One of Chicago’s most impressive qualities is undeniably its collection of world-class museums and the array of exhibits they offer. With 2023 just kicking off, there’s a whole host of new extraordinary art exhibits coming to the Windy City this year.
Art, science, and human connection have a truly transformative power, and now, after the tumultuous and unprecedented years that we’ve just endured, it’s time to remember that.
Here are some of the most unique exhibitions taking place in Chicago this year that you simply cannot miss.
1. Of the Earth at the Morton Arboretum
‘Of the Earth’ will feature sculptures made from reclaimed tree branches and other materials gathered throughout the Arboretum’s grounds.
When is the exhibit?
Morton Arboretum’s new collection will open on May 26, 2023, and run through to spring 2025.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $11 on Wednesdays and $16 every other day for adults to enter the arboretum. Kids are $8 on Wednesday and $11 on all other days.
Learn more about the Morton Arboretum’s Of Nature exhibit here.
2. Salvador Dalí’s The Image Disappears
Narrowing in on the 1930’s decade, Salvador Dalí cemented his status as a Surrealist painter. Now the Art Institute of Chicago is now displaying over 25 paintings, drawings, and objects of Dalí’s– showing his contradictory impulses in a new light, highlighting both his need to be seen and to disappear.
When is the exhibit?
The exhibition started on February 18, 2023, and lasts through to to July 12.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $19 for access to the entire museum between the hours of 11 am and 8 pm.
Find out more about Salvidor Dallí’s The Image Disappears here.
3. Pompeii: The Exhibition
A new Pompeii exhibit has opened at the Museum of Science and Industry showcasing one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in the history of the planet.
Aiming to transport visitors to a historic commercial port and bustling economic center that was destroyed more than 1,900 years ago due to an eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii: The Exhibition will highlight armor and weapons, marble and bronze sculptures and include holographic gladiator displays and 4D simulations of the eruption, this exhibit will bring museum-goers back to the ancient city.
When is the exhibit?
The exhibit started on February 23 and runs until September 4th.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $18 for adult non-members and $14 for children.
Find out more about the Pompeii exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry here.
4. Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition
Talking of The Museum of Science, the longest-running exhibition of African American art has been displayed annually at MSI since 1970 and is once again open at the beloved museum.
Featuring a range of paintings, fine art prints, mixed media, and more styles, Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition showcases dynamic works from both professional and amateur African American artists from around the country.
The broad range of art on display has been created by both renowned professional Black artists and youth artists between the ages of 14 and 17.
This exhibition is now open through April 23, 2023 and .
When is the exhibit?
The exhibit opened on January 6, 2023, and runs through April 23rd.
How much are tickets?
Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition is included in museum entry which is $21.95 for adults, $12.95 for children, and free for members.
4. Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop/Works
See over 94 pieces of Andy Warhol’s work at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in the forthcoming Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop/Works from the Bank of America Collection! On loan through Bank of America’s ‘Art in our Communities’ program.
Featuring over 11,000 sq. ft. of interactive experiences– like a Biographical exhibit, video installations, and more, this innovative exhibit is sure to capture your heart and delight the eyes with over 150+ photos taken by Warhol featuring iconic images like the Children’s Print Factory, Studio 54 experience, and a Central Park-inspired outdoor space.
When is the exhibit?
The exhibit starts June 3, 2023, and goes until September 10th.
How much are tickets?
‘Anytime’ tickets are $40 but if you prefer a time slot, it’s only $25 on weekdays and $35 on weekends.
Read more about the Andy Warhol exhibit here.
5. Nelly Agassi: No Limestone, No Marble
Head to the Chicago Cultural Center to see an immersive take on artist Nelly Agassi’s work. This exciting exhibit highlights Israeli-born Chicago artist Agassi as she develops a personal relationship with the past, present, and future history.
By adding innovative and naturalistic sculptures to the blank walls, she uses materials to highlight the city of Chicago and the cultural center’s lasting impact. Funded in part by Artis, this extraordinary exhibit is hanging around until February because of its everlasting appeal and riveting storyline.
When is the exhibit?
The exhibit is extended until February 26, 2023
How much are tickets?
Admission is free for this museum.
Find out more about No Limestone, No Marble here.
6. EXPO CHICAGO
Celebrating the tenth anniversary of EXPO CHICAGO at Navy Pier’s festival hall. Taking place this spring, the renowned exhibit brings together innovative global galleries and programming.
When is the exhibit?
Participate in city-wide events from April 13 to 16th.
How much are tickets?
Grab a general admission ticket for $30 or opt for a guided tour for $50.
To learn more about Expo Chicago head here.
7. Remedios Varo: Science Fictions
Experience Remedios Varo and friends, Hungarian photographer Kati Horna, and British painter Leonora, as they present European Surrealism in post-war Mexico.
In partnership with the Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico City, Science Fictions comes together to showcase modern science, mysticism, and imagination that created her lauded and precise technique.
Known as the ‘three witches’ this trio explores both alchemy and the occult in art, displaying pieces that are often filled with mysterious figures performing unknown rituals– deep mystical paintings that draw together sources, spirits, and sensations.
Over 25 paintings will highlight the artist at her prime, along with drawings and additional archival materials as the Art Institute of Chicago dedicates its first U.S. solo show since 2000 to Varo.
When is the exhibit?
The riveting exhibit is coming to the Art Institute of Chicago on July 29, 2023, to November 27.
How much are tickets?
Visitors can reserve tickets online ahead of time for $19.
Learn more about Varo’s Science Fiction exhibit and artistic tehniques here.
8. Lygia Pape: Tecelares
Another win for the Art Institute of Chicago includes the forthcoming exhibit from Lygia Pape this show-stopping exhibit highlights the Neo-Concrete style which she co-founded with Lygia Clark and Hélio Oiticica.
Bringing together over 100 rarely seen woodblock prints– some of which have not been shown publicly since the 1950s and 1960s, offers a unique chance to showcase the natural, organic, and experimental designs showing intriguing geometric and linear patterns.
When is the exhibit?
It opens this February 11 and goes to June 4, 2023.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $19 for non-members.
Read more about Lygia Pape’s upcoming exhibit.
9. Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s–Today
With over 36 artists represented, Ebony G. Patterson, Lorraine O’Grady, Cosmo Whyte, and Teresita Fernández, this stunning exhibit showcases art from the 1990s to today, giving a glimpse into the global socioeconomic and political changes over time.
By shining light on artists and communities– including those of the Caribbean, this exhibit uses weather acting as a powerful metaphor, making Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s–Today an intimate and moving exhibit to see.
Offering viewers a look into how various challenges, changes, and decisions impacted art in and from the diaspora.
When is the exhibit?
This collection is available to view until April 23, 2023.
How much are tickets?
Purchase tickets in advance for $15 and get a discount at $8 for students, teachers and seniors.
Find out more about Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s–Today here.
10. Treasured Ten: Selections from the Costume Collection
The Chicago History Museum’s latest exhibit explores the museum’s extensive clothing collection– with more than 50,000 pieces in storage, the temporary exhibit will showcase ten ensembles and tell stories of these five designers.
Featuring work from Stephen Burrows, Scotty Piper, Patrick Kelly, Willi Smith, and Barbara Bates, these items date from the 1970s to the 1980s and function as an expression of the individual creators’ life experiences, self-views, and larger identities.
When is the exhibit?
This exhibit comes to a close on January 13, 2023.
If you can’t make it to this exhibit, there’s a new exhibit titled Back Home: Polish Chicago opening in May 2023– with more information coming shortly.
How much are tickets?
Tickets can be purchased prior to your visit for $19 (adults), free admission for children and $17 for students and seniors. The museum is closed Monday but is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m to 5 p.m.
Find out more about the limited time exhibit at the Chicago History Museum here.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]