MUSEUMS
Museums aren’t just for kids and geeks. Usually, for the cost of a movie you can have hours’ worth of unique entertainment.
The Art Institute of Chicago: The Art Institute is the clear choice for classic art viewing. It is filled with rooms of priceless art by some of the greatest the world has ever known. Centered on beautiful grounds in the heart of downtown it is a great escape
from the gray city life.
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Hours:
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays
10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Admission: Free on Tuesdays; $12 all other days
www.artic.edu
The Museum of Contemporary Photography: Along with an extensive collection dating back to 1945, the museum runs exhibits that change almost every month. It is the only museum in the Midwest of its kind. This casual detour offers an interesting glimpse at the art of photography and those artists who are making their mark.
600 S. Michigan Ave. (Columbia College Chicago building)
Open Mondays through Fridays
Admission: Free
www.mocp.org
Chicago Historical Society: The Historical Society has a vast, rich history including such monumental moments as the Chicago Fire and the World Fair and the Historical Society is the place to go to find out all about it. Clark Street at North Avenue
Hours:
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays
Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays
Admission: Free on Mondays; $5 all other days
www.chicagohs.org
The Field Museum: The Field Museum offers exhibits good for people of all ages.1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last entrance at 4 p.m.
Admission: $13-25
www.fieldmuseum.org
Museum of Science and Industry: The Museum of Science and Industry is well known for its extraordinary exhibits. 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
Hours: Vary by season. Click here for details.
Admission: $8.75 to 11
www.msichicago.org
The Shedd Aquarium: The Shedd Aquarium provides for a full day of entertainment. It is one of the more expensive museums per person, but admission prices include access to all exhibits. 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday to Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Admission: $23
www.sheddaquarium.org
NIGHT LIFE
After a nice day at a museum it’s time to have some Chicago fun at cheap
but cool hangouts.
Crowbar: Crowbar is an established Chicago tradition being one of the few nightclubs to actually last 12 years or more. It is now the upscale “it" spot for Chicago nightlife. There is, in fact, a no athletic gear dress code. It is strictly 21 and older. Thursdays and Fridays is old school and rock music and Saturdays it’s
house music. Never arrive before 11:30 p.m.
1543 N. Kingsbury
Hours: 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays
10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Saturdays
Drinks: From $6 to $8
D.O.C. Wine Bar: If you’re feeling super trendy, D.O.C. is the place to be. This small hangout for young urban professionals offers more than 100 wines by glass or bottle along with more standard cocktails. It’s, by its nature, more expense than a regular bar, but worth the money if you’re a wino. 2602 N. Clark St.
Hours:
Until 2 a.m. daily
www.docwinebarchicago.com
Exit: Exit is the punk and rock club to check out in Chicago. Exit has something
going on every night of the week, either a live band or a DJ and lots of giveaways, all of which are listed on their Web site. 1315 W. North Ave.
Hours: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily
Drinks: Start at $1.50
www.exitchicago.com
The Funky Buddha Lounge: The Funky Buddha brings a little bit of everything to Chicago. The image is very worldly and this dance lounge has everything from house to jazz to football. Along with all the traditional liquors Funky Buddha also offers organic juices and teas. The Funky Buddha Lounge is open all week with standard bar prices. 728 W. Grand Ave.
www.funkybuddha.com
Griffin’s Public House: Griffin’s is the quintessential hippie music bar. They have live music four nights a week; usually of the Grateful Dead cover band variety and a large selection of beer. There’s not really any food, so eat before heading out. Griffin’s is
the perfect place for cheap beer and a mellow night. 2710 N. Halsted
So it is officially no longer a viable excuse to say that you can’t go out because you’re broke. It’s time to help yourself to cheap Chicago.
