The Leather Archives & Museum was such a pleasant surprise for my visit to Chicago! If you're a fan…read moreof exploring LGBTQIA+ history, this is a must stop! It's a bit off of the beaten path but worth the drive or train ride. On the days it is open, admission is $10. Admission is free on Thursdays. I visited on a Thursday afternoon and there were only about 4 other patrons milling around with me. The main exhibit hall is in the basement of the building and includes a wide array of materials. About 1/3 of the basement is dedicated to the Chicago Hellfire Club. Other exhibit areas include lesbian/trans S&M communities, a short film folks can sit down and watch and a rotating temporary exhibit. There are so many great plaques that explain important pieces of history and the specific materials. I learned so much! This is such a fantastic resource for the BDSM communities and I hope folks continue to support this incredible institution. There is also a whole library in the museum, though I did not visit this part. It looks highly extensive! The staff were so friendly and helpful and was great at explaining what the museum offered and the recommended path to talk through it all. There is also a small area of merchandise, including shirts, buttons, postcards and patches. All very reasonably priced. I would definitely visit again, making a beeline for the library next time!

A must-visit destination for LGBT travelers interested in queer history and art. Don't miss it!read more

This is simply the best bookstore for new books between the coasts. I can't think of one on the…read moreeast or west coasts right now that might be better. So it may very well be the best bookstore in the country.

Just an amazing variety of academic and professional books. Can't believe this place exists. Good…read morespace to find sone quality reading material not in typical, even independent bookstores. Layout library like with a few places to sit and peruse. Found some keepers for a normal price point.

We are very fortunate to have stumbled into the Chicago Cultural Center last week. My daughter and…read moreI needed a small reprieve before going across the street and the heat and we nearly spent two hours here exploring. We loved the art pieces we saw, but mostly the architecture is what we loved. My daughter loved the staircases and amazing dome. The free to the public restrooms also came in handy for us. They were clean and well stocked. The location is perfect for anyone coming or going from Millenium Park or the nearby areas. Lastly, the gift shop had tons of cool art. This place is worth a visit.

Stepping into the Chicago Cultural Center felt like walking through a masterpiece of history and…read morearchitecture. Originally built as Chicago's main public library in 1897, this stunning landmark served the city until 1991. Every corner is filled with incredible craftsmanship--from the grand Neo-Classical and Italian Renaissance architecture to the massive arches, elegant Carrara marble, colorful glass, and intricate mosaic walls. The highlight? Standing beneath the world's largest Tiffany stained glass dome. It is absolutely breathtaking and even more spectacular in person. If you're visiting Chicago, don't miss this hidden gem. Best of all, admission is free, making it one of the city's most beautiful places to explore.

One of my favorite galleries in Chicago. They have a gorgeous selection of original…read morecontemporary/street art from local artists. Regularly gallery openings are a great place to see work from local emerging artists like Kayla Mahaffey, or be the first to nab pieces by local legends like Hebru Brantley and Pose. Other gallery openings have included national and international big names in the street art world like Anthony Lister. The environment for gallery openings in unpretentious and lively. Drinks and a younger crowd make for a fun and eventful evening. The gallery also has a room in the back which is usually viewable during gallery openings. There is a long standing collection of amazing works for sale including pieces by icons such as Barabara Kruger and Keith Haring. My favorite thing about Line Dot is that they often curate select pieces as limited edition prints which make art much more affordable for new collectors. Beautiful gallery. Friendly staff. Always enjoy my experience here.

We wandered in here as the interior looked super cute. This local shop is a gem for finding…read moreone-of-a-kind gifts, featuring a diverse range of candles, jewelry, personal items, Chicago-themed goods, and kitchenware, all neatly organized for easy browsing. Much of their inventory is locally crafted, guaranteeing uniqueness and the ability to support local businesses! They even had a wooden crafted outline of the Chicago skyline to hang up on the wall - really unique and super cute! I think it's a spot to remember if you're looking for a locally sourced item. Prices were on the more expensive side in my opinion but you would be supporting a local business if you were to purchase. As other reviewers mentioned, we weren't directly greeted, but we didn't think it was a big deal - it was very spacious and it didn't look like anyone had any particular questions so I was grateful for the space to look around and browse!

Amazing service and selection in the heart of Wicker Park! It is the perfect place to bop into if…read moreyou need a gift for a loved one or little something for yourself. I personally love their selection of art prints from local artists. This is a must visit!

Quaint little nook that often contains exhibit-related paraphernalia and humanities subject related…read morebooks

I recently ordered a book online from this bookshop and I will continue to order from them because…read moretheir communication and customer service is A+. I had an issue with my order and they went above and beyond to resolve it expeditiously. It's a treat to be in touch with a competent live person vs an automated system. I highly recommend this bookstore.

This is a wonderful museum. We planned an hour but it wasn't enough. It needs 90 or more minutes…read more Excellent quality exhibits. The downstairs is extensive and reminded me of the African American Museum in DC. Well worth th price of admission. Parking on site. Where do you find that anywhere. Definitely a must see!

A must do to get the Black Chicago was like ... experience. The Harold Washington exhibition is…read morewell worth it alone. There is some free lot parking if you can find it. Check this place out!

Super Dope, I really enjoyed my experience at the Sneaker University !!. I highly recommend this…read moreexperience for any fellow Chicagoan's or tourists. Customize T-shirts. Sweatshirts and tote bags. Great way to remember your trip to Chicago. They have a ton of stickers to choose from the represent all over Chicago. The process to get your custom gear. Should take about an hour or two hours. Please note the line is extremely long. So if it's a hot summer Chicago day, Bring some water with you. The wait time outside alone could be up to an hour I slightly longer.

This was a cool experience on my vacation trip. We got there on a Sunday right after opening and…read morethere was already a line. We waited maybe 30 minutes or so to get inside. I'm not sure what the limit is but they only let a certain amount in at a time. I think that's a great idea because it keeps from there being a lot of people are walking over each other. They have lots of sticker to choose from. Love a nice wearable souvenir. The staff were all very friendly. They moved fast. The only thing I suggest is to get kids sizes in for the hoodies and crew shirts.