Chicago Neighborhood News: West Loop, Virtual

Virtual: The Chicago History Museum’s Urban History Seminar series continues on Thursday, January 14, at 7 pm with a presentation of “The Elusiveness of History: Responding Again to the Great Chicago Fire.” Led by Carl S. Smith, emeritus professor at Northwestern University, this virtual event features a deep scholarly dive into one of Chicago’s most infamous events that is sure to bring a detailed understanding of the 1871 fire followed by a discussion. This free educational Zoom experience starts at 7 pm. Find more info here.

Virtual: The Art Institute celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with spoken word performances and stories by Rebirth Poetry Ensemble and In the Spirit featuring Zahra Baker and Emily Hooper in response to the Art Institute’s exhibition “Bisa Butler: Portraits.” This free zoom production takes place on Monday, January 18, at 5 pm. Commemorate the legacy of Dr. King with this mixture of media that is sure to be thought provoking and inspiring. Be sure to register ahead of time. Find more info here.

Virtual: While the Chicago Cultural Museum is currently closed to visitors, you can still tour the historic building virtually on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Choose between either a prerecorded video tour series or a live 40-minute virtual docent-led tour highlighting the building’s history and unique architecture. Originally the city’s central first public library completed in 1897 by the country’s best architects, the Chicago Cultural Museum is home to the world’s largest stained glass Tiffany dome, which can be viewed during these free virtual tours. The next showing takes place on January 20 at 1:15 pm. Find more info here.

West Loop: Not everything is relegated to being virtual during the shutdown. Head over to Recess, located at 838 West Kinzie Street, for the Fire & Ice Pop Up now until January 31. Taking place in their heated outdoor space, check out the ice sculptures while sipping on specialty cocktails and enjoying s’mores. Each ticket includes one-hour admission to the pop up, s’mores kit, pretzel stick, ice sculpture viewing, one fire & ice specialty cocktail, and a branded Recess beanie. Admission is $5 for kids under 12 and $30 for adults. The pop up runs Thursday through Sunday each week until the end of the month. Hurry because tickets are going fast. Find more info here.

Virtual: The Chicago Movie Tours presents Movie Makeup, Costumes, & Toupees in 1920s Chicago on Tuesday, January 19, from 7 pm to 8 pm. This free 60-minute presentation provides an overview of the functions and purposes of movie makeup and costumes. Chicago’s expert toupee maker of the 1920s is profiled, focusing on how he adapted to trends in the movies of the time. You will also view historic advertisements and photos from magazines and newspapers, spotlighting the standards of beauty according to Hollywood. Register now to receive an email with information on how to join this virtual program. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO