Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
historical materials outside Poland (it is also the largest museum in the United
States devoted exclusively to an ethnic group). The museum's programs include
rotating exhibitions, films, lectures, and concerts, and a permanent exhibit
about Pope John Paul II. There is also a library with a large Polish-language col-
lection, and archives where visitors can research genealogical history (call in
advance if you want to look through those records). Parents should request a
“seek and find” booklet with questions for kids (and get a free Polish Museum
pen, too).
984 N. Milwaukee Ave. (at Augusta Blvd.).
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773/384-3352.
www.pma.prcua.org. Suggested donation $3
adults, $2 students, $1 children. Fri-Wed 11am-4pm. Subway/El: Blue Line to Division.
The Smart Museum of Art
Ages 5 & up.
The University of Chicago's
fine-arts museum looks rather modest, but it packs a lot of talent into a com-
pact space. Its permanent collection of more than 7,000 paintings and sculp-
tures spans Western and Eastern civilizations and ranges from classical antiquity
to the present day. Bona fide treasures include ancient Greek vases, Chinese
bronzes, and old-master paintings; Frank Lloyd Wright furniture; Tiffany glass;
sculptures by Degas, Matisse, and Rodin; and 20th-century paintings and sculp-
tures by Mark Rothko, Arthur Dove, Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, Henry
Moore, and Chicago sculptor Richard Hunt. Built in 1974, the contemporary
building doesn't really fit in with the Gothic style of other campus buildings, but
its sculpture garden and outdoor seating are available for families, who are wel-
come to picnic on the lawn. The museum is reaching out to families through Art
Afternoons, held Wednesday from noon to 3pm, when families can try a hands-
on art activity. It's available for a small fee; check the website or call ahead to
confirm. The museum also has a gift shop and a cafe.
5550 S. Greenwood Ave. (at E. 55th St.).
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773/702-0200.
www.smartmuseum.uchicago.edu. Free admis-
sion; donations welcome. Tues-Wed and Fri 10am-4pm; Thurs 10am-8pm; Sat-Sun 11am-5pm. Closed hol-
idays. Bus: 6.
Spertus Museum
Ages 5 & up.
The Spertus Museum, an extension of the
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, showcases intricately crafted and historic
Jewish ceremonial objects, textiles, coins, paintings, and sculpture, tracing 5,000
years of Jewish heritage. Kids enjoy the Artifact Center, with 12 authentic
archaeological dig sites and tools that let future archaeologists discover replicas
of artifacts (such as pottery) under the sand. (Reserved for school groups in the
mornings, but it's open to the public in the afternoon). Though small in scale,
the
Zell Holocaust Memorial
exhibit is particularly moving, featuring a video
montage of Holocaust victims with a Chicago connection and a display of
related artifacts and documents. The institute's Asher Library boasts one of the
largest collections of Jewish books, periodicals, videos, and music in the coun-
try. The Bariff Shop for Judaica carries a large selection of art, books, music,
videos, and contemporary and traditional Jewish ceremonial gifts. Allow 1 hour.
618 S. Michigan Ave.
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312/322-1747.
www.spertus.edu. Admission $5 adults; $3 seniors, students, and
children; $10 maximum family rate. Free admission Fri. Sun-Wed 10am-5pm; Thurs 10am-7pm; Fri
10am-3pm. Subway/El: Red Line to Harrison; Brown, Purple, Orange, or Green Line to Adams. Bus: 3, 4, 6,
145, 147, or 151. Validated parking in nearby lots.
Swedish-American Museum Center
Ages 4 & up.
Chicago parents rec-
ommend a visit to this storefront museum, which chronicles the Swedish immi-
grant contribution to American life. The museum is a hub of activity, with cultural
lectures, concerts, and classes and folk dancing geared to Swedish Americans, some
