The Fascinating History of Navy Pier
Discover why Navy Pier was a vital piece of the Plan of Chicago
Bootleggers, Tee-totalers, and Egg-throwing Apes: stories from Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse
Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse sits on the northwest corner of Block 1. The restaurant opened in 1987, but the story of this location is much, much older. The first time …
Making the World a Better Place: the Story of Hull-House and Jane Addams
Hull-House Museum showcases the works of Jane Addams, Ellen Gates Starr, and several other prominent philanthropists and activists. Learn the stories behind these women and the house itself. In the …
The Story Behind the Stacks: How Newberry Library Came to Be
Learn the story behind Newberry Library, one of the best research libraries for humanities in the world. Walter Loomis Newberry was the kind of man who prepared. Before moving to …
Chicago’s Symbol of Hope: the Historic Water Tower
The historic Water Tower stands tall above Michigan Avenue. Learn the story behind this Living Landmark.
Glessner House: a Remarkable Home for a Remarkable Family
The Glessner House is a remarkable home designed by H.H. Richardson. Meet the family who defied wealthy Victorian-era stereotypes. The building on the corner of 18th and Prairie is like …
Driehaus Museum: The Story Behind the $100,000,000 Mansion
Learn the story behind the Driehaus Museum, one of Chicago’s most impressive – and expensive – landmarks. When Samuel and Matilda Nickerson decided to build their new home in 1879 …
Palmer House Hilton: Myths & Romance in Chicago’s Oldest Hotel
The Palmer House is opulence defined. Its chandeliers and sculptures weigh a ton, literally. Entering the lobby through the travertine double staircase is like being smacked on one cheek with …
Fine Arts Building: a Vertical Arts Colony and Madhouse of Creativity
Learn the story behind Chicago’s vibrant crucible of artists, dreamers, and doers.
Grant Park: the Making of Chicago’s Front Yard
Find out why it took over a century and several lawsuits to create this Chicago centerpiece.
Hotel Julian Chicago: From Demolition-danger to Luxurious Lodgings
How an abandoned building designed by one of Chicago’s preeminent architects found new life as Hotel Julian.