Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
but the interior spaces are more vibrant, with a sun-drenched two-
story central corridor, elliptical staircases, and three floors of exhibi-
tion space.
You can see the MCA's highlights in about an hour, although art
lovers will want more time to wander (especially if a high-profile
exhibit is in town). Your first stop should be the handsome barrel-
vaulted galleries on the top floor, dedicated to pieces from the per-
manent collection. Visitors who'd like a little guidance with making
sense of the rather challenging works can rent an audio tour or take
a free tour (1 and 6pm Tues; 1pm Wed-Fri; noon, 1, 2, and 3pm
Sat-Sun). Allow 1 to 2 hours.
220 E. Chicago Ave. (1 block east of Michigan Ave.).
&
312/280-2660.
www.
mcachicago.org. Admission $10 adults, $6 seniors and students with ID, free for
children 12 and under. Free admission Tues. Tues 10am-8pm; Wed-Sun 10am-5pm.
Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. Bus: 3, 10, 66, 145, 146, or 151. Subway/El:
Red Line to Chicago/State.
Navy Pier
Built during World War I, this 3,000-foot-long
pier was a Navy training center for pilots during World War II. The
military aura is long gone and replaced with a combination of carni-
val attractions, a food court, and boat dock, making it a bustling
tourist mecca and a place for a fun stroll (if you don't mind the
crowds). To get the best views back to the city, walk all the way down
to the end.
Midway down the pier are the
Crystal Gardens
, with 70 full-
size palm trees, dancing fountains, and other flora in a glass-enclosed
atrium; a carousel and kiddie carnival rides; and a 15-story Ferris
wheel, a replica of the original that made its debut at Chicago's 1893
World's Fair. The 50 acres of pier and lakefront property are also
home to the
Chicago Children's Museum
(p. 116), a
3-D IMAX
theater
(
&
312/595-5629
), a small ice-skating rink, and the
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
(p. 152). The shops tend to be bland
and touristy, and dining options include a food court, an outpost of
Lincoln Park's popular Charlie's Ale House, and the white-tablecloth
seafood restaurant Riva.
Take the half-mile stroll to the end of the pier, east of the ball-
room, where you can find a little respite and enjoy the wind, the
waves, and the city view, which is the real delight of a place like this.
Or, unwind in
Olive Park,
a small sylvan haven with a sliver of
beach just north of Navy Pier. Allow 1 hour.
600 E. Grand Ave. (at Lake Michigan).
&
800/595-PIER
(outside 312 area code)
or 312/595-PIER. www.navypier.com. Free admission. Summer Sun-Thurs 10am-
10pm,
Kids
Fri-Sat 10am-midnight;
fall-spring Mon-Thurs 10am-8pm,
Fri-Sat
