Rare 1858 Lincoln Ambrotype with Gripping Backstory Donated to Presidential Library and Museum in Illinois
A rare 1858 ambrotype of Abraham Lincoln has found its way home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The image represents not just a crucial moment in the life of the future president but an extraordinary element of circumstance displaying Lincoln's compassionate character.
Suburban Chicago Gears Up for Pumpkin-Filled Festivities, World Record Attempts, and Family Fun
The fall season brings a multitude of pumpkin and jack-o'-lantern festivals to the suburban Chicago area this year, with opportunities to enjoy artistic pumpkin displays, carving, and family-friendly events.
Filmmaker Tom Palazzolo Identified as Artist Behind Enigmatic Wrigley Field Painting
The artist of a Wrigley Field painting mystery, solved after two decades, is revealed to be filmmaker Tom Palazzolo. The painting's owner, Daniel Kamen, originally traded it for a chiropractic service and later repurchased it for $2,000.
Chicago Theological Seminary Chronicles Civil Rights Era Through Rev. Jesse Jackson Oral History Project
The Chicago Theological Seminary is launching an oral history project featuring Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Civil Rights movement in Chicago, set to be shared online and at the Chicago History Museum.
Illinois Arts Council Revamps Grant Structure for Enhanced Statewide Equity and Engagement
The Illinois Arts Council announces major changes to its grant system to enhance equity and accessibility, including multi-year funding, no cash match requirement, and a new Creative Accelerator Fund, among other initiatives.
Revolutionizing Art Criticism, Jupiter Magazine Crafts a New Black Diasporic Narrative from Chicago to New York
Jupiter Magazine, a new online platform by Camille Bacon and Daria Simone Harper, aims to reshape art criticism through a Black diasporic lens, free from corporate influences, and fostering a creative and caring critical community.
Illinois State Museum's Gen X Exhibit Wins Top Honors, Heads to Lockport after Springfield Success
The Illinois State Museum's "Growing Up X" exhibit won top honors for its nostalgic look at the Generation X era, earning the Award of Superior Achievement and the Innovation Award from the Illinois Association of Museums.
Illinois State Museum Goes Mobile During Renovations, Temporary Closures Spark Community Engagement Across Springfield
The Illinois State Museum in Springfield is temporarily closing on Aug 1 for a plumbing and asbestos removal project. Despite the closure, staff will conduct community programs and pop-up exhibits across various locations during this period.
Art Institute of Chicago Debuts First Korean Art Gallery, Celebrating Rich Historical Tapestry amid Global Korea Craze
The Art Institute of Chicago has launched its first gallery dedicated to Korean art, curated by Yeonsoo Chee and featuring a range of historical artifacts from over 2,000 years ago to contemporary works.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Collaborates with Mexican Consulate to Enrich Youth and Celebrate Latino Culture
The MCA and Mexican Consulate in Chicago collaborate to engage Latino youth in cultural events, art, and traditions such as Three Kings Day, aiming to create meaningful community connections.
Lincoln Artifacts Auctioned for Nearly $8 Million in Chicago to Alleviate Presidential Foundation's Debt
A collection of Abraham Lincoln artifacts, including blood-stained gloves from his assassination, was sold at auction for nearly $8 million to alleviate the Lincoln Presidential Foundation's debt.
"The First Homosexuals" Exhibit Unveiled at Chicago's Wrightwood 659 Amidst International Rejections
"The First Homosexuals" exhibit at Wrightwood 659, curated by Jonathan Katz, features over 300 artworks exploring pre-20th century LGBTQ+ identities and has faced international rejection prior to Chicago.
Chicago Museums Embrace Inclusivity and Tradition, MCA Prioritizes Bilingual Access, Broadcast Museum Salutes Late-Night TV Heritage
Chicago's MCA is fostering inclusivity by prioritizing bilingual access, integrating Spanish alongside English. Meanwhile, the Museum of Broadcast Communications is launching pop-up exhibits celebrating Johnny Carson and late-night TV history.
Koko Taylor Memorabilia Sold At Back Of The Yards Flea Market
A storage‑unit haul that included a 1985 Grammy and handwritten lyrics from Koko Taylor turned up at a Back of the Yards flea market, prompting efforts to recover the items. Collectors and museums are working to identify and return the pieces.
Guerrero Plots All-American Soundtrack For Grant Park’s Big Birthday Season
Giancarlo Guerrero’s first full season at Grant Park centers American and American‑influenced works for the nation’s 250th, opening June 10 with Bernstein, Tower and Barber. The program pairs staples with premieres and special events.
Rick Bayless Drops $1 Million To Supercharge Pilsen Museum’s West Wing
The Bayless Family Foundation pledged $1 million to the National Museum of Mexican Art to fund a West Wing overhaul in Pilsen and rename the performance space Foro de Artes Bayless. The project is part of a roughly $5 million upgrade through 2028.
Lori Dimun Exits Harris Theater, Michael McStraw Named Interim CEO
Lori Dimun is stepping down as president and CEO of the Harris Theater; longtime trustee Michael McStraw will serve as interim while the board searches for a successor. The announcement followed the theater’s Icons and Innovators gala.
The Flip Moves To Block 37 | Chicago's Pinball Museum
The Flip is leaving its Pilsen prototype for Block 37 this summer, expanding into a larger Loop space with dozens of playable machines and exhibits. The move shifts the project toward a ticketed museum model while keeping front-lobby drop-in games available.
State Street Reel Deal: Gene Siskel Film Center Marks 25 Years With Retro Film Fest
The Gene Siskel Film Center marks 25 years on State Street with a "25 For 25" retrospective, bringing High Fidelity, Cooley High and other favorites back to the Loop. The series kicked off this week with special screenings and guest appearances.
