Chicago's museums for summer 2025: ‘Reptiles' at the Field, brews at the zoos and ‘Spider-Man' the exhibit
That trend crops up in our museum preview this year. In fact, some of these suggested events don't even take place within the confines of their host institution.
But if you find that a classic, walk-and-read exhibit can't be beat — I tend to be in that camp — we have plenty of those, too. Adventurers, academics and all-around-curious-people, read on!
Kayaking for a cause: Dreaming of afternoons idling down the Chicago River? You can live out your summer fantasy while doing good thanks to the Shedd Aquarium, whose experts will lead conservation tours by kayak all summer long. Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 27 on the Chicago River; $65 per person; reservations at sheddaquarium.org
'Reptiles Alive!': This exhibit builds on the work of Field Museum herpetologist Sara Ruane, also featured earlier this year as part of the museum's rotating 'Changing Face of Science' exhibition. If you come expecting the usual models or taxidermy, you're in for a treat: 20 live reptiles, including a spitting cobra and emerald tree boa, are housed onsite for the exhibition. June 20 to April 5 at the Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; requires all-access pass, $43 adults, fieldmuseum.org
'Native Pop!': For generations, activists have pushed museums — including many in Chicago — to depict Native Americans' lives as they are, rather than presenting them like a relic of the past. The 'now' is palpable in this Newberry Library showcase of Indigenous artists working in various pop mediums. Through July 19 at the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., open Tuesdays through Thursdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission, newberry.org
On at the Art Institute: In addition to its exploration of 'Paris Street; Rainy Day' by painter Gustave Caillebotte, the museum is hosting the largest local retrospective of thought-provoking wartime sculptor H.C. Westermann in decades, open through May 2026. Contemporary art lovers will be agog at Raqib Shaw's epic 'Paradise Lost,' a 21-panel artwork that has never been displayed in its complete form until now (through Jan. 19). Meanwhile, the museum continues to show off its huge collection of Japanese prints with 'The Dawn of Modernity: Japanese Prints, 1850–1900,' in which artists document Japan's encounters with the industrialized West. All at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., open Wednesdays through Mondays 11 a.m.-5 p.m., except Thursdays, open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; admission $26-$32, artic.edu
Become a researcher for a day: A new exhibition opening at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum allows visitors to try their hands at activities inspired by real-life fieldwork. 'By A Thread: Nature's Resilience' emphasizes that conserving the natural world isn't a passive proposition: It requires everyone's help, including yours. The exhibit opens the same day as the museum's Summer Nature Fest. For $10 admission ($8 children), you can stick around for food and activities after the museum closes. June 20 to June 2026 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; adult tickets $12-$17, naturemuseum.org
A peek inside: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry's upcoming 'Beyond the Surface,' exhibit is a deep dive into the X-ray photography of Andrei Duman, starting July 3. The images show the inner workings of everyday objects, such as the many components of a car or the delicate wiring of a corded telephone. If you can't wait for that, a current exhibition in the spirit of the museum's recent '007 Science' feature, 'Marvel's Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing.' is open through February, though it's a little light on the science. Both at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, open daily 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; admission $26 adults. 'Marvel's Spider-Man' requires an additional ticket costing adults $18-$22; reservations and more information at msichicago.org
Boozy zoos: The Brookfield Zoo is becoming a watering hole in the name of wildlife conservation. Next up are 'Tequila and Tails' and 'Wines and Vines,' the latter doubling as the opening of the Zoo's new Tropical Forests habitat. (Non-drinkers rejoice: Mocktail tickets are available for a lower price.) Lincoln Park Zoo also revives its own drinker-friendly summer events with craft breweries and wineries posting up on zoo grounds. 'Tequila and Tails' on June 14 and 'Wines and Vines' on Aug. 23, both 6-9 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield; non-member tickets $105 or $70 for mocktails, brookfieldzoo.org. 'Craft Brews' on June 28 and 'Summer Wine Fest' on July 25, both 7-10 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St.; admission $57; tickets and more information at lpzoo.org
Waltz of the flowers: After experiencing the lushness of the Chicago Botanic Gardens in midsummer, step into Nichols Hall for a reprise of 'Superbloom,' the dance work premiered by Chicago company The Seldoms in 2023. For those who can't make the three performances, Art on the Mart has commissioned a video version to be projected in full view of the Riverwalk (Thursdays through Sundays July 10-Sept. 7). July 25-27 at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe; tickets $27-$29 adults. Show times and more information at chicagobotanic.org/superbloom
Museum multiplayer: On your hands and knees, begging your kids to do something besides playing video games all summer? Take them to the American Writers Museum, whose 'Level Up: Writers & Gamers' shines a rare spotlight on the scribes behind their favorite titles. Open through Nov. 2 at the American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., open Thursdays through Mondays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission $10-$16, americanwritersmuseum.org
Home is where the history is: If you haven't yet been to the recently opened National Public Housing Museum in Little Italy, it's high time to fix that. Spend an afternoon exploring its attentively curated exhibitions for free, or, for a small sum, take a guided tour through recreations of real families' units on museum grounds, in the former Jane Addams Homes. 919 S. Ada St., open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays; free admission, $15-$25 apartment tours can be scheduled at nphm.org
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Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Letters: Why the Art Institute's handling of Gustave Caillebotte's sexuality is disappointing
We read with interest Hannah Elgar's feature 'How light a touch is too light?' (Aug. 3) about the handling of Gustave Caillebotte's sexuality by the Art Institute and the renaming of the exhibition 'Painting His World.' We were especially struck by the comments from Jonathan Katz because of our experience visiting the Caillebotte exhibit and 'The First Homosexuals' at Wrightwood 659, curated by Katz. I am a scholar of anti-discrimination law (and a faculty member at Loyola University Chicago School of Law), and my husband, David, is a teacher and student of art history. While we enjoyed the Caillebotte exhibit very much, we were disappointed at its elliptical (at best) treatment of Caillebotte's sexuality, for two reasons. It seemed insensitive to the realities of class, which in large part enabled Caillebotte to paint what he wished without worrying about sales or a disapproving public. But worse, one of our closest friends, Mark Brosmer, is a gay artist in Los Angeles — and an exhibit curated this way all but denies the artistic legacy of gay artists and gay life throughout history. In many of Caillebotte's paintings, we recognized a loving depiction of the sociability of gay men together in the past, something we have observed and enjoyed in the present day. 'The First Homosexuals,' by contrast, enthusiastically explores that legacy, helping the viewer to understand which artists felt freer to express their same-sex orientation in their art, and why; what those risks were and who was willing to take those risks. We immediately thought, 'Caillebotte belongs here!' — in an exhibit where the sensual, erotic and homosocial dimensions of his work and life could be foregrounded and celebrated. We hope many Chicagoans felt the her review of the Gustave Caillebotte show now on view at the Art Institute, Hannah Edgar questions the museum's decision to change the title of the exhibit from 'Caillebotte: Painting Men,' used by the Getty and Musee d'Orsay, to 'Caillebotte: Painting His World.' Her article explores whether this title change is based on an Art Institute decision to downplay the homoerotic aspects of some of the paintings. This change of title and emphasis strike me as minor considering that all three museums have displayed the same paintings and offered the same biographical information. There is a lack of evidence that Caillebotte was gay. Which makes the assertion of an art historian Edgar consults — that this is an example of queer erasure and is consistent with the Art Institute's pathological 1950s mindset — completely over the top and in fact a time when Catholics in Chicago are visibly proud of their religion, it is shameful than one organization has chosen to focus on the worst parts of their history. On May 8, Robert Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, and the Chicago papers claimed him as 'Chicago's pope.' Everyone, no matter what their religion, was proud that Chicago could produce a man who was elevated to the papacy. Then in June, Chicago recognized the good work of another Catholic, Sister Rosemary Connelly. For over 50 years, Connelly was a dynamic force building Misericordia into a healthy home for children and adults with physical and developmental challenges. Politicians and church leaders were effusive in their praise of her work, and Chicago papers gave extensive coverage as a real testament to her years of service to the church. Recently, the church was once again recognized as a beacon of hope when the news focused on the works two valiant nuns, Sister Patricia Murphy and Sister JoAnn Persch, after Murphy passed away. Both women were recognized for spending more than 40 years championing the rights of the poor and the immigrants. They spent long hours with immigrants in detention and found ways to house the asylum-seekers sent to Chicago by Texas Gov. Abbott. These three wonderful church champions have made all Catholics feel good about their church and have encouraged many to emulate their actions. That is why it is so disconcerting that the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, has chosen to grab the headlines by bringing up decades-old sexual abuse allegations. SNAP should continue to investigate these allegations, as it has been doing for the last many years, but it should do it quietly and stop grabbing the headlines and erasing the euphoric feelings of the Catholics in the Chicago Cubs will host the 2027 All-Star Game. It's about time the sport focuses its promotional energy on the upcoming event, rather than on special attraction games at a motor speedway park or a cornfield. I imagine a return to Hawaii or a game at an amusement park site is next. Wrigley Field is a showcase because it's a classic. Fans aren't clamoring for more bells and whistles. I hope Major League Baseball doesn't take it for granted.I won't be at Wrigley Field in 2027 for the All-Star Game, an ostentatious display of no consequence other than to line the pockets of sponsors and appease the egos of overpaid, uninterested athletes. But I agree with Jack Lavin's Aug. 5 op-ed ('MLB All-Star Game in 2027? Let's fly the 'W' for Chicago's economy') that it's good for the city and a chance to showcase the most iconic stadium in MLB. Sorry, Fenway Park, your Green Monster can't compete with Wrigley Field's ivy-covered walls. I hope the visitors enjoy the city and try a Chicago hot dog — with mustard, of course.
6 days ago
August sturgeon moon: What it means for your zodiac sign
As summer brings more fun in the sun, stay connected to your spiritual self for the upcoming full moon in August, also known as the "sturgeon moon." Celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas, who is known for his cosmic guidance among celebrities, businesses and online influencers, spoke to " Good Morning America" about the best ways to take advantage of this energetic and passionate full moon. But first, let's break down the meaning of the sturgeon moon. When can you see the full sturgeon moon? The full moon will reach peak illumination in the United States on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 3:55 a.m. ET., according to the U.S. Naval Observatory's Astronomical Applications Department. Why is it called the sturgeon moon? The Old Farmer's Almanac, which has been naming full moons since the 1930s, explains that the August full moon is called the "sturgeon moon" because the giant lake sturgeon, a native freshwater fish of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, was historically abundant during this time of year. This fish was a key food source for Native Americans in the region. The full moon is also known by other names, including the corn moon, harvest moon, and rising moon, signaling the time to gather maturing crops. Some also refer to it as the flying up moon, a Cree term marking the moment when young birds are ready to take flight. What zodiac sign is the sturgeon moon in August? The zodiac sign of each full moon is determined by its position in the night sky relative to the astrological signs. Each year, the moon shifts, bringing different characteristics to each moon, according to Thomas. This year, the sturgeon moon falls in Aquarius, an air sign and the 11th sign of the zodiac. It's opposite Leo, a fire sign. "This means that both zodiac signs hold ties to our passions, sense of expression, aspirations and how we connect to others whether that is in love or friendship, " Thomas said. Rituals and manifestations to try during the sturgeon moon Many ancient cultures honor celestial cycles, using the full moon's energy for manifestation. Astrologers suggest that a full moon is the perfect time to manifest your dreams. Thomas notes that since Aquarius is an air sign, speaking mantras, writing intentions, or expressing desires to the universe can be especially powerful. "Air signs are highly communicative, so using words, images and sound can be especially potent," he explained. "Another idea would be to attend a meditation circle with friends, go to a sound bath or host a yoga retreat. Aquarius rules our communities, so joining groups that embody your beliefs can be especially helpful." Potential meditations, mantras or journal prompts: My hopes and dreams are within reach. I deserve a life of true fulfillment. I choose to align with a Tribe who loves and supports me. I connect to others and make the world a better place. Astrology horoscope for the sturgeon moon for your zodiac sign Aries (March 21 - April 19) Get ready for pure bliss, Aries! "As the full moon arrives, it will ignite your social sector, likely surrounding you by many near and dear friends," Thomas said. "This is a fabulous time to throw a party, attend a mixer or try building your social media network online. Oh, and if you're single, try meeting someone new through your acquaintances or update that dating profile!" Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Brace yourself to soar, Taurus! "Major professional achievements or victories could be right around the corner, whether that's in the form of a promotion, favorable publicity, an award or a new job offer," Thomas said. "Use this period to highlight your ambitions and reach toward them now." Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Tap into your bold spirit, Gemini! According to Thomas, the full moon "will push you to explore horizons beyond your wildest dreams. You have a deeply curious nature that will be activated at this time. Use your enthusiasm to pursue long-distance travel or consider places you'd like to visit in the year to come." Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Trust and intimacy will be in the spotlight now, Cancer. "In fact, you could notice that you and someone you are attached to have to discuss some serious plans ahead," Thomas explained. "If you're not happy, you may separate or be dealing with the final bits of a settlement. If you are aligned, you could feel ready to merge closer in body, mind and spirit." Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) Your relationships take center stage right now, Leo! "The full moon will energize you to be attracted more closely together like magnets or split apart like a firecracker," Thomas said. "Happy connections will see union, commitment, an engagement or even marriage. Unhappy relationships may see the sudden revelation that it's time to divorce or break-up, instead." Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) Your calendar is filling up, Virgo! "You could be tidying up a big career or job-related project or even leaving one employer behind to begin with another," Thomas said. "If seeking a better work-life balance, be sure to assess it this week. Another great way to capitalize on this cosmic flow is to revamp your diet or fitness plan." Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) Let passion take over your thoughts and heart, Libra! "As the full moon ignites within the sky, you could feel like you've found that mysterious pot of gold at the end of the rainbow," Thomas said. "This is the most important lunation for singles to put themselves out there -- line up dates and see if they speak to your soul. Couples can use this vibe to bring more spice into their relationship -- and bedroom!" Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) Your focus will be on home, family and domestic matters, Scorpio. "You may be shifting from one location to the next, getting into real estate or deciding to renovate or redecorate," Thomas explained. "Another way this could affect you is that you need to step in to help a family member — potentially even a parent." Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Sagittarius, brilliance flows effortlessly for you! According to Thomas, as the full moon arrives, "you'll be bursting at the seams to blast your ideas and thoughts to the world. You may be debuting a big communications-related project such as a website revamp or updating your portfolio. This lunation may also bring a contract for you to assess and sign." Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) A big payment or major expense is on the horizon, Capricorn! "Either way, money is coming and going out of your accounts at this time," Thomas added. "This is a fabulous moment to invest or look into building your wealth even more. A new raise or job offer could also present itself. If you're looking to monetize more, look for a new employer or side hustle." Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) You are the star of the show, Aquarius! "You will now see the realization of a dearly important personal project, hope or dream," Thomas said. "You must stand in your power and assert yourself and command your way like you're royalty. A big shift or revelation may manifest around a personal relationship, too." Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) Pisces, relax, hit the spa and enjoy some extra sleep! According to Thomas, this lunation "could have you feeling a bit overworked and burnt out but is giving you the chance to recharge your batteries. Pay attention to your dreams and any hunches that come through. One last way this could affect you, though, is that if you've hidden a secret -- or someone else has -- it may pop out now."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Sturgeon Moon coming this week. Will skies be clear? When to view it in Illinois
The full moon, nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon, will be visible soon across the country, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. Will skies be clear? When should you head outside to catch a glimpse? Here's everything Illinois residents need to know about the upcoming full moon. Why is it called the Sturgeon Moon? The name comes from the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, according to the almanac. This native freshwater fish was readily caught by Native Americans in the region during this part of summer and used to be quite abundant at this time, though they are rarer today. When will August full moon be at its peak in Illinois? The Sturgeon Moon will crest on Saturday, Aug. 9, reaching peak illumination at 2:55 a.m. Moon phases for July 2025 First Quarter: Aug. 1, 8:41 a.m. Full Moon: Aug. 9, 3:55 a.m. Last Quarter: Aug. 16, 1:12 a.m. New Moon: Aug. 23, 2:06 a.m. First Quarter: Aug. 31, 2:25 a.m. Will skies be clear in Illinois during full moon? It's expected to be mostly clear with a low around 71-75 degrees in central Illinois and Chicago, according to the National Weather Service. Best spots to see Milky Way in Illinois The Milky Way can best be viewed somewhere far away from bright city lights. Find a dark, safe spot out in the country where you can see more stars in the sky. State parks and campgrounds are your best bet for clear stargazing, in locations such as Campsite 26 at Apple River Canyon State Park and the Area 4 Parking Lot at Iroquois County State Wildlife Area. A full list of the best stargazing spots in Illinois can be found on the Department of Natural Resources website. For those in Chicago, stars will be more visible on the city lakefront, the Palos Preserves in Willow Springs and the 606 Trail at 1801 N. Ridgeway, according to a list compiled by the Adler Planetarium. Schedule for remaining 2025 full moons Here are the dates and times for the upcoming 2025 full moons: Corn Moon: September 7 at 1:09 p.m. CT Harvest Moon: October 6 at 10:48 p.m. CT Beaver Moon: November 5 at 7:19 p.m. CT Cold Moon: December 4 at 5:14 p.m. CT Find stars, planets and constellations with these free astronomy apps The following free astronomy apps can help you locate stars, planets, and constellations. SkyView Lite for iPhone | Google Play Star Walk 2 for iPhone | Google Play Star Chart for iPhone | Google Play for iPhone | Google Play This article originally appeared on Journal Star: When to glimpse Sturgeon Moon in Illinois. Weather forecast, viewing spots Solve the daily Crossword
