Chicago Neighborhood News: Museum Campus, Loop, Virtual, Logan Square

Museum Campus: Well, it’s been a while, but the Field Museum, located at 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, is opening up again to the general public! Beginning Saturday, January 23, visitors can enjoy the many amazing sights and exhibitions this world-class museum has to offer. Illinois residents can also enjoy free entry on Monday, January 25, and on Thursday, January 28. Favorites like Sue the T. Rex and Maximo the Titanosaur will be on hand as well the museum’s latest exhibition, “Apsáaooke Women and Warriors,” about a southern Montana indigenous tribe. As expected, masks and social distancing will be enforced. Find more info regarding exhibits and ticket prices here.

Museum Campus: Like its neighbor, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium is opening its door again as well. Located at 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, the Shedd and all its underwater friends will open to members beginning January 27 through January 29. General admission to the public will be on Saturday, January 30. Tickets for the public go on sale today, January 23, at noon. Masks are mandatory and social distancing will be strictly enforced. Find more info here.

Loop: Willis Towers, located at 233 South Wacker Drive, is home to the first public art installation by renowned artistOlafur Eliasson. The piece, entitled Atmospheric wave wall, located on the Jackson Boulevard wall exterior, was created specifically for the Willis Tower. The 30-foot by 60-foot design, inspired by Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, comprises over 1,900 metal curved tiles that catch the sun and the motion of people moving past it, creating a dynamic visual experience. At night this eye-popping fixture is backlit, enabling bursts of light to disperse between the tiles. Find more info here.

Virtual: Beginning today, January 21, and running until Sunday, January 24, check out HotHouse Meets Havana, a Cuban jazz virtual festival blending the best Latin jazz musicians in Cuba with American jazz musicians and composers. Brought to you by local non-profit HotHouse, tune in each night at 7 pm on their streaming platform for a free two-hour virtual presentation. Featured musicians include top Cuban flute player Orlando “Maraca” Valle, Chicago born master saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell, Cuban jazz pianist Roberto Fonseca, and many more. Each performance will be up on HotHouse’s website for 24 hours. Find more info here.

Logan Square: It may be cold this weekend, but that’s no reason not to check out the plethora of local vendors at the Logan Square Farmers Market. The best part? It’s indoors. Taking place each Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm at 3029 North Rockwell Street, this farmers market hosts vendors including Bee in Beezyness, The Chick and the Pea, Jilly’s Jerky, Stamper Cheese, and Yoberri Gourmet, among many others. High-risk shoppers can attend the market between 9 am to 10 am. Masks and social distancing will be enforced. And if you aren’t quite ready to be out and about, you can always place your order through their virtual market. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO