Chicago Symphony Orchestra - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Historic Route 66 Begin Sign, Illinois is an iconic landmark, representing the unique and colorful history of Route 66. The two-lane highway was first established in 1926 and ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through eight states. The local entrance point to the route was marked with a large sign featuring an arrow pointing straight ahead with a background of a midwestern dawn sky. It was the gateway to countless memories and adventures for travelers.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see landmark that has been an integral part of the city’s culture since it opened in 1879. As one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, this sprawling museum houses more than 300,000 works of art spanning over five millennia of history. The collection includes masterpieces from around the world. Notable exhibits include Impressionist paintings by Manet and Monet, to Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Chagall’s America Windows.

The Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Grant Park is a world-renown artwork created by Spanish-Mexican artist Jaume Plensa. The fountain consists of two 50-foot glass brick towers that are covered with LED screens and light up at night to create a mesmerizing experience for visitors. On the heads of the towers, water streams from the mouths, cascading down into a reflecting pool below. During the day, images of local citizens are projected onto the LED screens accompanied by music.

The Sullivan Center, is the home of some of the world's best medical care. From a Children's Hospital and a Cancer Center to Women’s Services and Emergency Departments, the Sullivan Center offers comprehensive healthcare services to meet the needs of its local community. Boasting state-of-the-art technology and advanced medical expertise in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, critical care, neurosurgery, trauma and urology,

The Monadnock Building is a prime example of the American skyscraper's evolution. Constructed over a 15-year period from 1889-1893, it reflects Chicago's desire to stand out as an exemplar of modern architecture and construction. Its impressive height of 227 feet (69 meters) was intimidating for other city skyline contemporaries, and the brick façade with its steeply sloping roofline looked dramatically impressive and strong even after the Great Chicago Fire four years earlier.

Lurie Garden is a magnificent 5 acre public garden, which boasts a wide array of perennial and annual plants, shrubs, trees, and grasses that bloom throughout the Spring and Summer months. The garden allows visitors to view native plants while appreciating the beauty of the prairie landscape. Natural sand dunes are featured throughout the garden – creating a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Garden also houses several art pieces that compliment nature’s scenery.