Underpasses are scary. Just watch a thriller (or even…read morebetter, read one) and you'll know what I mean... They are gray, gloomy, stinky and in Chicago - flooded every other day. (overstatement?!?! for sure) Well ladies and gentlemen, not in Hyde Park. The infamous South Side loves its underpasses and it shows!!! They are oh-so-pretty, artistic, mood-lifting (but still not flood-proof to my knowledge....working on it....) and grace the community from 57th to 47th street. My absolute favorite is on 47th, between Lake Park Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. Dedicated last September the mural in a style called "bricolage" mosaic, using broken tile, mirrored tile, colored grout, and tiles with photo transfers. The lead designers were Carolyn Elaine (a Bronzeville resident) and John Pitman Weber. The themes were chosen at community meetings, and photographs were donated by community members. The photos pay tribute to both better-known and unknown 47th Street inhabitants (and esteemed guests, in the case of Ella Fitzgerald) and are in my opinion a very neat touch to the project. But the most striking feature are the hundreds little pieces of mirror who gleam and shine and give the pass a cinematic and happy look every time you drive (walk?!?!?) by. Gorgeous. And another thing to admire in the South Side.

I would like to thank Carolyn and John for giving me the opportunity to be apart of the 47th St…read moreMural. I live just around the corner from the mural and asked if it was Ok if I can help in any way and they both gave me a chance to learn how to work with a different medium. Therefore I am honored to have learned this method of making art. D. Matthews

This is a hidden gem in Hyde Park and I'm so glad that I did and I think you would as well…read more They are open 7 days a week and it is free, but they need a small donation or big lol to help keep the doors open. They have a big event starting Saturday September 24th 2022 from 1pm to 4pm. Don't worry if you can't make it this weekend because they have this event every 3 months with different art. Many of the Artist are teen and their work is totally awesome and powerful. They also have another fund raising event coming up now hold your britches the tickets are $750 but remember it's a fund raising event. Now if that is too much for you because I know it is for me. The good news Is they have some $75 doll ar tickets for the after party. Any whoooo I can't wait to go back because they have something for everyone. As always folks.. Be Safe and Enjoy!!! I have no rights to any of the Art work...just sharing the joy!

I live less than a mile from here but so rarely visit. We went to a Friday night opening and…read moreclosing exhibition. Every room had something going on, from crafts, poetry reading, a movie screening, snacks. I love the video projector room, a mixture of hand-made art and larger than life video projections. I envy places that can do free wine, but since the younger-than-21 demographic visits and contributes the art sometimes, it appears alcohol is purchase only. Really great art, coolly presented, check it out!

Civil rights is an important thing, and there's a monument in Bronzeville. Ida B. Wells was a civil…read morerights activist and investigative journalist who lived here. She was an important figure in seeking justice for African-Americans who were being lynched. Has some quotes from her on it. The memorial was created by Richard Hunt, and takes its name from one of her quotes. An important area for African-Americans in Chicago is Bronzeville. It's the location of the memorial, and Wells only lived a few blocks away from here. The memorial has a quote from her: "The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them." Also there's a few other quotes from her. It was unveiled in 2021 after a long time of trying to bring recognition to the area about its African-American history and seeking justice for them. An impressive structure made of bronze and granite. This is on the site of a former housing project. Great piece of art that shows African-American history. It's located at the intersection of Langley Avenue and 37th Place. This is one of the few monuments in Chicago to honor black women.

I love public art…read more The Ida B. Wells Monument, "The Light of Truth", is designed and sculpted by Richard Hunt, a Chicago treasure. I only recently learned of Hunt when I visited the Vivian G. Harsh archive collection, where one of his works has been displayed for, I think, over 40 years. But as I learned a bit more about this artist, I realized I'd seen other works of his--or at least, works that seem inspired by him or very similar to his oeuvre--because I have found them striking and they stick out in my memory as examples of when I started to appreciate sculpture more. Of course the location is significant. Wells lived in the area, and the location of this monument is the site of the Ida B. Wells Homes, a housing project that once existed here. I actually didn't realize how recently the Wells Homes were demolished; they were finally removed in 2011, at a time when I would have been working at a college fewer than 1.5 miles away (but then again, that school never has really seemed to care about the neighborhood beyond its own borders). The monument is abstract, with three very tall, wide pillars that support a structure on the top. Is it a crown? A flame? That's for you to decide. It's also quite substantial--it rises over 30 feet above the street, and is spread over area of probably at least 15 to 20 feet on the ground. I read an article that said some of the committee (including a couple of Wells' descendants) had advocated for something interpretive as opposed to something more traditional, like a bust, because it would be a better reflection of Wells herself. For those who might disagree and would have preferred a bust, the likeness of Wells is included in the base pillars of the sculpture--in fact, I believe there are two; one of Wells as a younger woman, and another later in life. I really appreciate that they didn't solely focus on her time as a young woman. Her work didn't end when she had children, and she deserves to be honored for her continued advocacy as an older woman just as much. For my part, because I'm not terribly sophisticated when it comes to works of art, I take the name of the sculpture and the bronze color of it to depict a steady flame. Wells was a journalist, and a fighter. She protested the treatment and portrayal of African Americans at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893; she shone a light on lynching to the extent she was driven from Memphis; she fought against segregation in Chicago schools; she challenged white suffragettes who ignored lynching and cared little for the enfranchisement of Black women. (As a side note, I recently reviewed the Know Your History, Then Make History mural I visited in Lexington, Kentucky; one of the women painted in that mural also came to the Columbian Exposition to protest how African Americans were being treated. I can't help but wonder if these two women met, and if so, whether they ever worked together or even simply kept up a correspondence.) I will return to this monument when we start to warm up and spring is making her way into the midwest. Not only will it simply be more pleasant, since I'm not a cold weather type of girl, I'm also excited to see how the sculpture fits into its environment in full bloom: How the sun shines and bends in its curves; how the trees nearby dapple the surface of the structure; how the light glimmers on the flames reaching toward the sky. Does sunset imbue this sculpture with a glow unlike the rest of the day? If I had one critique, it would be that there is not a bench or anything underneath the monument, or directly around it. It would make the monument more accessible, because I know I look forward to standing beneath and gaze up whilst I ponder and analyze the sculpture, and someone who has mobility issues may not be able to spend the time appreciating it in that manner. Ellis Park nearby has a lot of benches, but I don't know where in the 12-acre park they are, nor whether they would be obstructed by the trees in spring and summer. Hopefully I just missed seeing a bench near here, or it's something they'll consider adding, to make the site more accessible and allow it to reach a wider audience. Review #627 8/2022

After 5:00 summer series Wednesday wine down:I recently visited this Little Black Pearl, and I have…read moreto say the energy when I walked in was great. I was surrounded by such positive, welcoming people of all ages. Throughout the night, we sang karaoke, played cards, shot pool and listened to good music. What really stood out to me was how safe, inclusive, and comfortable the environment felt. Everyone was so kind and genuine. But what truly touched my heart was how the community embraced my brother, who is special needs. There was no judgment only acceptance, laughter, and open arms. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like I had to be on guard, watching to make sure he was being treated with respect because everyone just welcomed. It was a relaxing night filled with connection and joy. I would absolutely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, warm, and safe space. Thank you for such an unforgettable expeience.

The organization for which I work recently held an event at Little Black Pearl (LBP). The support…read moreand service we received was beyond stellar! LBP provided the space, catered the food (via their onsite cafe, Carver 47), connected us to amazing balloon and floral vendors, and provided other accoutrements (e.g., tables and chairs, table coverings, a stage, sound and tech support, package management). LBP's one-stop shop especially helpful given that our planning team resided outside of Chicago. There is so much to applaud from the experience: the warm and inviting space exuded elegance; the feast was as beautiful as it was delicious; and the LBP team's interactions with us (from planning to completion) was the epitome of grace and hospitality. They accommodated every request and did so with an exceptional level of excellence. When we asked that the menu include a vegetarian and Halal dish, they ensured guests had multiple options. When we requested assistance erecting our banner, they took on the task of assembling the entire structure, even machine washing and drying it when they noticed a stain. Compared to other spaces we considered (and have used in the past) across the city, LBP's offerings and support stood head and shoulders above and their love was palpable in their attention to details.That they have a heart-centered mission and work in support of youth and community was tasty icing on an already amazing cake. Thank you, Little Black Pearl team, for making our event a world-class experience!

This was our second time attending an art show opening at the Bridgeport Art Center. Other than…read moretwo popular event venues, namely the Skyline Loft on the 5th floor and the Sculpture Garden on the first floor, the huge building also provides art studios and office spaces, and two spacious art galleries on the 3rd and 4th floors. Both times we attended the art openings on the 4th floor by taking a manned-freight elevator from the 1st floor. The first time we went two years ago, there was a public ticketed event going on. So, there were long lines just getting into the building. This time we arrived at 8:00 pm for a 7:00 - 10:00 pm opening, they had the entrance on the side of the building, and there were no lines. We attended "The Landscape is Changing" art exhibition that runs from July 18 to September 5, 2025 on the 4th Floor Gallery. It featured multimedia artworks from 101 contributing artist. There were paintings, photos, 3-D art, and sculptures that depicted natural and man-made structures of our surroundings, inspired and influenced by the landscape. The galleries were spacious and well-lit, and the exhibitions well-planned and professionally done. Since refreshments and beverages were on the 3rd floor, we decided to go down one floor by taking the stairs instead of the freight elevator. However, be prepared to go through quiet hallways of storage spaces that felt like a maze and adventure. It was nice that all the spaces were clean and well-maintained. However, I hope Bridgeport Art Center would look into improving the air conditioning in the art gallery spaces. Two years ago, it was hot and miserable during a hot summer night. This year, we were lucky that we had an exceptionally cool summer evening, that the outside temperature was only in the 70s. But the inside of the galleries was not too hot, but still on the warm side. I saw a couple of ladies fanning themselves with paper or something in their hands, while complaining about being too warm. However, other parts of the building could be nice and cool, that included their office. When we were leaving, the freight elevator door opened on the 5th floor, where a wedding reception was going on, we could feel a nice blast of cold air getting into the elevator. I highly recommend "The Landscape is Changing" art exhibition with free admission and runs until September 5, 2025, but please check the weather forecast and pick a cool day so that your experience will be more enjoyable.

Was at the venue as a guest for a wedding in the Sculpture garden…read more Was an elegant well run event. Building is gorgeous and all was done efficiently and without issue. Plenty of parking was a nice bonus. Dinner service was done effortlessly. No complaints as a guest.

The Nine Dragon Wall is a landmark across from the Chinatown entrance that says "Welcome to…read moreChicago's Chinatown". This wall is a miniature version modeled after a wall built on the south wall of the Imperial Perfection Gate. The original was built under the reign of Emperor Qianlong, during one of China's most prosperous rulers. In China, 9 symbolizes the supremacy if the emperor and dragons are also a representation of royalty, as you will see the ancient time Chinese Kings have a lot of dragons on their attire. The colors red, gold, and blue are auspicious colors for good fortune. I'm glad I got to see this miniature version in Chicago, but I would love to see the original version one day. It must be even more majestic if this is the mini.

Another piece of architecture in Chinatown. If you've seen the Chinatown Gate, this may be the next…read moremost important thing you see around here. Nine Dragon Wall is pretty cool looking. Maybe you think this is actually the most important thing in Chinatown, and many others believe it. This is also a popular place for crazy pictures and selfies. Basically this is a reproduction of a wall in Beijing. It has tiles that were actually made in China. This is one of the few times "made in China" is a good thing. It gets its name because there's nine dragons of course. Well actually there's nine large dragons. Look closer. There's many smaller dragons too! Nine is a number of good luck in China. This might bring you good luck. Conveniently it's located next to the public parking lot on Cermak. It's also easy to get to from the CTA station just by here. This way you can avoid paying anything for parking.

A historic marker about a significant event. It's where a President first kissed a First Lady. Of…read morecourse the story is more interesting than the monument, but it's cool being in the same spot. Check out some of the story on the inscription. This is a simple but classy monument. It says this is where Barack first kissed Michelle after eating ice cream from Baskin-Robbins. On the corner of Dorchester Avenue and 53rd Street is where it all happened. The story on the monument is taken from his interview with Oprah. He said they got ice cream. Then after she ate the chocolate ice cream, he kissed her and she tasted like chocolate, heehee. Also important to note there's still a Baskin-Robbins in the shopping center. It could be the same one. That shop could even be of historic significance.

Once upon a time, a young attorney at his first firm invited an associate at said firm on a date…read more Before Barack and Michelle Obama became one of the world's coolest power couple, they were Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson, and they ended their first date at a Baskin Robbins at 53rd and Dorchester. This may be the most adorable presidential marker known to human kind. It's a 3 ton boulder with a quote from Barack about that very kiss. It's pretty nondescript so easily overlooked, and it's not a Baskin Robbins any longer but a Subway (the BR moved down a couple doors). If you're a fan of presidential history, a mega fan of president Obama particularly, or just walking around the neighborhood take a selfie and to prove you've been to the site where where history was made. Review #1120-500th review of 2022

Ridiculous prices for African reproductions that are cracked, broken and faded. Thinks Americans…read morehave never been to Africa so they have no idea what these tourist pieces are really worth. She tried to charge me $200,000.00 American dollars for a painting I've seen in many African shops for $100.00. You can get better deals many other places.

The older black lady was initially welcoming. Then she stated we couldn't record and stated sign…read morewas outside the door. I politely walked out with my black dollars that I have planned on spending there! so hard to support on especially black are the

This abstract sculpture is temporarily located in the wonderful White River State Park, as part of…read moreits outdoor art exhibit. There is a commercial parking lot available as well as a commercial garage to park your vehicle. It is the work of Chicago artist Terrence Karpowicz. It is not an original piece. There is an identical one currently located in front of a Chicago real estate company as part of Art on Clark. It is part of his Athlete Series of sculptures, which use the same stick like figure in deferent sports themes scenes. The original piece was made in 2010 and the one in the park was made in 2017. They both are made of steel and measure 168" x 120" x 96" . The piece was inspired by the thought of giving everything you have to achieve a goal. It looks like a runner with their chest out crossing the finish line, known as a dip. It is a simple piece, but I like it. It somehow gets me in a motivated state of mind. This is a very attractive piece that you must look at while you are in the park. It is located on the median of the White River Pedestrian Bridge leading to the Indianapolis Zoo, along with many other sculptures. Well, as with most public art I have visited and reviewed, this is probably not a very long stop. I was there less than 3 minutes. You may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other wonderful art in the area to maximize your time and trip. Luckily, there are a lot of other interesting pieces of art in the park to load your itinerary with in addition to all that White River Park has to offer.

Loved visiting this beautiful library on the University of Chicago campus…read more The open reading room is enclosed in a glass and metal elliptical dome. The closed book stacks are accessed and retrieved by robotic cranes. So interesting. Are you a fan of the Divergent films? The Mansueto was featured in that film. It housed the Erudite Headquarters in the Divergent series. Amazing. Such a beautiful library. A nice place to study and a nice place to visit.

There are other reviews of the Mansueto reading room at the listing for the Joseph Regenstein…read moreLibrary here on Yelp. But since the University of Chicago considers it a separate library, I'm adding the Mansueto as a new listing. Note however that the Mansueto has only one public entrance, which is by an enclosed corridor from the main lobby of the Regenstein Library. Originally conceived as just an expansion of the Regenstein (the main library of the university), the Mansueto proved to be more than that. Its outer manifestation is the shallow glass dome that rises from the ground to the west of the Regenstein, softening that brutal concrete structure. What no pedestrian or patron sees is the actual "stacks" of this library (with a potential storage space of 3.5 million volumes), that extend down 5 stories below ground level. Only about a third of the Mansueto's potential storage space is currently filled. Filing and retrieval of volumes is done robotically, using 5 massive cranes controlled by a computer system. The 50-ft. tall cranes operate at fierce speeds, bringing a metal bin containing the requested volume up to the reading room desk within 5 minutes. In that subterranean storage are stacks of 24,000 metal bins, whose books and journals are sorted according to size rather than any other classification (like all books at other libraries, each volume has an unique bar code label attached). There in the 60ºF bin racks, kept at 30% humidity, in addition to bound books and journals, are also odd-sized items (archival boxes of papers and dissertations, digitized material on optical discs, and over-sized "elephant" folios). Gaining access to the Mansueto is very restricted; You must register there as a student of the university, a visiting scholar, or a guest of the library. I visited as part of a limited tour group. Link to their site for more information and photos.