I’m often asked whether I’m able to attend so many events by getting in free (no) or being paid to attend (hell no). I do spend a great deal of time researching the intersections of interest and opportunity with regard to goings-on in my area, and people are surprised by how accessible cultural events often are. In the interest of saving you time and spurning exploration, I’ve started a series on free local events.
Whether or not you’re an art hound, the Art Institute of Chicago is wonderful to visit for the number of highly recognizable works. Visitors of mine have been lured in just to admire Seurat like Ferris Bueller, and have left enchanted.
The Art Institute offers free admission every Thursday from 5 – 8 p.m. for Illinois residents, and this week it celebrates the return of another well-known work. Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks has been reinstalled after an extended trip to Paris’ Grand Palais as part of a retrospective. Hosted by AI’s Evening Associates, “Unveiled” invites you to learn what’s behind a work you’ve seen countless times from 6 – 8 p.m. on March 21. You’ll have to ante up for the cash bar, but the art is free!
Learn more about the Grand Palais Hopper retrospective in the video below.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
