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Art and culture activities in Chicago

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

Discover unique experiences hosted by inspiring locals.

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5 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews

The Animated Tour of Chicago

This is a Premium Experience. This tour is unlike any other, It's an ANIMATED tour! An extremely unique perspective of the city! Explore ALL SIDES of Chicago from the comfort of my private studio In the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Get a glimpse into my creative process and some recent works. You will learn some basic yet powerful principles of color-theory in a hands-on drawing workshop. The rest of the show is a colorful love letter to the city. You will learn crucial Chicago History, Landmarks, Food, Public Figures, and more! All from my perspective as an “Adopted-Local.” This is an incredibly fun and inspiring experience!

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Pressed Blooms: Crafting Timeless Floral Art

Let your creativity shine while you learn the art of flower pressing in an intimate workshop at Semillas Chicago, my nursery in Pilsen. • We’ll start by exploring a curated selection of Chicago’s native flowers and blooms and learning the basics of flower pressing. • I’ll guide you step-by-step through preparing the flowers and using a flower press to preserve their beauty. • You’ll create a personalized art piece, such as a greeting card, wall art, or gift, using pressed flowers and handmade paper I’ve crafted specifically for this workshop. You’ll take home your artwork as well as the small flower press you used—so you can keep capturing and preserving beauty where you find it.

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4.94 out of 5 average rating, 1167 reviews

Explore Dazzling Architecture Interiors of the Chicago Loop

Take the architecture tour voted #1 by TripAdvisor users! We will be taking a leisurely 2-hour walk exploring some of the most beautiful and often overlooked buildings in downtown Chicago, both outside and inside, and learning about the most important and interesting parts of Chicago's architectural history. Visitors often don't know where to go, or even where they're allowed. This experience takes them inside places they'd never even consider, to show off more than 100 years of architecture as it developed here in the Windy City -- including stunning stained glass, atrium-like spaces, 19th century skyscrapers, and more! Great tour for photographers and travel buffs! Some things to note: Bring a camera -- this is an AWESOME way to practice your architecture photography! Also, dress for the weather, and if it's raining, bring an umbrella. Also, please note that if you provide a non-US phone number as your day-of contact number, we **CANNOT** call you if you're lost or late!

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 303 reviews

Chicago's Underground Pedway & Other Secrets Walking Tour

Discover a part of Chicago only known by locals -- our miles-long system of underground tunnels known as "The Pedway." This engaging adventure pops you in and out of beautiful buildings, familiarizes you with the most interesting parts of the Pedway, and shows you the best hidden details downtown that people walk by every day. This is not a typical "must-see" tour for typical tourists -- it's a "must see" experience for travelers who want something BEYOND what's typical. The tour begins with an introduction to downtown Chicago's famous "Pedway" -- the mysterious system of passageways and tunnels that keeps us all warm & dry in bad weather, and cool in the summer. Walking under entire blocks, we'll access interiors that seem to come up out of nowhere, stumbling upon hidden corridors of stained glass, underground swimming pools, and more. We'll then use what we learn in the first part of the tour to navigate the least-known parts of the Pedway, ending with a beautiful interior in one of the most unique and famous buildings in the country. Guests should be prepared to be on their feet for about 2 hours. It is an easy walk, but still -- it's a little bit of exercise, and please be aware that there are several sets of stairs! Join us for a fascinating exploration of downtown Chicago, both from above and below!

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 821 reviews

Street Art & Aerosol Workshop

1. Guests join us at our space Studio W.I.P. and dive into the world of spray paint and urban art. All instruction is done by local artists. Each guest will go home with their very own piece of the mural to remember their night. 2. Upon entering guests can relax and enjoy our ever changing gallery. Feel free to bring a beverage. It's BYOB! Guests will unleash their inner street artist on a 50ft wall! This interactive workshop will turn guests into the artist and be guided along the way. Experimenting with lettering, stencils, aerosol, & cap technique guests will experience something truly unique. 3. Our main objective is to break down stereotypes that often are connected with spray paint. Guests will leave with curiosity and basic skills when applying aerosol to boot.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 95 reviews

Private Portrait photoshoot in multiple locations in chicago

Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple in love, business entrepreneur, content creator, blogger, or a family looking to create lasting memories in Chicago , this is the perfect photo session experience. This is a completely private shoot for the hour once you book. No strangers, No other people. Just you and any additional party you have paid for. The session is $189/ per person This is How it works: -1 hour Shoot -1 Location -30+ Images High Resolution Images - 5 - 10 short video clips shot on iPhone -Deliver on a Private Online Gallery Locations: Choose 1 location provided below:(address on the details) Videography - During the session I also use my iPhone for video to capture live moments of our session. I love capturing live natural rounding and I love to share this with my clients when they book with me. Locations: 1: River walk Chicago 2: Lincoln park 3: North Avenue Beach 4: Millennium Park(The Bean) & The Chicago Theater on State St. Do you have a location in mind? Let us know we love to explore new places with you. Do you want a particular time and date? Reach out to us with your availability and will work with you. Find us on Social media: @Nkairophotography

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews

Chicago in a Day - Food, Architecture, Culture & Highlights

You’ll fall in love with Chicago and its incredible food scene combining our Chicago Architecture & Highlights Tour and Chicago Food Tour: Deep Roots to Deep Dish! *HIGHLIGHTS* - Marvel at the stunning skyline and architecture that makes Chicago so special - Explore one of the cities most historic neighborhoods - Sample some delicious food samples throughout the tour *INCLUSIONS* - 4 food stops - 4 food samples including pizza, hot-dog and popcorn tastings Beginning under the iconic Chicago sign at the Chicago Theatre, you’ll head towards the Chicago Riverwalk, taking in the spectacular skyline. Discover buildings and stories linked to the Prohibition era from the before you enjoy the serenity of Millennium Park. Now we have built up your appetite, it’s time to get your fill of some amazing food that you will only find in the Windy city. Let’s start you off with a Chicago-style hot dog before indulging in the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza. . Explore a couple more well-known River North food establishments, before ending the tour with a classic Italian beef sandwich.

5 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews

An Engineer's Guide to the Marvels & Masterpieces of Chicago

Truly one of the most fascinating yet least appreciated aspects of any city is its many engineering stories. Chicago is literally the birthplace of the skyscraper: imagine what incredible stories of engineering feats it has to tell! Join Inside Chicago Walking Tours on our newest — and admittedly very-nerdy-but-fun-because-it’s-nerdy! — route that dives into the engineering perspective of our world-famous architecture. On this route, you’ll cover more than just "must-see architecture" like on most tours! You'll explore 150 years of engineering evolution, learning from a real engineer (from the best engineering school in the country!), who makes the information accessible and graspable without ever dumbing it down. This is not “engineering for dummies”: it is engineering for all of us, as we believe that everyone can understand and be fascinated by these concepts if taught in an engaging and fun way. You’ll see a building from the “father of the skyscraper,” who was actually an engineer and a classmate of Gustav Eiffel (as in, Eiffel Tower!). You’ll learn how a building might get a “haunted” reputation simply because it settled unevenly on its “floating” foundation. You’ll marvel at the numerous ways Chicago’s famous buildings handle forces coming from gravity and wind. And you’ll visit the interiors of a few buildings to truly get that INSIDE experience of Chicago!

5 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Chicago location photography by David

Let's visit some of Chicago’s most photoworthy spots and get some epic pictures to commemorate your time here. • I’m happy to help you select locations that fit your vibe and interests, and I can offer discounts for groups and families. • We can shoot photos in as many locations as we can fit into 60 minutes. So it's best to choose our location wisely and think about what is walkable within that time. You’re welcome to bring a change of clothes (although it may be hard to find a private place to change). If you'd like, I can also shoot a few social media-worthy video clips for you on your iPhone/or mine. • The following day after our photoshoot, I’ll send you 15-20 digital photos. All will be high-resolution digital images. Come relaxed and ready to capture some beautiful images!

5 out of 5 average rating, 36 reviews

Chicago personal portraits by Nuru

With years of experience, I will photograph you in a simplistic yet high-end style that is classic and modern in front of Chicago's best attractions for lifetime memories of your trip. Our photo shoot will start at Millennium Park, following the next two locations, Chicago Theatre & Chicago River Bridge. -Millenium Park -Chicago Theatre -Chicago River Bridge Photos will be sent for you to make 3 selections for Professional Retouching. This experience offers individual, couples, engagement, and family pictures as well. Other things to note Wear something you love (that's flattering for the camera) Wear comfortable shoes Have a positive attitude Have Fun! You can request times and dates that are not listed.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 428 reviews

Culture and Architecture of the Prohibition Era in Chicago

Walk the streets of Chicago to see the beauty and legacy left behind by the Prohibition Era. This was an era plagued with crime and corruption but one that contributed significantly to Chicago's modern-day prosperity and growth. The architecture you'll see reflects a city that had its eye on the future and wanted to shine, a city now known as one of the most culturally dynamic in the United States. *HIGHLIGHTS* - Marvel at the stunning Chicago skyline - Immerse yourself in the best of Chicago's culture and discover the inspirations that the Prohibition Era had on the city in the 1920s - Get a photo opportunity in front of the world-famous “bean” sculpture *INCLUSIONS* - Classic Chicago-style popcorn Your guide will guide you around the city to discover the beautiful architecture, including the Chicago Cultural Center, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and Jewelers Building, to name just a few. You'll also get a chance to taste some delicious Chicago style popcorn along the way. The tour will finish at the picturesque Millennium Park, home to the iconic Bean sculpture.

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 314 reviews

Chicago favorites captured by Carla

IF YOU DONT SEE A TIME FRAME THAT WORKS FOR YOU PLEASE CONTACT ME AND WE CAN ARRANGE THAT We’ll start with a talk in Chicago Cultural Center by the bull and get to know each other. If it’s a small group during the experience, we will walk together around various locations but everybody has their own personal time with me while I photoshoot. Together we’ll discover the places and pictures that YOU NEED TO HAVE from Chicago , from the magical MILLENNIUM PARK, THE BEAN (currently has a fence, but we will have this photo as well, photographer tricks ;) , CHICAGO THEATER AND RIVER WALK while I capture moments of you and/or any friends or your partner to take home. Feel free to tell me your ideas or preferences Other things to note THIS IS A SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE AND EVERYBODY HAS THEIR OWN TIME (YOU CAN ALSO HAVE PRIVATE PHOTO SHOOTINGS IN CASE THAT YOU NEEED SOMETHING MORE PRIVATE)