Old St. Patrick's Church is a historical landmark in Chicago that was designed to withstand the test of time. Built in the 1850s, it is among the few structures that survived the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The church's architecture is rooted in the Celtic Revival movement, making it an outstanding example of Chicago's unique architectural style. Today, Old St. Patrick's Church is a vibrant community of more than 3,000 members, warmly welcoming visitors from diverse backgrounds. Located at the intersection of Chicago's diversity, the church celebrates its rich historical legacy while looking toward a promising future. Apart from Sunday masses, the church organizes guided tours and annual block parties, fostering community and joyous celebration.
The Ravinia Festival is a popular event that attracts over 600,000 visitors annually. The festival takes place from June to September at Ravinia Park, which hosts 120 to 150 music events. The Breaking Barriers Festival is part of a successful series of concerts and symposiums focusing on female conductors. This time, the festival celebrated female composers in classical, jazz, and singer-songwriter genres. The festival featured three evening concerts, panel and roundtable discussions, workshops pairing composers and conductors, and other events collaborating with New Music USA and The Chicago Network.
If you plan a trip to Chicago, take advantage of the chance to visit the Chicago Cultural Center. This iconic landmark offers a wide range of daily shows, lectures, films, and art exhibits, all free of charge. While you are there, be sure to take some time to explore the unique features of the building, including guided tours that can teach you more about its history and architecture. With over 1,000 programs and exhibitions annually, the Chicago Cultural Center is a hub for performing, visual, and literary arts. If you are interested in learning more about the building's history and architecture, guided tours are available. During your visit, you can marvel at the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, beautiful mosaics, intricate marble and molding work, and coffered ceilings - all of which have made this building a true Chicago landmark.
Navy Pier, built in 1916, was the largest in the world at that time. It served as a docking area for passenger excursion steamers and cargo ships. During both World Wars, Navy Pier was utilized for military purposes such as housing, training, and more. In its non-military role, the pier had many attractions, including a streetcar line, theater, emergency room, picnicking areas, dance hall, auditorium, children's playground, and more. Navy Pier, which sits on the lakefront, occupies approximately 50 acres of land, with sprawling parks, gardens, and sculptures on the lawns. The attraction also has several shops and restaurants. Navy Pier offers a variety of activities, including boat parades, air shows, sightseeing tours, festivals, and fireworks, making it the most popular tourist attraction in Chicago.