Harlem Holiday Lights

HARLEM HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2020 RECOGNIZES HARLEM'S ATTRACTIONS

125th Street is more than a retail strip.  It sits in the middle of a dynamic community full of many attractions with rich historical value. Not only is it a major shopping district and transportation hub, but 125th Street also serves as the Harlem Connector to beautiful parks, historic neighborhoods, statues and monuments, spirits of love, and historic districts.

Harlem Holiday Lights says: BRONZE AROUND HARLEM

Attend a church service at a majestic Gothic or neo-Renaissance house of prayer

Harlem is home to many beautiful, historic churches.

The stunning architecture and powerful stories of African Americans are a part of what creates an ongoing interest in Harlem. Perhaps some of the most beautiful buildings in Harlem are the houses of worship. Not only do these institutions bring a unique charm to Harlem, but they also have played an important role in Black history.

Some of the world's most famous and beautiful houses of worship can be found on the streets of Harlem. Harlem is home to houses of worship from every major faith and every denomination, as well as the oldest church established in 1660 and the oldest Black church in New York City.

Elmendorf Reformed
Harlem's Oldest Church
 171 East 121st Street 

Architectural Style:  Neoclassical architecture
Established:  1660

Memories from Nina Saxon, East Harlem Resident
"As a kid, I remember my Dad telling me about Elmendorft Reformed  being the oldest church and how important churches are in the African American community.  He stressed to me that this is our history and our culture.  When you get older make sure your fnid yourself a church home like this one.  As I became older and became a member of Manhattan Community Board #11, I began to understand what he was talking about and how symbolic the church is for East Harlem. During a meeting at the church on the preservation of the African Burial Gound in East Harlem the symbolism of our cultural  roots that embodies intergernerational lines was evident. 


The A.M.E.  Zion Church
New York City and New York State's Oldest Black Church
140-148 West 137th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Malcolm X Boulevards 

Architectural Style:  Gothic
Founded:  1796

"The A.M.E. Zion conference was referred to nationally as the "Freedom Church" for its vital role in the United States abolitionist movement, and was an "Underground Railway" refuge. Sojourner Truth was a member of the congregation, and spoke out from the pulpit against slavery. Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass were members of the A.M.E. Zion conference at other congregations."

DID YOU KNOW? The founders of the NAACP, Alexander Walters and Dr. W. E. B. DuBois, were members of Mother A.M.E. Zion Church.

Check out the video below to learn more about the Mother A.M.E. Zion Church.

Harlem's Most Famous Church
Abyssinian Baptist Church

Architectural Style:  Gothic and Tudor (Neo-Gothic)

Abyssinian Baptist Church is located on 138th Street between Adam Clayton Powell and Malcolm X Boulevards. The Church is a Baptist megachurch and is affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, USA.

"The Abyssinian Baptist Church values its history as a Christian institution born out of rebellion against racial discrimination, and its commitment to social justice for all. We believe that the church is a house of prayer for all people."

The Church was founded in 1808.

Masjid Malcolm Shabazz Mosque: A Piece of Black History

Masjid Malcolm Shabazz Mosque is located at 116th St. and Lenox Avenue. It was formerly a Nation of Islam mosque where Malcolm X preached until he left it for Sunni Islam in 1964.

"Before becoming a religious structure, the lot used to contain the Lenox Casino, a space which was often rented for meetings by the Socialist Party and used as a theatrical performance venue for a number of then-renowned artists. Built in 1905 and designed by Lorenz F. J. Weiher, the Lenox Casino was raided in 1912 for showing “illegal films” in an escapade grippingly documented by the New York Times."

Spirits of Love

125th Street is within walking distance to several historic neighborhoods

Architecture, Historic Districts, & Landmarks

Though 125th Street is the heart of Harlem, it is surrounded by several  historic neighborhoods, architectural feats, and memorials.  

Harlem is bursting with history, art, and culture. The 125th Street BID encourages residents and visitors alike enjoy these online recognition during the holiday season.  

"The Hamilton Heights Historic District is home to unusual, creative, one-of-a-kind brownstones. The most spectacular stretch is on Convent Ave. between 143nd St. and 145th St., as well as the surrounding side streets.

The house from The Royal Tenenbaums is part of this area — it’s on the southeast corner of Convent Ave. and 144th St. Nearby is the City College campus, with its entrance on Amsterdam Ave. at 140th St., is home to giant gothic buildings springing out of the middle of nowhere."

Hamilton Grange: Home of Alexander Hamilton

Statues and memorials commemorate powerful figures in African American history and U.S. Presidents

Being a neighborhood full of history, art, and culture, Harlem has many memorials dedicated to influential Black leaders, United States presidents, and others.

The 125th Street BID encourages residents and visitors alike to visit the many statues in Harlem and learn about the history of the neighborhood. What you learn might surprise you!

Now known as Harriet Tubman Triangle, the Harriet Tubman statue was commissioned by the Department of Cultural Affairs Percent for Art program.

It is a 13-foot (4.0 m) bronze and Chinese granite portrait sculpture and was created by sculptor Alison Saar. It was unveiled on November 13, 2008.

"The statue depicts Tubman striding forward despite roots pulling on the back of her skirt; these represent the roots of slavery. Her skirt is decorated with images representing the former slaves who Tubman assisted to escape. The base of the statue features illustrations representing moments from Tubman's life, alternated with traditional quilting symbols."

"Fearless abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad who led scores of slaves to freedom in some 13 expeditions, fought for the Union Army during the Civil War, and dedicated herself to Women’s Suffrage later in life, was known as “Moses” in her own time, and is revered in our time as an extraordinary trailblazer. "

Harlem Hybrid: Honoring the African-American Experience

"Harlem Hybrid"  by Richart Harts, one of the foremost African American sculptors in the United States, was dedicated in 1976.  It is a site-specific assemblage made of polished and welded industrial Bronze. It is located in Roosevelt Triangle.

Harlem is an art and cultural destination. Find time to get outside and see the stunning pieces of public art throughout the neighborhood.

Statues On and Around 125th Streets

Learn more about the historic parks and playgrounds on and around 125th Street

Historic Parks and Playgrounds On and Around 125th Street 

Harlem is known as a home to art, culture, and community, but did you know about the beautiful and historic parks that are located in the neighborhood?

The beautiful parks of Harlem offer residents and visitors an opportunity to get outside for fresh air and engage with a piece of history. The parks in Harlem have been important not only for the development of the neighborhood but have also offered a sense of community and safety for Harlem's Black community.

For more information about Harlem's parks, visit the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation website.

Visit the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation website for more information!

Located at the intersection of Marginal St. & West 132nd St

"The West Harlem Waterfront Park is a landscaped transformation of the historic Manhattanville shoreline. For thousands of years, the natural topography of this site formed a valley and small sheltered cove off the Hudson River, also known as the North River. This solitary break between the bluffs of today’s Morningside Heights and Washington Heights provided the only direct river access to the area’s earliest native residents as well as a convenient inroad to the area’s early 17th-century non-native arrivals." -NYC Parks

Central Park is recognized as the most iconic park in New York City and perhaps the world.

"Since day one, Central Park has been the city dweller’s backyard: a lush and wide-open retreat from the swarming cityscape just beyond its perimeter. What began as a citizen-led effort to revitalize this precious resource became a lasting commitment to the health of the Park and, in turn, that of all New Yorkers. The Conservancy has invested more than $1 billion to date in this mission, the impact of which is beyond measure." -Central Park Conservancy

Do you know the history of Seneca Village? Check out the information below!

Read more about the history of Seneca Village

Located at the intersection of St Nicholas Ave & St Nicholas Terrace

"This spacious park is named for St. Nicholas of Myra. It is located at the intersection of St. Nicholas Avenue, 127th Street, St. Nicholas Terrace and 141st Street, bordering the Manhattan neighborhoods of Hamilton Heights, Manhattanville, and Harlem." -NYC Parks

Located along the west side of Manhattan from W 72nd Street to W 158th Street

Did you know that this park is four miles long?

"Recreational facilities include a range of sports courts and fields, a skate park, a large portion of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway (for bicycles), and the 110-slip public marina at 79th street, an important part of New York State's Water Trail." -NYC Parks

Located between West 155th Street and Dykman Avenue

"Although widely known for its important landmarks, the Highbridge tower, and formerly mentioned bridge, the park offers natural beauty and recreational fun that serve as reason enough to visit. The park boasts the city’s first mountain biking course and a world-class skate park. Open vistas and an unusual geologic makeup greet visitors who stroll the pathways north and south through the park, while pedestrians and waterside cyclists on the greenways cherish its magnificent cliffs and large rock outcroppings. The Highbridge Recreation Center and Pool have kept active New Yorkers busy since 1936, and several playgrounds and ballfields have been constructed throughout the park over the last century." -NYC Parks

"Sakura Park owes its name to the more than 2,000 cherry trees delivered to parks in New York City from Japan in 1912. The word sakura means “cherry blossom” in Japanese. The cherry trees were to be presented as a gift from the Committee of Japanese Residents of New York as part of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration in 1909." -NYC Parks

Located on Harlem River Drive between 125th Street and 145th Street

"Harlem River Park is being built by the City of New York along 20 acres of the Manhattan Harlem River waterfront, east of the Harlem River Drive, from 125th to 145th Streets. Since 2002, three phases of the park, from 132nd to 145th streets, have been built. Other phases connecting the park to a planned greenway around the island are in the early planning stages." -NYC Parks

Located on 124th Street and Mt Morris Park W

"The two playgrounds are built for all children, including those with disabilities, giving the neighborhood's youngest members hours of fun on the park’s slides, fountains, and drawbridges. On summer days families and friends swim and sun in its outdoor pool, and in the warm evenings they gather to watch plays and concerts in the park’s amphitheater." -NYC Parks

Located between 192nd Street and 200th Street Street along the Hudson River

"Fort Tryon Park is home to Manhattan's largest dog run, complete with a gazebo for dog owners to sit and socialize, as well as two playgrounds, volleyball courts, and built-in ping pong tables. The pristine views of the Hudson River make the park the perfect setting for exploring, meandering strolls, and picnics." -NYC Parks

"Holcombe Rucker (1926-1965) is remembered here for the major basketball tournaments he founded at this court, and for the generations of players that emerged under his wing.  Born and raised in Manhattan and schooled at Benjamin Franklin High School, Rucker worked between 1948 and 1964 as a Playground Director for NYC Parks at various Harlem playgrounds.  Rucker’s main purpose was to train local kids so that they could better compete on the court and in life." -NYC Parks

Located at the intersection of Bradhurst Avenue and West 151st Street

"Originally built as a neighborhood playground to encourage organized play for city children, and one of the ten original parks to receive a City pool, Jackie Robinson Park’s history is steeped with efforts to bring the neighborhood together in recreational fun.  Along with its pool opening in 1936, a recreation center was created the same year. Equipped with traditional cardiovascular equipment, weight room, and gymnasium, the recreation center also boasts a library, Computer Resource Center, and an arts & crafts room, among other features." -NYC Parks

Located on Morningside Drive between West 110th Street and West 123rd Street

"With its convenient location in the heart of Northern Manhattan, only a few blocks from Columbia University, Riverside Park, St. Nicholas Park, the Apollo Theater, and the northern tip of Central Park, Morningside Park’s grounds make an ideal starting point for wanderings, bike rides, and walking tours." -NYC Parks

Historic Parks and Playgrounds

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Exciting Announcement
Harlem Holiday Lights 2020 is still on!!!

Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azbeoJ2dVCg&t=808s

MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT GALE BREWER VIP VIRTUAL LOUNGE

https://harlemlightitup.vamonde.com/posts/hhl-2020-listening-experience/10656/

HARLEM HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2020 LISTENING EXPERIENCE

LIVESTREAM OF CARAVAN OF LIGHTS

https://harlemlightitup.vamonde.com/posts/karaoke-with-nightstar-dj/10464/

VIRTUAL KARAOKE WITH NIGHTSTAR DJ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMN45UPOgx0&feature=youtu.be

MESSAGE FROM 2020 GRAND MARSHAL DR.JOSEPH L. TAIT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHCdJRjUAjs&feature=youtu.be

MESSAGE FROM 2020 GRAND MARSHAL BEVY SMITH

HARLEM HOLIDAY LIGHTS IS STILL ON! From November 16, 2020 through December 31, 2020, the 125th Street Business Improvement District looks forward to (virtually) celebrating the start of the holiday season in Harlem.

Harlem Lights 2020: Spreading Cheer in Harlem

Put your sleuthing skills to the ultimate test in New York's SPYSCAPE, a cutting-edge museum experience dedicated to all things espionage. Whether you fancy yourself a James Bond or a Mata Hari, you'll get to explore all types of undercover infiltration, and learn how to apply these skills in everyday life.

SPYSCAPE

We all know New York for its speeding cabs and towering skyscrapers, but did you know there's also a theme park where thrilling rollercoasters hurtle over the beach? Get a whole day of fun and up to 28 different rides at Coney Island's Luna Park! On summer weekends, this pass is not available onsite - it's ONLY available through Tiqets!

Luna Park in Coney Island

Soak up the magic of Manhattan from the saddle of your bicycle with a Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental. Plan your own itinerary, pick up your wheels at South Bridge Seaport and set off for a day of Big Apple sightseeing! Choose from one hour up to a full 24.

Brooklyn Bridge Sightseeing Bike Rentals

Looking up at New York's skyscrapers is quite an experience. But it's nothing compared to looking _down_ on New York from atop its most famous skyscraper. With ongoing exhibitions and two observation decks, the Empire State Building is the best way to see the Empire State.

Empire State Building: General Admission

Take a trip around the world and back in time, through thousands of pieces of priceless art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (or The Met) is the largest art museum in the United States. Our mobile ticket gets you three-day, fast-track access to all exhibits at all three Met locations!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): Fast Track

The _Top of the Rock_ is an observation deck smack in the middle of Manhattan. It's perched atop 30 Rock, the famous Art Deco building that's the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center. Skip the ticketing line and go straight entry line to the 70th-floor observation deck for panoramic views of the Big Apple.

Top of the Rock

You want to be a part of it, New York, New York! But after a while all those honking taxi horns and crowded sidewalks can make your brain hurt. Enter Central Park, an emerald green oasis in the middle of the madness. Rent a bike for a day and cruise this urban wilderness. Escape to Strawberry Fields, roll past lakes and lochs, sniff out the hotdog sellers, and become part of Manhattan. The city is yours.

Central Park Bike Rentals

New York City is America’s real land of opportunity, and here’s an opportunity you can’t pass up. With a New York City Explorer Pass you can choose to check out 3, 5 or 7 amazing attractions - from a list of over 60. This convenience will save you time (and more than a good few dollars for your hot dog fund). See the big art museums, take a BEAST speedboat ride, get a tour of Rockefeller and Radio City Music Hall, bike over the Brooklyn Bridge, and more.

New York City Explorer Pass

Events

VIDEOS

Plan your spring break family fun in Chicago! Check it out on the Choose Chicago channel on Vamonde.

Choose Chicago

Plan a family getaway the kids won't soon forget!

Spring Break Family Fun

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues."

Chicago History Museum

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues." Southern black migrants brought the blues to Chicago, where the music helped them forge connections and transform an unfamiliar, often inhospitable city into a new home. The music was also transformed—electrified and amplified to compete with urban noise. The photography of Raeburn Flerlage captures the streets, clubs, homes, and studios where a community of musicians defined the Chicago blues sound.

AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues

From a 20th century resurgence that rivaled the Harlem Renaissance, to spectacular displays of Victorian Era architecture, this South Side neighborhood is responsible for tremendous cultural and social advances that are not to be missed.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Discover why Bronzeville is more than just an artsy pocket on the South Side.

Bronzeville and Beyond

"How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?" We've all been there, even if we're not Ferris Bueller. After your mornings stretch, you look outside at the shining sun, soft breeze, and then wonder, "How can anyone expect me to handle work on a day like this?" So take the day off! While you're at it, follow in Ferris Bueller's footsteps too as Choose Chicago takes you through the film locations that made Ferris Bueller's Day Off such a wonderful adventure (but make sure Ed Rooney isn't on your tail).

It’s Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Take a day to explore the city, but don't get caught by the incredulous Principal Rooney! Kick it like a couple of wise-cracking high school kids at The Art Institute of Chicago and peer down from over 100 stories in the air with the Skydeck at Willis Tower. (Cover photo from @thiswashollywood via Instagram)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy troupe and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Join us as we explore the historic neighborhood and discover its many claims to fame.

As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Discover why this neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years.

Quintessential Old Town

The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company team up with Choose Chicago to how you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Join us as we show you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

Hyde Park: Obama's Neighborhood

The Budget Savvy Travelers

Temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. This is a sure sign that schools will soon be out for summer vacation. Families looking for fun, affordable ways to keep kids busy during hot days will appreciate this guide that shares some great ways to cool off around Chicago—most are even free.

Best Places to Cool Off in Chicago

Craving a getaway, but short on vacation time or extra travel funds? Why not consider embarking on a culinary adventure? Chicago is a great city to experience the world through food! There are over 100 different neighborhoods in the city, each with its own unique flavors and traditions to share. Chicago has always celebrated a diverse array of people, cultures, and cuisines. Therefore, it's not surprising that Chicago consistently ranks high in top foodie destinations in the United States. For those of us that can’t book a plane ticket to satisfy our travel “craving,” taking a culinary adventure is truly the next best thing. Chicago offers a great opportunity to be carried away to a dreamy, distant place–if only through our palates alone.

Traveling the World Through Food | Chicago

Haley Guidry

Only have a short time to visit Chicago? No problem! With this guide, you can fit it all in - in just a weekend!

Spending a Weekend in Chicago

Looking for some free activities to explore in Chicago? You'll be surprised to learn that there are many things to do around the city that are absolutely free of charge!

6 Chicago Hidden Gems to Explore For Free

Wrigley Field holds the very identity of the Chicago Cubs. But Wrigley isn’t the only spot that embodies the spirit of the Cubbies. Lakeview is home to so many rich businesses that are full of North side pride!

Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce

Wrigleyville isn’t the only haven for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Take an adventure “Beyond Wrigley” into West Lakeview to explore some of the neighborhood icons and local businesses that are full of Cubbies pride!

Beyond Wrigley

Glessner House

Glessner House -

An architectural treasure in Chicago

Glessner House - An architectural treasure in Chicago

Welcome to the Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark home of the arts.

The People's Palace

CAC Open House

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Let the Chicago Architecture Center lead you through the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers. Come on an adventure to unlock the secrets of 10 iconic Chicago Buildings.

Cover photo courtesy of Jessica Cabe

10 Iconic Chicago Buildings

Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

An Adventure through all the Best Spots in the City

Must Visit Attractions in Chicago

Chicago has one of the most iconic skylines in the world. This insider guide shows you the best vantage points to capture a memorable photo of the skyline of Chicago. Best of all? These are all places that you can visit that are all free of charge.

Where to Find Chicago's Best Skyline Views for Free

Start on Chicago's South Side and travel back in time as you explore visit the homes of some of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the city's vibrant history. Make your way through Washington Park and Woodlawn moving north towards Rogers Park.

Learn about Chicago's vibrant LGBTQ+ history on this cultural excursion through various parts of the City. This tour covers the historic markers and residences of some of Chicago's top LGBTQ+ luminaries. Find out how they left their marks from Washington Park and Woodlawn all the way up north to Rogers Park.

Explore Gay Chicago History: LGBTQ+ Landmarks Tour

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago. Unexpected turn-of-the-century ballrooms, lavish chandeliers, stained glass fit for royalty, atlases of the Renaissance, former mansions of America's elite, eclectic bars, iconic burger joints, classic cocktails, and unbeatable views make up our guide to the top hidden gems around the district.

The Magnificent Mile's Hidden Gems

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture.

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture. Hop on the Red Line, a bus, or even a water taxi and discover one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods.

Chicago's Chinatown

This adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968," invites you to explore some of the locations Dr. King frequented in Chicago.

A Baptist minister and champion of nonviolent activism, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement. He spent considerable time in Chicago protesting racial discrimination, particularly in housing and education.
This VAMONDE adventure is based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929-1968," and invites you to explore in person some of the locations King frequented in the city and to consider how Dr. King’s work remains relevant today, 50 years after his assassination.

Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago

Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian, on a journey through Humboldt Park to learn more about the role the 150-year-old park served as key experimental grounds for Jens Jensen's Prairie style of landscape architecture.

Julia Bachrach

Established 150 years ago, Humboldt Park can be thought of as a living landmark with layers of history that reflect contributions by important landscape designers, architects, and artists. The most noteworthy, Danish immigrant Jens Jensen (1860 – 1951), revered the indigenous scenery of the Midwest and created the Prairie style of landscape architecture. Humboldt Park provided important grounds for his process of experimentation. Jensen went on to design estates for prominent businessmen such as Julius Rosenwald, Harold Florsheim, and Henry Ford. Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian and author of "The City in a Garden: A History of Chicago’s Parks," on a journey to learn more about how Humboldt Park served as Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds.

Humboldt Park: Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds

The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. Get inspired by these galleries and their collections

Chicago Scene

Chicago is home to countless world renowned cultural institutions. The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. There’s something for everyone at these galleries, whether you’re simply an appreciator of art or a seasoned collector.

Art Galleries: Beyond The Museum Campus

Not your everyday Chicago adventure, these unique outings go inside, behind-the-scenes, and even underground to show off a different side of the city.

VAMONDE

From the lair of a notorious Chicago gangster to the infectious groove of a legendary blues club, this adventure will have you socializing, singing, and exploring the city all day (and night!) long. Personally curated by the Vamonde team (a group of foodies, architecture buffs, music fanatics and bar-hopping explorers) this adventure will provide you with the incredible stories and secrets behind some of Chicago’s notorious and renowned spots. Did we mention gingerbread cookies at the Waldorf Astoria?

A Chicago Insider’s Adventure

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks.

American Writers Museum

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks. A special adventure created in honor of the 2017 American Library Association Annual Exhibition and Conference.

Chicago Literary Landmarks Hunt

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. Paul speaks with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Paul Natkin

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. In this adventure,  Paul goes beyond the Chicago Blues Festival to speak with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Beyond the Blues

The Gathering Spaces are a series of artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning Lake Shore Drive. Travel along the corridor to discover how the artists linked nature and culture.

Chicago Park District

The Gathering Spaces are a series of five artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor (BWC), a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning both sides of Lake Shore Drive. The five Gathering Spaces reflect the nature and culture of the area and serve as assembly grounds and rest areas for people exploring the Corridor. The spaces were designed and created by teams of local artists in partnership with community-based organizations in the Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Pilsen neighborhoods. On this adventure, we'll travel along the BWC to get the inside scoop on the creative process, community goals, and environmental context of each Gathering Space.

Lakefront Gathering Spaces

Broadway in Chicago

With more than 200 theaters, Chicago is home to a rich and varied theater community, well known for a diverse mix of original productions that began here and then went on to Broadway and the world. Broadway In Chicago currently own many of the anchor theatres in Theatre District, including the CIBC Theatre (home of Hamilton), the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the James M. Nederlander Theatre which broke records when it housed Wicked from 2005-2009. Let Broadway In Chicago take you through a tour of the theatres that make up the Chicago Theatre District.

Chicago Historic Theatre District

Jason Brammer is known for his distinctive mixed media assemblage based works, surreal paintings and drawings, murals and site-specific installations. Join us as we take you across the city and unearth how some of your favorite works came to be.

Jason Brammer

Portals, Pyramids, & Octopods: The Art of Jason Brammer

You might have already heard about a few of these destinations, consider this your local guide to the Wicker Park bars that are in some way (think hidden entrance) or another (think no address) -- secret.

Holiday Jones Hostel

Because we’re terrible at keeping secrets and because Wicker Park has too many cool off-the-beaten-track places to explore, Holiday Jones Hostel has created this adventure to give you the inside scoop on the best lounges, dive bars, and speakeasies to visit and pretend like you’re a regular.

Wicker Park's Best Kept Secrets

The story of public housing is the story of America. Explore the untold stories of people who created community across racial and economic divides and confronted social injustice.

National Public Housing Museum

​The story of public housing is the story of America. This tour, curated by the National Public Housing Museum, introduces you to the heart of Chicago’s Near West Side with its vibrant communities, diverse cultures, and history of activism and resistance. Explore fascinating sites where public housing residents built community across racial and economic divides, restaurants and bakeries that continue to create delectable food from various cultures and learn about overlooked and invisible stories about where people studied, organized, and confronted social injustice. We recognize this land as being indigenous, and we follow the lead of the first peoples who, despite massive genocidal violence, have never relinquished the struggle for land, water, culture, their people.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

The Near West Side and The Jane Addams Homes: Chicago's Ellis Island

The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities; avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far.

​The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities: ​avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far. The city's many newspapers, magazines, and literary journals have offered experience and exposure for aspiring writers. Programs at local libraries, bookstores, and cafes have connected writers with the reading public.

City of Writers

The American Writers Museum is the first national museum in the United States dedicated to engaging the public in celebrating American writers. Tap GO and check out 'Writers Hall' for a preview of the museum, but like any good page-turner, it‘ll only leave you wanting more. Plan a visit to unlock the exclusive, behind-the-scenes content for each exhibit.

Choose Chicago® is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois. When you’re in Chicago, you’re home. With the countless experiences there are to have here, you're absolutely welcome to do any and all of them.

Harlem Holiday Lights says: BRONZE AROUND HARLEM

Spirits of Love

Spirits of Love

Architecture, Historic Districts, & Landmarks

Architecture, Historic Districts, & Landmarks

Statues On and Around 125th Streets

Statues On and Around 125th Streets

Historic Parks and Playgrounds

Historic Parks and Playgrounds

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