Art Institute of Chicago

New addition to The Art Institute of Chicago under construction
photo by: Joseph Hollick

The Art Institute of Chicago hosts a collection covering 5,000 years of art. Events and exhibitions are hosted year-round (they are only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). The museum offers lectures, workshops, performances, and courses every day.

The AI is located centrally in Chicago, adjacent to Millennium Park. There is a suggested admission donation of $12 for adults, but it's acceptable to pay a little less.

In the lower level, among other things, are the Kraft Education Center (oriented to children!) and the Photography exhibition more..

type:	Public Buildings
World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	312.443.3600
openingHours:	varies, check site
url:	www.artic.edu
address:	111 South Michigan Avenue

Millennium Park

Millennium Park with flowers & Frank Gehry Sculpture
photo by: Joseph Hollick

This 24.5 acre park owned by the City of Chicago includes work by a collection of artists, designers, landscapers and architects including: Kathryn Gustafson, Frank Gehry, Juame Plensa, and Anish Kapoor. It is also home to the 300-seat Park Grill, situated right next to a 16,000 square foot ice-skating rink that converts to a 150-seat star-lit dining area featuring outdoor concerts and fashion shows. Other highlights include: a music pavilion, theater, garden, and Ameritech Plaza, fountain. The Symphony Center has enough space for 120 musicians and 150 singers and it can seat more..

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	312-742-1168
openingHours:	6:00 a.m. to 11 p.m.
url:	www.millenniumpark.org
address:	corner of Columbus and Randolph
email:	millennium-park@cityofchicago.org

Sears Tower

Sears Tower as seen from river cruise
photo by: Joseph Hollick

Sears Tower stands at 1,450 feet tall and 110 stories high making it the tallest building in North America and the third tallest building in the world. Inside, the building has 3.8 million square feet of space and skydeck that has to be experienced to be believed -- it is the one of the world's highest observatories. The Sears Tower Skydeck is located at 233 S. Wacker Drive. The Skydeck is open 365 days a year.

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	312-875-9696 or 312-875-9447
openingHours:	10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. April-September and until 8:00 p.m. October-March
url:	www.theskydeck.com
address:	233 S. Wacker Drive

Magnificent Mile

John Hancock Center on "The Magnificent Mile"
photo by: Joseph Hollick

Chicago's Magnificent Mile is world famous for upscale shopping, world class dining venues with panoramic views of the city, hip and sophisticated hotels, and celebrity sightings -- of course. Along the Magnificent Mile (or Mag Mile) you will find high-end designers such as Gucci, Hugo Boss, Armani, Escada, and Bottega Veneta as well as less expensive retailers such as H&M. The Apple Store, Nike, Levi's, Polo, Nordstrom's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale's are also located on the Mag Mile. Architectural gems such as the Old Water Tower, the John Hancock Center, the more..

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Roughly 950 North to Wacker Drive

Navy Pier

Navy Pier
photo by: Joseph Hollick

Navy Pier is the place where locals and people from the surrounding areas and beyond come to play. In fact, the number of visitors to Navy Pier is estimated at somewhere around 8 million. In addition to dozens of opporotunities to take a cruise around Lake Michigan, a speed boat ride, or a number of architectural cruises, the Pier has a massive Ferris wheel, a game center, and a food court, several bar & grill restaurants, seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and more. Navy Pier is located at 600 East Grand Avenue and is easily accessed by bus, taxi, subway, and a free more..

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]
url:	www.navypier.com
address:	600 East Grand Avenue

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo
photo by: Kenneth Hong

Lincoln Park Zoo has as many events as it does exhibits. It's very family-oriented, with a huge petting zoo/living farm program. They do many presentations during the day, often in smaller, intimate groups - and often with animals.

ADMISSION IS FREE.
Events are offered year round with a huge range of interests and age targets. There are also seven restaurants and three places to shop. The animal exhibits include Birds, Tropical Birds, African Large Mammals (i.e. Giraffes, Rhinos), Large Cats, Forest Animals (i.e. Bears, Otters), Reptiles, Fowl, more..

type:	Parks, Gardens and Zoos
World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	312 742 2000
openingHours:	varies by season
url:	www.lpzoo.com
address:	2100 N. Clark Street Chicago IL 60614

John G. Shedd Aquarium

John G. Shedd Aquarium

Not only has John G. Shedd aquarium been a leader in the zoo and aquarium profession for more than 75 years, the building is a national historic landmark. The aquarium features several massive exhibits including: Wild Reef -- Sharks at Shedd, Oceanarium, Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, and Amazon Rising. Shedd has regularly scheduled special exhibits.