A growing coalition of civic leaders in Chicago is advancing a bold, scalable concept called the “Cultural Stadium” — one that could generate transformative wins not just for Chicago, but for any American city with world-class cultural and sports assets. What Is a Cultural Stadium? It’s a framework for uniting and expanding the already significant […]
As Goodman Theatre approaches its 2025/2026 Centennial Season, the theater’s commitment to storytelling beyond the stage is stronger than ever. Through education and engagement programs that reach Chicagoans of all ages — from toddlers experiencing live performance for the first time to older adults reflecting on their lives through storytelling — the Goodman fosters meaningful […]
Chicago’s greenery isn’t the only thing in full bloom this May. From can’t-miss theater and groundbreaking exhibitions to street festivals, art fairs, and spring markets, the city is bursting with energy and inspiration. Whether you’re planning a Mother’s Day outing, looking for weekend plans, or ready to dive into Chicago’s cultural calendar, these are the […]
In the 1960s, Myra Alexander fought against racism.Bill Koza craved tolerance toward gay people.Della Reuther protested against war.Ben Bearskin preserved Native American culture.Mary Ward Wolkonsky promoted the civic role of women.Leon Beverly battled for union workers and neighbors.And Blanche Gates, a widowed mother of 15, kept her family strong. The stories of these seven Chicagoans […]
From its gleaming white terra cotta façade to its enduring clock tower presence on Michigan Avenue, the Wrigley Building has long stood as a symbol of Chicago. But in the new book The Wrigley Building: The Making of an Icon, four of the city’s foremost historians and creatives reveal that this architectural marvel is far more […]
For those of us who grew up with Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness as the soundtrack to our adolescence, its arrival this November on the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage doesn’t feel like a stretch, it feels like a full-circle moment. Thirty years later, the sprawling double album that always sounded like a symphony […]
This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” Your voice, ideas, and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.” Making films is my favorite thing to do in […]
April in Chicago brings bold culture, fresh blooms, and a spotlight on the planet — from Earth Month films and art to comic-con cosplay, live dance, and craft cocktails. Rock out to the story of The Kinks, celebrate 40 years of The Goonies, and dig into a month packed with can’t-miss music, food, film, and more. […]
The music of The Kinks, marked by raw riffs and a rebellious spirit, has long held a place in rock history — a reflection, Edward Hall says, of the band’s unwavering honesty. “They never sold out,” says Hall, director of Sunny Afternoon at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. “They did things their own way.” Sunny Afternoon, which […]
Award-winning photographer Cristina Mittermeier’s new book, HOPE, offers a powerful counterpoint to the growing sense of despair that often surrounds conversations about our planet’s future. As Mittermeier poignantly observes, “Hope may not be a plan or a strategy, but it is vital for our survival.” For decades, Mittermeier has traveled the globe, documenting both the […]
