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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.

Top-rated art and culture activities

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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.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 1165 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!

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 127 reviews

Walkin'W/Colin - Chicago - History/Mystery/Comedy/Tragedy

WALKIN'W'COLIN is a SHOW-ON-THE-GO, up and down this Great Onion Town, Chicago! Led by an "...entertaining, informative and enthusiastic!" guide on a mission to explore the wild history, mystery, comedy and tragedy that embody The Windy City. Indoors and outdoors, downstairs and up floors, guests will interact with the city and each other through a one of a kind walk'n'talk tour around "da Loop". Hear the incredible stories of courage and calamity that shaped this Midwest metropolis as you uncover hidden gems, local favorites and cultural treasures along the way. See sights spanning the River Walk to Millennium Park, from the "People's Place" to the "People's Palace" and everywhere in-between. Curious minds of all kinds are invited to be my guest for this adventurous step by step experience of Chicago!

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, 215 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.

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.

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!

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 313 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)

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 75 reviews

Candle Making Class on Magnificent Mile in Chicago

We provide an instructor led soy wax candle making class. We provide all the supplies - soy wax, candle vessels, 20+ fragrances to choose from, candle wick, jar labels, etc. We walk through them through entire process of making a candle. Added bonuses: - Parking discounted to $12 - $26 value - BYOB or complimentary wine - Shipping option if customer doesn't want to wait on the candle to cure. - 10% discount off any retail products in the store After completing your candle, it takes up to 1.5 hours to cool down. While it's cooling, go enjoy shopping and food at nearby restaurants and shops. *If you are in the last class of the day, your candle won't be ready for pick up until the following day.*

5 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviews

Chicago’s Ultimate Flying Dress Experience

Feel like a movie star in the heart of Chicago! Step into the spotlight in an elegant flying dress and capture breathtaking moments at two of the city's most iconic locations—the Chicago Theater and Riverwalk. This luxury photoshoot is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and friends looking for a one-of-a-kind experience that blends fashion, art, and Chicago’s stunning cityscape. What’s Included? Flying dress rental (various colors available) 40 beautifully edited high-resolution photos Bonus: A professionally edited Reel video to share your magical experience. Perfect for special occasions, birthdays, or just because you deserve a show-stopping memory! Location: Chicago Theater & Riverwalk ⏳ Duration: ~1 hour