The Best Art In Chicago's Hyde Park
Hyde Park Art Center
For over 75 years, the Hyde Park Art Center has been a place for artists and admirers of art to come together and celebrate creativity. This non-profit organization, which opened its doors in 1939, works towards cultivating visual arts through exhibitions, art classes, artist talks, and programs designed to inspire Chicago youth to embrace their creativity.
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 324 5520
Exhibit at the Hyde Park Art Center | © John Preus/Flickr
57th Street Art Fair
The 57th Street Art Fair, near the University of Chicago in June, is a celebration of all things art related. The two-day event offers artists a chance to showcase and sell their art, and for admirers of art to shop for pieces. With over 200 exhibitors and art ranging from sculptures, prints, and photographs to ceramics and handmade jewelry, there’s something for everyone. Browse the endless rows of vendors, meet the artists behind your favorite pieces, and even take home an original work of art.
57th Street Art Fair, 57th St between Kenwood and Kimbark Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 708 971 2590
Vendor booth at the 57th Street Art Fair | © 393edge/Flickr
Smart Museum of Art
Located on the beautiful University of Chicago campus is the Smart Museum of Art. You don’t have to be a student to visit this museum, which houses over 12,000 distinct pieces. It opened in 1974 and since then it has maintained four main collections. Modern art and design, contemporary art, Asian art, and European art are on display, and each gallery features a variety of rich pieces. Best of all, the Smart Museum of Art is free.
Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 702 0200
Inside art reception at the Smart Museum of Art | © David Hilowitz/Flickr
Renaissance Society
Since 1915, the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago has featured art from the world’s finest artists. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was works by Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, and Isamu Noguchi. In the 1980s, it was Jeff Koons and Jenny Holzer. Today, the Renaissance Society displays the best of contemporary art while also holding events, lectures, talks with artists, and live music.
Renaissance Society, 5811 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 702 8670
Entrance of Renaissance Society | © Quinn Dombrowski/Flickr
Where We Come From, Where We’re Going Mural
Art is everywhere in Chicago: on buildings, walls, even street signs. In Hyde Park, some of the best art is not displayed in a gallery. One of the most familiar pieces in the neighborhood is the Where We Come From, Where We’re Going mural displayed along a train underpass. This mural came out of artist Olivia Gude asking passersby, ‘Where are you coming from? Where are you going?’ What came out of it was a variety of responses, some simple, some sentimental, but all engaging. This mural is just one of many that are hidden in Hyde Park.