Blue futuristic background with planet Earth.

Neighborhood News: A World Full of WNDR in the West Loop

Blue futuristic background with planet Earth.

When you think of Chicago’s landmark museums, such as the Museum of Science and Industry or the Art Institute of Chicago, one forgets that the new kids on the block—the experiential, interactive experiences that have opened in the past decade, gives us even more to explore about the world, and in doing so, we discover more about ourselves.

Take, for example, the West Loop’s WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe. 

Opened in 2018, and voted one of the Top Five ‘Immersive Art Experiences in the Country,’ WNDR (pronounced ‘wonder’) “reimagines the traditional museum excursion and engrosses guests with an eclectic mix of interactive installations, “ according to the website Secret Chicago. Through interactive, floor-to-ceiling immersive art displays, WNDR is a collective of thinkers, artists, poets, and designers working at the intersection of art and technology.​

As guests travel through WNDR Museum, you are “taken on a multi-dimensional journey in which they serve as an extension of each creator by interacting with various installations.”

Take, for example, their Infinity Room exhibit, ‘Let’s Survive Forever,’ which is closing April 30. As their website describes it, the exhibit features Yayoi Kusama-designed stainless steel balls suspended from the ceiling and arranged on the floor; an enclosed column within the room offers yet another mirrored environment accessible through peepholes. A sense of infinity is offered through the play of reflections between the circular shapes and the surrounding mirrors on the room’s walls.

Polka Dots Are Coming… 

A true springtime feast for the eye, the museum‘s upcoming three-story art installation, designed by Kusama, who at age 94 designed a series of “floating yellow spheres with black polka dots in a mirrored environment that guests can walk alongside and peep through.”

WNDR After Dark: 

Every third Friday of the month, from 6:30-10:30pm, WNDR’s doors are open late to enjoy our immersive interactive art experience after hours. The next WNDR After Dark on Friday, May 19 is, appropriately enough, MAY FLOWERS, presented by Bumble, which invites guests tocelebrate spring blooms. Following that, enjoy a floral arrangement workshop while sipping on floral cocktails created by Bueno Nights, and vibe to a curated mix by DJ MO Mami. While all ages are welcome, the alcohol will be available for purchase for guests 21+.

The WNDR Museum is open daily. Monday-Thursday, it’s open from 12pm – 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am – 10pm, and Sunday from 10am – 8pm. For tickets and information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago