Chicago Official Visitors Guide - Summer/Fall 2008 - (Page 15) Exhibitions/Events From a Komodo dragon to an antique map collection, an exciting array of exhibitions will be presented at Chicago’s museums this summer. The Museum of Contemporary Art is the exclusive venue for an exhibition of artist Jeff Koons’ work (pg. 18) through Sept. 21. The Art Institute of Chicago also hosts an exclusive exhibition July 10–Sept. 21, when a special collection of bronze and ivory sculptures is on display during “Benin – Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria” (pg. 20). The Field Museum takes visitors to other realms with “Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids” (pg. 18) through Sept. 1, exploring how these fantastic beasts came into our mythology and how they impact our culture (pictured above). The Shedd Aquarium also features unusual creatures during its ongoing exhibit, “Lizards and the Komodo King” (pg. 16). Through Sept. 7, the Spertus Museum presents “Imaginary Coordinates” (pg. 18), a multimedia exhibition that uses maps to foster conversations about community. And, “Art of Democracy,” an exhibition of works by 60 printmakers whose work is concerned with democracy and political change will be shown Sept. 6–Nov. 9 at Loyola University Museum of Art (pg. 22). Sporting Events Between the Chicago Cubs (pg. 16) and the Chicago White Sox (pg. 18), there’s almost always a baseball game in the summertime in the Windy City. See the Sox at U.S. Cellular Field in Armour Square or catch the Cubs at the historic Wrigley Field, the oldest ballpark in the National League. For those who don’t want to watch the action from the bleachers, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes runners on a 26.2-mile course throughout the city Oct. 12. Arts and Culture Chicago celebrates its history and culture throughout the summer with an incredible lineup of events and festivals. On Tuesdays July 15–Aug. 26, moviegoers can relax under the stars at Grant Park’s Outdoor Film Festival (pg. 20). Taste of Chicago (pg. 20) brings all of the flavors of the city to Grant Park June 27–July 6, and one weekend a month through the summer, the Chicago Antique Market & Indie Designer Fashion Market brings fabulous finds to Randolph Street (pg. 20). The city goes international with Venetian Night July 26 and Celtic Fest Chicago Sept. 13–14 (pg. 22). And music fills the warm, summer air during Lollapalooza, Aug. 1–3, Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival, Aug. 23–24, the Chicago Jazz Festival, Aug. 29–31, the Chicago Country Music Festival (all pg. 22) Oct. 11–12 and various performances at Charter One Pavilion (pg. 20). Theater Chicago’s theater scene always boasts a roster of shows that are Broadway-bound or Broadway-worthy, and this summer is no exception. The city hosts an impressive array of open-run shows, including the smash hit Wicked (pg. 16) at the Ford Center for Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre and the Tony Award-winning story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in Jersey Boyz (pg. 16) at the LaSalle Bank Theatre. But not all of Chicago’s great shows will be around all year. Catch one of the Chicago Park District’s acclaimed presentations during Theater on the Lake, when Chicago theater companies produce shows in an idyllic lake-side setting. Or, see the classic love story of Dirty Dancing (pg. 22) at the Cadillac Palace Theatre beginning Sept. 2. Finally, experience the ultimate in acrobatics, humor and inventive storytelling during Cirque Shanghai Gold (pg. 18), which runs June 4–Sept. 26, or during Cirque du Soleil’s presentation of Kooza (pg. 20), which opens June 26. pg For a personalized tour contact the Chicago Greeter Program: 312-744-8000, www.chicagogreeter.com ¶ 15 http://www.chicagogreeter.com
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