Since the Windy City's earliest days, people from all over the world came to settle here. They brought with them the traditions of their home countries or of towns in other parts of the USA. These all influenced one another over time to create a unique, richly varied Chicago culture, which in turn has influenced the cultural landscape of America.
Few cities have colored the American musical landscape quite the way that the Windy City has. It has been a leader in almost every genre of music, whether it's soul, jazz, indie rock, hip hop or house. Its particular style of blues has influenced artists like Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Even the city's symphony orchestra rates among one of the world's most renowned.
The blues was a major theme of one of the most popular movies set in the Windy City, 'The Blues Brothers'. This film classic is just one of the many that show off Chicagoan life and architecture. The city has also been the setting for many a hit television show and it was here that Oprah Winfrey filmed the talk show that made her a household name around the world.
The Compass Players, a group affiliated to the university, is credited with inventing the modern form of improvisational comedy. Mike Nichols, Jerry Stiller and Alan Alda are just some of the famous comedians who have cut their teeth here. Stand-up comedy is still very popular in the local clubs. Furthermore, the Uptown neighborhood is regarded as the birthplace of slam poetry and if you want more serious theater, you'll find it with institutions like the Joffrey Ballet.
If museums are your kind of attraction, you'll be spoiled for choice. There are art museums like Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Contemporary Photography and the National Museum of Mexican Art as well as architectural delights like the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Natural history, science and history museums abound too and the city's diverse ethnic heritage is celebrated in museums like the Polish Museum of America, the Ukrainian National Museum, the National Hellenic Museum and the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.
The city has a rich tradition of fine art and photography. River North is a neighborhood with many galleries where you may view and invest in contemporary art. There is a huge collection of public art in the streets, parks and squares, with Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Anish Kapoor and Claes Oldenburg just some of the legendary artists whose works are displayed for the public to appreciate.
Of course culture is not only about the visual and performing arts and museums. You can live and literally taste it every day with the local cuisine. There are excellent restaurants throughout, from gourmet establishments to ethnic eateries. The city's chefs tend to put their own spin on well-known dishes like tamales or burgers and the local styles of ht dog and pizza, especially the well-loved deep-dish pizza, are legends in their own right.
There are many ways to explore and experience Chicago culture. For example, look in the local listings for offerings that may appeal to you. Festivals will also expose you to things you wouldn't otherwise have discovered. Another option is to go on a themed cultural tour, for instance a food or architecture tour.
Few cities have colored the American musical landscape quite the way that the Windy City has. It has been a leader in almost every genre of music, whether it's soul, jazz, indie rock, hip hop or house. Its particular style of blues has influenced artists like Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Even the city's symphony orchestra rates among one of the world's most renowned.
The blues was a major theme of one of the most popular movies set in the Windy City, 'The Blues Brothers'. This film classic is just one of the many that show off Chicagoan life and architecture. The city has also been the setting for many a hit television show and it was here that Oprah Winfrey filmed the talk show that made her a household name around the world.
The Compass Players, a group affiliated to the university, is credited with inventing the modern form of improvisational comedy. Mike Nichols, Jerry Stiller and Alan Alda are just some of the famous comedians who have cut their teeth here. Stand-up comedy is still very popular in the local clubs. Furthermore, the Uptown neighborhood is regarded as the birthplace of slam poetry and if you want more serious theater, you'll find it with institutions like the Joffrey Ballet.
If museums are your kind of attraction, you'll be spoiled for choice. There are art museums like Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Contemporary Photography and the National Museum of Mexican Art as well as architectural delights like the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Natural history, science and history museums abound too and the city's diverse ethnic heritage is celebrated in museums like the Polish Museum of America, the Ukrainian National Museum, the National Hellenic Museum and the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.
The city has a rich tradition of fine art and photography. River North is a neighborhood with many galleries where you may view and invest in contemporary art. There is a huge collection of public art in the streets, parks and squares, with Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Anish Kapoor and Claes Oldenburg just some of the legendary artists whose works are displayed for the public to appreciate.
Of course culture is not only about the visual and performing arts and museums. You can live and literally taste it every day with the local cuisine. There are excellent restaurants throughout, from gourmet establishments to ethnic eateries. The city's chefs tend to put their own spin on well-known dishes like tamales or burgers and the local styles of ht dog and pizza, especially the well-loved deep-dish pizza, are legends in their own right.
There are many ways to explore and experience Chicago culture. For example, look in the local listings for offerings that may appeal to you. Festivals will also expose you to things you wouldn't otherwise have discovered. Another option is to go on a themed cultural tour, for instance a food or architecture tour.
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