8 Places to Learn Something New in Chicago

Behind its Neo-Classical façade, the Field Museum brims with artifacts, relics, and replicas, including gemstones, mummies, and fossils. There’s also a T. Rex named Sue – a 13ft-tall skeleton that’s the museum’s crowning glory. She’s hard to miss, and a kids’ favourite, too.

You might know this Chicago landmark as the Sears Tower – its more common name – as it was only changed in 2009. A 70-sec elevator ride will whizz you to the mind-boggling Skydeck, where you can edge out over the city streets below on jutting glass-floored ledges.

Tucked in the Loop, this is one of the country's largest meccas for the arts, and you'll be surrounded by the works of giants like Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Look out as well for iconic American images, such as Grant Wood's much-imitated and parodied American Gothic.

It might be best known for its blues and jazz bars, but Chicago’s classical concert venues showcase renowned musicians, too. There's no doubt that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is one of America’s best symphony ensembles. If you're in town between September and May, catching one of their epic performances is a must.

Built in 1869, this iconic yellow limestone building was one of the few structures to survive the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Originally part of a water works to provide clean lake water, these days it hosts an exhibition with modern Chicago-themed photos lining the tower’s turreted walls.

Modern premieres as well as tried and tested classical operas are put on at the grand Civic Opera House between September and March, when this highly esteemed opera company puts on their ground-breaking shows.