Get outta town! This week we bring you our favorite events in Chicagoland architecture and history that get you out of the city, or kind of, before fall is upon us. Our events this week feature hanging out mentally escaping after dark at the Art Institute, an Illinois history road trip, and a tour of a mid-century home in Park Ridge.
1. After Dark at the Art Institute – SPECIAL EVENT
159 E. Monroe St., Modern Wing entrance – Friday, August 22nd, 9:00pm-12:00am
$30 adults; $20 members and students – reservations required
Although this event is still in the city, it will get your mind adventuring to new places. See one of Chicago’s best museums, the Art Institute of Chicago, in a rare setting after dark. The museum is open late night in the Modern Wing this Friday with special tours of the new exhibit Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary, 1926-1938. In addition to the special and regular exhibits, guests can get their dance on with DJs and will enjoy performances by acclaimed theatrical ensemble Collaboraction. Nibble on the complimentary appetizers or enjoy an end of the week libation at the cash bar as you meander the museum.
2. Canal Caravan Weekend – ROAD TRIP EVENT
Various Locations – Saturday, August 23rd-Sunday, August 24th
Prices vary – reservations required
Go for a trip and still get some Chicago history along the way with the Canal Caravan Weekend. The Canal Corridor Association is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the nation’s first Heritage Area, the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, with a number of inexpensive and free events throughout Illinois. This weekend kicks off a year of celebration chock full of Chicago and Illinois history from a canal boat ride in LaSalle to a tour of the Prairie just next door in Will County. Both enjoy our local heritage as well as take a short vacation from urbanity.
3. Fabulous 60s Mid Mod Split-Level in Park Ridge – HOUSE TOUR
1832 Prairie Ave., Park Ridge, IL – Sunday, August 24th, 2:00pm-4:00pm
FREE for members – reservations required
Don’t want to take a whole weekend away from our great Windy City? Perhaps a mid-century-inspired day trip? The Chicago Bauhaus & Beyond is taking a limited size group to tour a historic mid-century modern home in Park Ridge, IL, just outside the city. The architect, Louis Huebner was a graduate of the Illinois School of architecture and designed a number of homes and commercial buildings in the North Shore area of Chicagoland. The well preserved 1960s home is currently up for sale and this tour offers a unique opportunity to geek out about mid-century modern architecture with like-minded individuals. And from the photos, viewed here, this home looks wonderfully, immaculately maintained.
