Great Events, Activities, and Exhibitions to Explore in Illinois and Wisconsin

Feb 19, 2023

If you’re not interested in taking a road trip or perhaps not into the Great Outdoors, don’t worry! We’ve got a great guide to some wonderful places you can check out for a day trip or weekend away. And best of all, they’re mostly places that are indoors, where it’s warm and cozy! Check out today’s post of amazing Museums and venues to explore in Illinois and Wisconsin.

First up, let’s take a look at some Must See art exhibits that are running or will be ope in the next few months! These exciting events are limited term traveling art installations or special exhibitions curated for the spaces that host them. So be sure to cehck your calendar and squeeze them in before it’s too late!

The Chicago Cultural Center is hosting “Nelly Agassi: No Limestone, No Marble.” It’s a one-of-a-kind exhibit closing on February 26th, so get there and see this Israeli-Born Chicago-based artist’s unique presentation before it’s gone for good!

The Art Institute of Chicago has an impressive showcase collection featuring 25 paintings, drawings, and personal objects from Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali, on display starting February 18th, and running through June 12th of this year.

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago has just opened their latest exhibit chronicling the history of Chinese cuisine in the US, and exploring how food helps illustrate the immigrant experience, and connects people to different cultures. You’ll also learn about some of the local eateries in the city’s own historic Chinatown district.

Opening on February 23rd and running through 4th of June, the Smart Museum of art at University of Chicago is hosting “Not All Realisms”, a photography and memorabilia exhibition chronicling Africa and the 1960s.

The Pencillarium and Artworks Gallery in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has a wonderful rotating gallery of local and regional artists who create works on different themes. The current installation as of January 2023 is “The 1”x1” Art Challenge, where creators were inspired to create a work of art sized just about the dimensions of a postal stamp. Come and check it out for a unique experience.

Downtown Rhinelander, Wisconsin is home to Art Start, home of rotating events, workshops, and gallery shows by local and regional artists. From Febraury 9th through the 25th, the current artwork on display is from local school-aged artists grades K-12 from the Rhinelander School district as well as the Rhinelander Woman’s Club Student Writing Contest submissions.

Starting in May, the Morton Arboretum is hosting a spectacular exhibit from Polish-American artist Olga Ziemska, who has created many sculptures and works from reclaimed tree branches and other items gathered from the grounds of the arboretum. The event will open on May 26th 2023 and be ongoing through 2025.

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is hosting the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, which will be on display now through April 23rd! The exhibit features plentiful styles and media choices, and artists on display include teens aged 14-17 in addition to adults.

Pompeii: The Exhibition opens on February 23rd at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and runs through September 4th

Planning ahead for late spring and beyond? Here are some additional fun and interesting events as well as more upcoming exhibits and installations in Chicago!

Not interested in any event in particular, but are more looking to roam and peruse at your leisure? No problem! Here’s some fascinating activities and unique museums and places to explore that have ongoing interest and permanent collections.