Love and learn about Chicago at history museum
No matter how much you love Chicago, you will love it even more after a trip to the Chicago History Museum. With exhibits about politics, sports teams, pop culture and much more, you will leave the museum with a newfound admiration for this great city, not to mention some trivia with which to impress your friends.
The main attraction on the first floor is Abraham Lincoln's deathbed. A little morbid, yes, but it's interesting to note that he had to lie on it diagonally due to his tall frame. Also on the first floor is the diorama hall, a miniature journey through Chicago in the 1800s.
The bulk of the museum's exhibits are upstairs, including the new "Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum." This impressive collection houses more than 60 couture dresses from the 1800s to today, all worn by prominent Chicago women, such as Mrs. Potter Palmer II, Mrs. William McCormick Blair and the current queen of the Windy City, Oprah Winfrey. Each dress is displayed on a mannequin with information on who designed it, who wore it, and what fabulous event they wore it to.
All of the big-name designers are accounted for, including Chanel, Versace, Dior and, someone all women should be thankful for, Poiret, who is credited with starting the trend away from the corset. Most of the dresses cannot be touched, but a few interactive elements add a lot to the exhibit, like the cute "Fashion Forecast" cards with sayings such as "Beware a Wardrobe Malfunction" and "Today is a Lucky Day For Those Who Wear Pink." A couple of dresses, including Charles James's stunning, 17-pound "Butterfly," are accompanied by a miniature replica for visitors to touch. The exhibition is open through July 2009.
After you've had your fashion fix, head to the main exhibit hall where you'll be greeted by Chicago's first el car. Most of the exhibits are, obviously, historical in nature, but even non-history buffs will find something of interest. For example, do you know how Chicago got its name? It comes from the Native American word checagou, which means wild leek. Also, if you think Mrs. O'Leary's cow started the Great Chicago Fire, think again. No one knows exactly how it started, but the city officially absolved that poor woman (and her cow) of any blame in 1997.
Another notable exhibit is dedicated to Chicago's many neighborhoods, with a video documentary of people talking about why they love living where they do. And the Chicago sports exhibit - appropriately named "Wait 'Til Next Year" - will help you forget about the recent baseball playoffs and relive the glory days of the 1990s Bulls and 1980s Bears. Also be sure to check out exhibits on Chicago blues music, the beginnings of Playboy magazine and the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
In addition to its extensive exhibits, the museum also holds numerous events both on-site and around the city. Get a new view of Chicago by foot, by bike, by bus or by train on one of the museum's many guided tours. Each focuses on a neighborhood, theme or historical event. Get in the Halloween spirit with a walking tour of Graceland Cemetery (Friday, Oct. 31) or a bus tour of Chicago's murder mysteries (Saturday, Nov. 1).
Many other programs are held at the museum and tie into the exhibits. The "Project Sunday" film series, part of "Chic Chicago," includes documentaries on "Out and Proud in Chicago" (Sunday, Nov. 9). For sports fans, stop by on Tuesday, Nov. 4, or Tuesday, Nov. 11, for the "Da Franchises, Da Fans, Da Finest" lecture series.
Find prices and times for all of these events on chicagohistory.org.
Chicago History Museum
Facts: 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, (312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org
Hours: Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (8 p.m. Thursdays), Sunday noon to 5 p.m. See Web site for information on tours and other special events.
Admission: $14 adults; $12 students (13-22 with ID) and seniors (65+); free children under 12; free Mondays
While you're there
Where to eat and drink
Adobo Grill, 1610 N. Wells St., (312) 266-7999, adobogrill.com: You haven't had guacamole until you've had it at Adobo Grill. The restaurant's mouthwatering dip is made tableside in mild, medium or hot ($7.99). Wash it down with the signature Adobo Margarita ($8.50).
Old Town Ale House, 219 W. North Ave., (312) 944-7020, oldtownalehouse.net: A true Chicago landmark, this place has been in business for 50 years. Grab a beer and take a gander at the often strange works of art covering the walls - the latest addition is a nude portrait of vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
Things to see
Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., (312) 664-4032, secondcity.com: See the next big comedy star at this legendary comedy club, where Chris Farley, Steve Carrell, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey all got their starts. "No Country for Old White Men" is currently playing on the main stage ($20 weekdays, $25 weekends).
Green City Market, 1750 N. Clark St., (773) 435-0280, chicagogreencitymarket.org: Recently named one of the country's top 10 farmers markets by USA Today, Green City Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through October. The market moves indoors for the winter.