By admin 
Chicago is a city filled with creativity, from its museums and galleries to its streets and stages. Walk through any Chi-Town neighborhood, and you’ll find murals, sculptures, and spaces where artists bring new ideas to life.
As Shea Guillot of KOVAL Distillery says, “One of the most unique elements of Chicago’s art scene is the art that is the city itself. We’re of course renowned for our architecture but the city also prioritizes public and community-driven art, from all the statues around the city (Calder’s Flamingo, the Chicago Picasso, the Bean, myriad pieces along LSD, etc.) to more community-specific pieces like the Mile of Murals up in Rogers Park (a mile long walk along the redline of constant murals along bustling businesses), more than a city that makes space for art, we are a city made of art down to our infrastructure!”
The city’s art scene isn’t just in one place—it’s everywhere, shaped by the people who call it home. Whether you’re touring apartments in Chicago, looking for homes for sale, or a home to rent, this Redfin article has you covered. Join us as we explore what makes Chicago great for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
Chicago museums to explore
Chicago’s museums offer a captivating journey through history, culture, and creativity, showcasing diverse art, science, and innovation. Here are a few of the top museums in the city.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant art scene, holding a revered status among locals and visitors. Its extensive collection spans centuries and continents, offering a rich artistic expression from ancient to contemporary times.
With masterpieces by renowned artists such as Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” the museum is an invaluable educational and cultural resource. Its commitment to showcasing diverse cultures and artistic genres solidifies the Art Institute’s pivotal role in shaping Chicago as a hub of creative inspiration and exploration.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
This museum catalyzes conversations around contemporary issues and artistic evolution by showcasing works from established and emerging artists across various mediums. Its role in fostering artistic experimentation and encouraging dialogue makes the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago a vital and transformative force within the Chicago art scene.
National Museum of Mexican Art
Antonio of Antonio Alanís Art, which supports artists and nonprofits with cultural authenticity and community impact, recommends exploring the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen.
He suggests, “I highly recommend visiting the Pilsen Neighborhood if you’re an artist and want to get an authentic public art experience in Chicago. As someone visiting for the first time, I enjoyed seeing all the diverse voices and cultural depictions of Latino arts and culture throughout 18th Street. You have to visit the National Museum of Mexican Art to get immersed in Mexican culture from pre-Columbian times to the 21st century. I always make sure to stop by because they have frequent and new thought-provoking exhibitions.”
Lively Chicago art festivals to check out
Known for hosting exceptional art festivals, Chicago showcases diverse artistic expressions and fosters a vibrant atmosphere of cultural celebration. Here are a few of the top art festivals in the city.
Millennium Art Festival
“The Millennium Art Festival provides a wonderful opportunity for people to interact with the artists and see spectacular, unique, handmade pieces from artists all over the country,” shares Amy Amdur, CEO of Amdur Productions. “When attending these fests, we suggest planning ahead by visiting our website to get acquainted with the various artists and their work and the surrounding neighborhood. We encourage attendees to make a full day of it by enjoying a variety of activities at the fest, as well as exploring the unique shops and restaurants that are just steps away.”
Printer’s Row Art Fest
Nestled in the historic Printer’s Row neighborhood, the Printer’s Row Art Festival transforms the streets into a dynamic gallery where skilled artisans proudly display their handcrafted treasures. From intricate hand-bound books to mesmerizing woodblock prints, visitors can immerse themselves in the tactile beauty of the creative process.
57th St Art Fair
Amy Gelman, 57th St Art Fair committee member, shouts out the annual 57th Street Art Fair. Amy describes it as, “Chicago’s oldest juried art fair and a must-visit event.”
“In its 78th year, it’s always held the first weekend of June (June 7+8 this year!), and it attracts over 20,000 visitors and features works from approximately 200 artists, providing an excellent platform to discover emerging talents and connect with local creators. The Fair is rooted in Chicago history when founder Mary Louise Womer, a silversmith artist from Kansas City, set out to create an art event where local artists could share and sell their work to the community. Many famous artists, including sculptor Claes Oldenburg, got their start at the 57th St Art Fair!”
Must-see Chicago galleries
From contemporary innovation to classical mastery, Chicago galleries showcase an array of artworks that mirror the city’s dynamic spirit and cultural diversity. Here are a few of the best.
Bridgeport Art Center
“There are two expansive art galleries situated on the third and fourth floors of the Bridgeport Art Center,” reveals Karen I. Hirsch, a local photographer. “Moreover, individual artists within the building graciously unveil their studios to the public. Adding to the building’s allure is the Chicago Maritime Museum, nestled on the lower level.”
Blue Moon Gallery
Lynne, a publisher of the Fox Valley Art BEAT, an art news site, suggests visiting the Blue Moon Gallery. “The owner of Blue Moon Gallery, Kendra Kett, curates beautifully, choosing local artists who know what sells well and prices it right. Although the gallery looks deceptively small from the street, once inside, it is open, airy, and bright with soothing colors, a salon approach to display, tabletop art, high ceilings, and even clerestory windows filling the length with natural light.”
Rare Nest Gallery
Keith Bringe, founder and director of the Rare Nest Gallery, invites you to stop by and visit. Keith says, “Rare Nest Gallery was founded eight years ago in Avondale, which was then a decidedly un-hip neighborhood. Rare Nest has always valued collaboration with other cultural presenters and our program is event-driven with book launches, lectures, media, and artist’s talks.
For instance, this week, we are hosting the independent “Lover’s Eye Press” – a literary journal whose leadership comprises young academics. We also try to support our neighborhood. We helped to landmark the original farmhouse for this whole section of the city, and in December, we were the lead sponsor for a concert to benefit the Chicago Woman’s Health Center.”
Intuit
Keith Bringe, also speaks on the change in the Chicago art scene. Keith explains, “The art scene in Chicago is undergoing something of a sea change. Larger commercial galleries and auction houses are closing or consolidating. This is not all bad news, as smaller, independent, and non-profit spaces are opening or repositioning. For instance, Intuit – the outsider and untrained artist’s museum – is reopening this month in entirely renovated and expanded galleries.
Over the last two decades, the geography of arts and culture in Chicago has been decentralized. Traditionally, there were two Gallery districts – North Michigan Avenue (very ritzy) and River North (lovingly nicknamed “culture gulch”). Now it seems every neighborhood has a space that presents art, all the better.
Galleries all around Chicago
The Chicago Artists Coalition (CAC) is a non-profit organization that supports contemporary Chicago artists and curators by offering residency programs, exhibitions, professional development, and resources that enable them to live, work, and thrive in the city. They state that “Chicago is a big city made up of many tight-knit communities, each of which has unique stories to tell. This is what lends to Chicago having such a vibrant and diverse arts scene. Galleries offer a free way to explore the work of some of the most profound artists working today, both emerging and established.”
CAC shares numerous galleries in different parts of Chicago for people to explore.
“Some of our favorite galleries and art spaces in the city are as follows;
West Town: Arts of Life’s Circle Contemporary, Filter Photo, Corbett vs. Dempsey, Tala, Monique Meloche
South Side: Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago Art Department, Bridgeport Art Center, South Side Community Art Center
North Side: Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Wrightwood 659, DePaul Art Museum, PAGODA RED;
River North: Zolla/Lieberman Gallery, Poetry Foundation, Carl Hammer Gallery.”
Chicago architecture that can’t be missed
Chicago’s architecture is integral to the city’s art scene, blending aesthetics and functionality to create a dynamic urban canvas. As David from AIA Chicago says, “Chicago stands as an unrivaled architectural mecca where the modern skyscraper was born, offering visitors an open-air museum of historic buildings spanning styles from beaux-arts to modernism. The city’s architectural innovation continues today with breathtaking structures by Chicago locals, including Jeanne Gang, FAIA, Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, and Adrian Smith, FAIA, complementing masterpieces by Louis Sullivan, Tadao Ando, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
For serious enthusiasts, the AIA Guide to Chicago serves as an indispensable companion for self-guided tours through neighborhoods like the Loop and Gold Coast, where every building tells a chapter of American architectural history.”
An additional great way to see the iconic Chicago landscape is through tours like the Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours. There, you’ll be surrounded by historic and modern-day buildings. Here are a few spots to keep in mind.
Chicago Riverwalk
“Immerse yourself in Chicago’s artistic scene by strolling down the Chicago Riverwalk,” suggests Christiane Sola, the Chicago School of Musical Arts co-founder. Enjoy the breathtaking architecture and local musicians performing along the route, creating an unforgettable urban gallery. An array of restaurants and bars and stunning waterfront views invite locals and tourists to savor Chicago’s boundless expression of art and vibrancy.”
Willis Tower
The Willis Tower is a monumental piece of architecture that significantly enriches the Chicago art scene. Once the world’s tallest building, its soaring silhouette seamlessly merges form and function, becoming an iconic representation of the city’s artistic spirit. The tower’s distinctive design, with its bundled-tube structure and imposing presence, has inspired countless artists to capture its essence through various mediums, from paintings to photographs.
Diverse Chicago dance communities to discover
The dance scene in Chicago resonates with performances, fusing jazz, ballet, and diverse movements that showcase the city’s artistic energy. Here are a few great spots to enjoy.
The South Side Jazz Coalition
The South Side Jazz Coalition hosts jazz jams, pop-up concerts, and the popular Jazz’n On The Steps in the beautiful Woodlawn neighborhood. Festivals will be happening in Bronzeville and Englewood through October, as live music is “the happening” on the south side of town.
Scottish country dancing
Feel like venturing further afield? Head to Naperville. Participate in a lively class with Chicago Scottish Country Dance, a group that meets every Tuesday evening to learn and enjoy this social set dancing from Scotland.
Joel Hall Dancers & Center
If you are interested in taking a more hands-on approach to the dance scene, Joel Hall Dancers & Center invites you in for a class.
They write, “Chicago is home to an amazing dance scene. Experimental and emerging companies perform alongside iconic titans of the national dance community at the many Chicago dance and cultural festivals throughout the city, presented by See Chicago Dance and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Ravenswood/Uptown neighborhood is home to our training studio for the Joel Hall Dancers and its artist-in-residence, Noumenon Dance Ensemble. We open our doors to everyone, to share the talent and training that make Chicago a cultural capital.”
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater
For a fusion of dance, Peter Gaona of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater shares an invitation to explore Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. Peter shares, “Chicago’s art scene is a dynamic blend of history, innovation, and cultural storytelling, with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater at its heart downtown. As a company that fuses contemporary, classical, and African-American traditions, Deeply Rooted offers a powerful reflection of the city’s artistic soul. Look out for our pop-up classes or performances.”
The Harris Theater
Julianna Rubio Slager, Artistic director and co-founder of the School of Ballet 5:8, recommends all Chicago visitors attend The Harris Theater. Julianna describes it as “a premier venue for world-class dance and a hub for both local and international companies.
Ballet 5:8 is proud to be a resident company alongside Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, furthering the theater’s mission to bring innovative and diverse performances to Chicago audiences. The Harris Theater consistently attracts world-renowned talent — just last season, they hosted the New York City Ballet, a testament to their commitment to excellence in dance.
For those looking to explore Chicago’s dance scene, attending performances at the Harris Theater is essential. The theater offers an array of performances, from contemporary works to classical ballet, providing a space where artists push boundaries and reimagine storytelling through movement. Ballet 5:8 continues to contribute to this dynamic landscape by presenting thought-provoking ballet that speaks to today’s audiences.”
Tap dancing
Lyn Coe, a teacher at Rhythm of the Street Dance Studio, shares where to find the best tap dancing in Chicago. She says, “The Chicago Tap Community has various shows throughout the year. In March and June, the Chicago Tap Theater has its show at The Den. M.A.D.D Rhythms has their shows in December at Harold Washington Cultural Center in Bronzeville and Chicago Tap Allstars has their show in December at Harold Washington Cultural Center.
The Rhythm of the Street Dance Studio in Irving Park has its shows at The Black Ensemble Theater in Uptown. Our shows are in early June and the middle of December. The Black Ensemble Theater has its own curated/created shows throughout the year. Currently, they are playing Elvis was a Black man named Joe, it is a Chicago-centered play about the intersection of Joe Taylor and Elvis Presley.”
Other ways to dive into Chicago’s art scene
Chicago is teeming with many shops showcasing vintage items, art, and records that further add to the diverse art scene. One way to learn about the city is taking a trip through the shops.
Explore some of Chicago’s popular shops
Mady from Renegade Craft, the leading showcase of independent craft and design, encourages you to “Kick the day off by sifting through records at Reckless Records, then head to Renegade vendor Demolition Collective’s storefront for a different kind of vintage sifting. Get your aura photographed by the loveliest Aura/Iris, then check out Gucha Gucha’s creative studio and shop. End the day with a visit to Co-Prosperity, an ‘experimental cultural center’ that will inspire you to apply to Renegade yourself.”
Killian from Artists Book House, an arts education organization dedicated to teaching book arts, recommends beginning to dive into Chicago’s art scene. As Killian notes, “Chicago is a city of working artists – if your goal is to make, there are plenty of places to do it. Whatever your niche is, whether it be book arts, ceramics, illustration, or anything else, there is a community here that is ready to support and help you grow your work.
The best way to find your community? Take a class or a workshop on something you are interested in, or visit your nearest gallery or art center and just start talking to people. Chicago’s art scene is incredibly welcoming, so if you are looking to find your place in art, there are plenty of places to start.”