Chicago is a city that was built on the contributions of people who came from elsewhere to settle here. Since the beginning there have been large immigrant populations and people moving from other states to find their fortune in the Windy City. With so many influences, Chicago culture cannot help but be colorful and varied.
Few cities have colored the American musical landscape quite the way that the Windy City has. It has been a leader in almost every genre of music, whether it's soul, jazz, indie rock, hip hop or house. Its particular style of blues has influenced artists like Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Even the city's symphony orchestra rates among one of the world's most renowned.
The blues was a major theme of one of the most popular movies set in the Windy City, 'The Blues Brothers'. This film classic is just one of the many that show off Chicagoan life and architecture. The city has also been the setting for many a hit television show and it was here that Oprah Winfrey filmed the talk show that made her a household name around the world.
The more traditional theatrical pursuits are also thriving in the largest city in Illinois. There are renowned opera, ballet and theater companies that are based here. Slam poetry may have originated in the Uptown neighborhood and the local university was the birthplace of improvisational comedy through the Compass Players, whose past members include stars like Mike Nichols, Alan Alda and Jerry Stiller.
If museums are your kind of attraction, you'll be spoiled for choice. There are art museums like Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Contemporary Photography and the National Museum of Mexican Art as well as architectural delights like the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Natural history, science and history museums abound too and the city's diverse ethnic heritage is celebrated in museums like the Polish Museum of America, the Ukrainian National Museum, the National Hellenic Museum and the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.
The visual arts have always found a welcoming home in the city too. For galleries showing contemporary art, head to the neighborhood known as River North. However, you don't need to visit a gallery or museum to see excellent works of art. Public art in Chicago include works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Claes Oldenburg and Anish Kapoor.
Of course culture is not only about the visual and performing arts and museums. You can live and literally taste it every day with the local cuisine. There are excellent restaurants throughout, from gourmet establishments to ethnic eateries. The city's chefs tend to put their own spin on well-known dishes like tamales or burgers and the local styles of ht dog and pizza, especially the well-loved deep-dish pizza, are legends in their own right.
There are many ways to explore and experience Chicago culture. For example, look in the local listings for offerings that may appeal to you. Festivals will also expose you to things you wouldn't otherwise have discovered. Another option is to go on a themed cultural tour, for instance a food or architecture tour.
Few cities have colored the American musical landscape quite the way that the Windy City has. It has been a leader in almost every genre of music, whether it's soul, jazz, indie rock, hip hop or house. Its particular style of blues has influenced artists like Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Even the city's symphony orchestra rates among one of the world's most renowned.
The blues was a major theme of one of the most popular movies set in the Windy City, 'The Blues Brothers'. This film classic is just one of the many that show off Chicagoan life and architecture. The city has also been the setting for many a hit television show and it was here that Oprah Winfrey filmed the talk show that made her a household name around the world.
The more traditional theatrical pursuits are also thriving in the largest city in Illinois. There are renowned opera, ballet and theater companies that are based here. Slam poetry may have originated in the Uptown neighborhood and the local university was the birthplace of improvisational comedy through the Compass Players, whose past members include stars like Mike Nichols, Alan Alda and Jerry Stiller.
If museums are your kind of attraction, you'll be spoiled for choice. There are art museums like Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Contemporary Photography and the National Museum of Mexican Art as well as architectural delights like the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Natural history, science and history museums abound too and the city's diverse ethnic heritage is celebrated in museums like the Polish Museum of America, the Ukrainian National Museum, the National Hellenic Museum and the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.
The visual arts have always found a welcoming home in the city too. For galleries showing contemporary art, head to the neighborhood known as River North. However, you don't need to visit a gallery or museum to see excellent works of art. Public art in Chicago include works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Claes Oldenburg and Anish Kapoor.
Of course culture is not only about the visual and performing arts and museums. You can live and literally taste it every day with the local cuisine. There are excellent restaurants throughout, from gourmet establishments to ethnic eateries. The city's chefs tend to put their own spin on well-known dishes like tamales or burgers and the local styles of ht dog and pizza, especially the well-loved deep-dish pizza, are legends in their own right.
There are many ways to explore and experience Chicago culture. For example, look in the local listings for offerings that may appeal to you. Festivals will also expose you to things you wouldn't otherwise have discovered. Another option is to go on a themed cultural tour, for instance a food or architecture tour.
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