out how Chicago made tall buildings revolutionary.
  • Learn about the legendary architects Daniel Burnham, William Holabird, Martin Roche, and Louis Sullivan.

Chicago Architecture 101 (Part 5) - Brutalism/Postmodernism

Genre: Architecture, History, Chicago

  • Discover the critiques Brutalist and Postmodern architects had towards Mid-Century Modernism.
  • Learn about the characteristics of these two often misunderstood architectural styles.
  • Hear about the transformation planned for a Postmodern icon.

Chicago Icons Inside & Out - Sears (Willis) Tower & Skydeck

Genre: Architecture, History, Chicago

  • Step out on to the 103rd floor observation deck and the glass box Ledge
  • Discover the history and architecture of the former world's tallest building
  • Explore the recently remodeled galleries showing what makes Chicago special

Chicago’s Greatest Hits - Navy Pier

Genre: History, Chicago, Architecture

  • Find remnants of Navy Pier's prior incarnations hiding in plain sight
  • See how the pier was recently remodeled for its 100th birthday
  • Get amazing views of Chicago's skyline

Chicago Architecture 101 (Part 4) - Mid-Century Modernism

Genre: Architecture, History, Chicago

  • Discover the influences on the Mid-Century Modern movement.
  • Learn about the three principles of Mid-Century Modern architecture.
  • See an array Mid-Century Modern landmarks by SOM, Perkins + Will, C.F. Murphy Assoc., and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.