ARTS AROUND HERE / THE CHICAGO EDITION

Arts Around
Chicago.

A gallery afternoon. A live set. Something that stays with you.

A compact selection of exhibitions, performances and hands-on arts outings across Chicago.

A contemporary performance ensemble moving across a dramatically lit stage.

WORTH MAKING A PLAN FOR

On view. Coming up.

A short selection, with the details you need to take the next step.

ExhibitionChicago · The Loop

To Be Remembered: Woven Matters of the Heart

Five contemporary textile artists use fiber to connect memory, emotion and cultural histories across places and generations.

Through Feb 28, 2027

Chicago Cultural Center · Chicago Rooms

78 E Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602

Free

The Cultural Center is generally open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; confirm holiday hours and gallery access before visiting.

Reviewed 2026-11-01
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Organizer details ↗
ExhibitionChicago · The Loop

Mary Cassatt: After Impressionism

More than seventy paintings and works on paper focus on Cassatt’s experimental practice after the final Impressionist group exhibition.

Through Jan 3, 2027

Art Institute of Chicago

111 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603

$7 exhibition ticket in addition to general admission; members do not need exhibition tickets

Special-exhibition admission is separate from general admission. Confirm entry times and museum hours before visiting.

Reviewed 2026-11-01
Art Institute of Chicago
Organizer details ↗
TheatreChicago · Streeterville

Cally Spooner: Warm Up

A live work unfolds across the galleries through voice, movement and repeated rehearsal, with visitors free to enter and leave throughout the evening.

Nov 3, 2026 · 5:00 PM–8:00 PM CST

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago · Sylvia Neil and Daniel Fischel Galleries

220 E Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Free with museum admission

The performance is durational; visitors may come and go. Confirm museum admission and accessibility details before visiting.

Reviewed 2026-11-01
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Organizer details ↗
ExhibitionChicago · Streeterville

Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers

More than seventy works trace Rashid Johnson’s use of painting, sculpture, film, installation and performance across three decades.

Nov 7, 2026–Apr 25, 2027

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago · Griffin Galleries

220 E Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Museum admission; check current ticket price

The exhibition opens November 7. Confirm current gallery hours and timed-entry guidance before visiting.

Reviewed 2026-11-01
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Organizer details ↗

Times are local to the venue. Exhibition dates describe the run, not daily opening hours. Ticket availability and plans can change; check the original organizer before going.

KEEP THESE ON YOUR RADAR

Places to know.

Chicago · Streeterville

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Changing contemporary exhibitions, performances and public programs. Event admission and gallery admission are listed separately.

Explore the venue ↗
Chicago · The Loop

Art Institute of Chicago

A large collection alongside ticketed special exhibitions. Check exhibition admission and entry requirements before choosing a day.

Explore the venue ↗
Chicago · The Loop

Chicago Cultural Center

Free exhibitions, music, dance, film and public programs inside the landmark People’s Palace.

Explore the venue ↗
Chicago · Hyde Park

Hyde Park Art Center

Contemporary exhibitions, artist programs and classes with free gallery admission. Check the calendar for talks and openings.

Explore the venue ↗

Before you go.

What area does Arts Around Chicago cover?

This edition is mapped to Cook County and centers on Chicago. Every pick names its actual venue and neighborhood so you can judge the trip for yourself.

Are the Chicago Cultural Center exhibitions free?

Yes. The City of Chicago lists free admission to the Cultural Center. Other museums and special exhibitions set their own admission and reservation rules, which are noted on each pick.

How are exhibition dates different from museum hours?

An exhibition date range describes the run, not daily opening. Follow the organizer link for current hours, holiday closures, ticket availability and accessibility details before going.

Invite someone along, then make your plan together. Find your group →