03.18.2022 |
The Windy City is full of galleries, museums, and towering buildings whose design are at the forefront of architectural innovation and experimentation. Whether you’re a local lover of art and architecture wondering what to do in Chicago this weekend or a visitor to the city wanting to soak in all the sights of this world-class art and design hub, there are plenty of events and experiences to pique your interest and leave you feeling immersed during your weekend in Chicago.
Explore River North
Historic River North is the bustling center of Chicago’s art scene, with art galleries at every turn and architectural feats—like the Mies van der Rohe designed 330 North Wabash building—drawing appreciative eyes. Each gallery brings its own unique energy. Stop by the Ken Saunders Gallery to see some of the most impressive example of glasswork that Chicago’s art scene (or any city’s art scene for that matter) has to offer, or peek inside The Project Room to see documentary-style visual storytelling translated into captivating portraits and photojournalism pieces.
Experience the Windy City Through the Eyes of Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright apprenticed in the Windy City during the early days of career before settling into the city and calling it home. His groundbreaking environment-centered designs are sprinkled around the city, and can easily be seen by Chicago art and architecture lovers by foot or car. Start out at the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio, the birthplace of the Prairie School of architecture and the creative site where roughly a quarter of his life’s work was designed.
During your weekend in Chicago, you can tour the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio with a 60-minute self-guided tour or walk three blocks to see Unity Temple, Wright’s last surviving public building (which he affectionately nicknamed his “little jewel box”). From there, make your way to the Robie House or Emil Bach House to see examples of Wright’s residential design (both of which can be explored through offered guided tours).
Enjoy the Immersive Frida Kahlo or Vincent Van Gogh Art Experience
The Lighthouse ArtSpace specializes in curating vibrant experiences that engage the work of your favorite artists (like Frida Kahlo or Vincent van Gogh) through 360° immersion. Visit the immersive Frida Kahlo exhibit to see 300,000 cubic feet of art exploring Kahlo’s life and artistry. Or see Vincent van Gogh brought to life through an event running until the end of May 2022.
For art and architecture lovers wondering what to do in Chicago this weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to get inspired by the shapes, colors, and unforgettable experiences of the Windy City’s art and architecture scene.
Once you have visited some of these sights, stop by Aqua Lakeshore East to take in full view of the building’s sculptural majesty with concrete balconies and glass artfully designed to give the impression of water gently flowing down the building’s sides. And after you depart from Aqua Lakeshore East, check out our list of the most unusual museums in Chicago.
