As the weather changes in Chicago, so does the art scene. And, although it can be hard to leave the comfort and warmth of your home, experiencing something new in Chicago’s vibrant arts and cultural scene is definitely worth it.
Chicago offers a diverse range of exhibitions to captivate any art enthusiast. From timeless classics to cutting-edge contemporary art, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy for all kinds of art lovers.
In this post, I’ll highlight some of the most exciting art exhibits and experiences currently on display in Chicago that are worth checking out right now.
Current Art Exhibits in Chicago
Joan Mitchell, Untitled, ca. 1961, Oil on canvas. Smart Museum of Art, The University of Chicago, Gift of Katharine Kuh, 1968.3 © Estate of Joan Mitchell
The 50th: An Anniversary Exhibition
September 24, 2024–March 2, 2025
5550 S. Greenwood Ave.
The Smart Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary with an exhibition exploring the evolving role of university art museums. Featuring over 100 works from its collection, this exhibit traces the museum’s journey from its early days, highlighting local artists, historical exhibitions, and community partnerships.
Titanic: The Exhibition
Now on View
4963 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077
Get ready to step aboard Titanic: The Exhibition at Westfield Old Orchard this fall! With over 300 artifacts and interactive recreations of the ship’s iconic interiors, this exhibit immerses visitors in the legendary voyage. Perfect for all ages, tickets are available now with flexible dates and times.
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More Light! Luftwerk x Aram Saroyan
October 17, 2024 – January 11, 2025
The Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation presents More Light!—an immersive light installation inspired by Aram Saroyan’s iconic minimalist poem, “lighght.” Luftwerk transforms the space into a dynamic prism of shifting colored light, blending art, poetry, and visual expression.
John Akomfrah: Four Nocturnes
September 27, 2024 – February 15, 2025
Wrightwood 659
Wrightwood 659 hosts Four Nocturnes, an evocative three-screen video installation by John Akomfrah. Focusing on humanity’s impact on the natural world, Akomfrah weaves together visuals of Africa’s declining elephant populations to explore themes of mortality, identity, and environmental destruction.
Photographing Frank Lloyd Wright
October 24, 2024 – January 5, 2025
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Delve into the world of Frank Lloyd Wright through the lens of photography. This exhibition highlights Wright’s architectural genius and offers insight into how photography shaped public perception of his designs, featuring images by leading photographers and Wright himself.
Chicago on the Nile: 100 Years of the Epigraphic Survey in Egypt
Now – March 23, 2025
National Museum of Mexican Art
Celebrate a century of ancient Egyptian documentation at this special exhibition from the University of Chicago. Through photographs, artifacts, and original works, Chicago on the Nile explores the monumental work of the Epigraphic Survey, preserving the intricate carvings of Pharaoh Ramesses III.
Special Art Exhibits in Chicago
Art Fair at Marwen
October 18, 2024, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
833 N Orleans St
Celebrate creativity at the 18th annual Marwen Art Fair, showcasing works from students, alumni, and teaching artists. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and the chance to support young artists through art auctions, with proceeds directly funding Marwen’s no-cost programs.
Open House Chicago
October 19 – 20 2024, Time Varies
Location Varies
Open House Chicago is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at Chicago’s most interesting sites, architectural wonders, and hidden gems. Every October, this city-wide festival grants access to normally closed-to-the-public buildings, from historic churches to trendy loft spaces. It’s a great way to discover Chicago’s architecture and explore private spaces that are not usually open to the public.
