Moody's lowered the Metropolitan Opera's debt to Caa1, citing a structural deficit and roughly $120M in endowment draws. The move raises pressure on Lincoln Center and major donors.

Tschabalala Self’s 13-foot "Art Lovers" — an aluminum hinged relief of a Black couple — now crowns the New Museum’s expanded Bowery facade.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum said it will put its SoMa building on the market after a prolonged closure and steep operating losses. The move reshapes the neighborhood’s cultural landscape.

Rockin' on the River returns to Black River Landing as the riverfront is rebuilt into a permanent amphitheater with a planned spring 2026 unveiling.

Simi Valley logged 296 filming days in 2025 and is drawing TV and film shoots with streamlined permits and ready backlots. Local businesses are feeling the lift.

Organizers will pause the marquee Francis Field weekend for 2026 and return with the Live Wildly Showcase in May 2027 to avoid peak hurricane season. Local showcases will continue in September.

The Levine Museum will host a hands‑on design review Thursday as it finalizes plans for a South End campus at 1800 South Blvd. Residents can weigh in at station-style displays.

Eastern State is close to finishing a welcome center and a tied exhibit for the 250th, but a last funding gap remains despite a major foundation gift.

Liza Minnelli will appear at the Sydney Goldstein Theater on April 9 for a conversation with Michael Feinstein. Public tickets go on sale March 19 and include her new memoir.

Boston Symphony players filled the steps of Symphony Hall on March 17 to back Andris Nelsons after the board declined to renew his contract, exposing a rift with management.

Coney Island USA warns it faces a "financial crisis" and says the famed Mermaid Parade may not happen in 2026 without emergency funding. Organizers have asked supporters to step in now.

Madeleine Grynsztejn will step down as Pritzker director of the MCA at the end of the year. Trustees will begin an international search while 2026 programming continues.

Chicago Humanities Festival's Spring 2026 calendar runs March 24–June 28 with headline talks across Lakeview, Bridgeport and Evanston, featuring Veronica Roth and Michael Pollan.