A perfect way to learn about the art scene in downtown Chicago is to go “gallery hopping” during opening nights of new exhibits, usually Fridays 5-8. During these events, you will have the chance to meet the artist and sip wine while viewing the gallery offerings at your leisure. Or attend one of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s “First Friday” events which provide guests the opportunity to stroll about the exhibits while enjoying cocktails and food by Wolfgang Puck.

Michigan Avenue often boasts public art displays. Past public art campaigns have included the extremely popular Cows on Parade, Suite Home Chicago and last year’s Major League Baseball “bobblehead” statues in honor of the All Star game. The city’s cultural affairs department also organizes art shows in the City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower at 806 N. Michigan Avenue. In the winter, the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association works with retailers to install lighted holiday ors in the planting beds.