False bomb threat prompts staff evacuation, late opening for Field Museum
Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History evacuated its staff and opened late on Tuesday due to a false bomb threat.
The museum announced that it received a threat of explosives in the building early Tuesday. The Chicago Police Explosives Canine Unit and Bomb Squad were called to the museum, at 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., and found that the threat was not credible.
During the sweep, Field Museum staff members were evacuated to the nearby Shedd Aquarium, where the museum said its staff were warmly welcomed.
The museum's opening was delayed until noon Tuesday because of the threat, but it was open as usual through the afternoon. The museum will be open until 9 p.m. Tuesday for the "After 5 at the Field" event, at which visitors can experience the museum after hours at a discounted all-access admission rate.
What's happening at the Field Museum now?
At the Field Museum now, the popular "Cats: Predators to Pets" exhibit remains open through April 27. The exhibit is all about cats of all kinds — domestic and wild, cuddly and ferocious. On Monday, the museum hosted its latest cat café, held in partnership with the Anti-Cruelty animal welfare organization, at which visitors could pet, cuddle, and play with real live cats.
Meanwhile, special Events are planned for Wednesday at the Field Museum. Among them is the panel discussion, "Cultural Curators: Black Voices in the Museum Industry," in which three museum staff members will talk about their professions and experiences and give advice to youngsters. The free event at the museum's James Simpson Theatre is part of the Field Museum's Black History Month celebration.
Also Wednesday, Corwin Sullivan, an associate professor of biological science at the University of Alberta, will present the talk, "Reptile, reconfigured: changes in structure and function on the evolutionary line from long-deceased dinosaurs to modern birds." This event is part of the weekly A. Watson Armour III Seminar Series and is included with museum admission.
The Field Museum is free for Illinois residents on Wednesdays.
On Thursday, the Field Museum's first poet in residence, Eric Elshtain, will host a pop-up event in the "Cats: Predators to Pets" exhibit, at which visitors can discover how cats can inspire poems. Elshtain sets up a typewriter station at different spots in the museum each week, where visitors can craft their very own poems.
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Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago's museums for summer 2025: ‘Reptiles' at the Field, brews at the zoos and ‘Spider-Man' the exhibit
The movement du jour is for a museum to describe its offerings as 'immersive.' It's become a cliché, but it does nod to a cultural trend that predated, then was amplified by, the pandemic: Experiences, not exhibitions, are coaxing folks off their couches and into cultural institutions. 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 '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, '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, 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, 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, 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 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, '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 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 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, 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
Time Business News
01-06-2025
- Time Business News
Andi Sklar: The Visionary at the Intersection of Art, Identity, and Experience
In a world increasingly divided between digital immediacy and physical disconnection, few creators manage to connect emotion, place, and memory as powerfully as Andi Sklar. A multidisciplinary artist, designer, and cultural storyteller, Sklar is recognized for crafting immersive environments and intimate fine artworks that capture more than just aesthetics — they capture a feeling. From contributing to global theme park experiences to creating tender watercolors that celebrate queer life, Sklar's career defies traditional boundaries. He is not merely a painter, or a designer, or a creative director. He is all of these things — and, more importantly, a visionary who bridges commercial design with personal truth. Born in Highland Park, Illinois, Sklar grew up in a midwestern town known for its tree-lined streets and proximity Andi Sklar to Chicago's vibrant cultural scene. He was a reserved but observant child, drawn more to museum halls and sketchbooks than to soccer fields. Family trips often revolved around cultural landmarks — the Field Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. But one trip changed everything: a visit to Walt Disney World shortly after its opening. Sklar was mesmerized not by the rides, but by how everything — from the pavement to the lampposts — told a story. That realization planted a lifelong obsession: how to build a world that makes people feel something real. Following high school, Sklar enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). There, he explored everything from architectural rendering to theatrical lighting design. What made him stand out wasn't just his technical skill — it was his deep emotional awareness. His portfolio, even then, contained spaces that invited people to feel joy, memory, or introspection. During his time at RISD, Sklar began exploring themes of identity more openly, particularly his experience as a gay man. For his senior thesis, he created a conceptual exhibit titled Invisible Rooms , which combined architecture, lighting, and narrative to explore hidden queer histories. After graduation, Sklar joined Walt Disney Imagineering, entering the dream factory of themed entertainment. At Disney, he contributed to a variety of global projects, most notably Hong Kong Disneyland, where he worked as an Area Art Director. In this role, he didn't just design facades — he crafted emotional architecture. Everything from the curvature of pathways to the color of rooftops was carefully planned to evoke story. His work on Fantasyland was particularly noted for balancing classic Disney themes with Asian aesthetics, a subtle but powerful act of cultural adaptation. Sklar became known for his attention to detail and his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams with empathy and vision. While many would consider a career at Disney the pinnacle of success, Sklar saw it as a stepping stone. His passion for storytelling through space led him to projects with Universal Studios, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., and Sanrio. His work at Bollywood Parks Dubai was a standout. There, he helped develop attractions based on Indian cinema, such as Sholay: The Hunt for Bandits . Unlike other designers unfamiliar with the cultural source material, Sklar dove deep into Bollywood history and aesthetics to ensure authenticity. This commitment to research and representation set him apart. To Sklar, design is not just visual — it's anthropological. Despite success in commercial design, Sklar began to feel a pull toward more personal work. Themed entertainment was collaborative and large-scale — but it didn't always allow for introspection or vulnerability. He returned to painting, a medium he had loved since childhood. In 2018, he debuted a series titled 'Desert Trails', showcasing life in Southern California and the American Southwest through a queer lens. The watercolors were quiet but emotionally potent: a man lounging by a motel pool, two friends walking under desert stars, a couple having breakfast in a sunlit diner. These weren't grand statements — they were human moments made sacred through attention and care. Unlike much queer art, which leans into either political activism or flamboyant aestheticism, Sklar's work sits in a middle ground. His subjects are ordinary people in extraordinary lighting. His colors evoke 1970s postcards: teal blues, dusty pinks, and pale oranges. Sklar's art creates a queer nostalgia — not just longing for the past, but longing for the spaces where queer people have always existed quietly and beautifully. His piece The Sandpiper Inn features a retro beach motel, its sign glowing against a dusky sky. No people are present, but their existence is felt — towels hanging over railings, a drink left on a table. This subtlety is Sklar's signature. Throughout his career, Sklar has been an advocate for inclusivity in design teams. He emphasizes hiring creatives from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that narrative decisions in entertainment design include input from those represented. He believes that empathy is a design skill — one as important as drafting or rendering. Whether mentoring junior designers or consulting on DEI-focused design initiatives, Sklar uses his platform to make sure future creatives feel empowered, not excluded. As he once put it: 'It's not enough to build a world — you have to ask who gets to live in it.' Sklar's technical skills are vast. In themed design, he works with 3D software, architectural drafting tools, and digital painting. But in his fine art, he returns to traditional media — watercolors, pencils, ink washes. His watercolor process is loose and layered. He starts with a light pencil sketch, blocks in colors with translucent washes, and finishes with sharp details like signage, reflections, and textures. The final work often looks sun-bleached, as if it's been living in memory for years. He embraces imperfection, stating that 'a brushstroke out of place can tell the truth better than one that's perfect.' Though Sklar avoids the spotlight, his work has earned him growing recognition. His paintings have been featured in LGBTQ+ art festivals across California and the Southwest. Collectors often cite the emotional familiarity in his scenes, even if they've never been to the exact places he paints. He's also been highlighted in design circles for his contributions to themed entertainment, including guest lectures at design schools and panels on queer visibility in architecture and public art. Still, Sklar remains grounded. He maintains an online archive of his work not to promote himself, but to make his art more accessible to those who connect with it. Today, Sklar splits his time between consulting for design firms and working in his home studio. He lives in Palm Springs, surrounded by the landscapes that so often appear in his art. In the mornings, he paints. In the afternoons, he might review attraction blueprints or host virtual design critiques with students. On weekends, he visits vintage roadside motels and old diners, snapping photos for future inspiration. His life is balanced, intentional, and infused with the same thoughtful narrative that defines his work. Andi Sklar may not dominate headlines or flood social media with self-promotion, but his impact is profound. He has built worlds we've walked through, seen stories we've felt without words, and captured lives that rarely get portrayed with such dignity. His legacy is one of care, craft, and cultural empathy — values often missing in both commercial design and fine art. In an age of noise, Sklar's work is a whisper — but one that lingers, resonates, and redefines what it means to be both seen and felt. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Gizmodo
17-05-2025
- Gizmodo
The Pokémon Fossil Exhibition is Coming to the U.S. in 2026
Everybody loves Pokémon, whether that's playing with (and as) them, watching them, and collecting 'em all. Nintendo's never not ready to trot them out, and for those in the U.S., you'll be able to visit them at a museum next year. On May 22, 2026, Nintendo will bring its Pokémon Fossil Museum to the Chicago's Field Museum. The exhibit will feature fabricated 'fossils' of the monsters compared with 'ancient lifeforms found in real-world fossils. […] Trainers of all ages are invited to visit and discover the incredible world of fossils both in the Pokémon world and in our own real world,' reads the announcement. Two noted highlights are scientific casts of Field Museum dinos Sue the and the Chicago Archaeopteryx next to Tyrantrum and Archeops, respectively. The Pokémon Fossil exhibit started in Japan this past March and will wrap up its current run in Fukui before traveling to the Benex Dinosaur Museum in Nagasaki (June 7-September 11) and Tokushima's Prefectural Museum (October 4-December 28). Chicago will be its first venue in the U.S., and at time of writing, future cities and countries to follow haven't been revealed. The Field Museum also isn't selling tickets right now, but you can sign up to be alerted for when they do here. Meanwhile, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the next big entry in the series, is due for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in late 2025.
