This summer, art and culture enthusiasts in Chicago and its suburbs are in for a treat with an array of exciting exhibitions on display.
One of the highlights is “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing,” an immersive exhibition that celebrates the iconic superhero at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, opening later this month.
This exhibition delves into the history of Spider-Man, starting from his first comic book appearance in 1962. Visitors can expect to encounter original artwork by the character’s creators, rare comic books, and even an exploration of how Spider-Man transitioned from the pages to the realms of film, television, and video games.
The exhibition promises not only visual delights, including film props and costumes, but also interactive installations that engage fans of all ages.
Meanwhile, in the suburbs, the Cleve Carney Museum of Art at the College of DuPage is hosting “Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World, Artworks From the Chiossone Collection.”
This exhibition, running from May 31 to September 21, features Japanese masterworks that have never been seen in the United States before.
Collaborating with the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art in Genoa, Italy, the showcase includes remarkable pieces from artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige, presenting woodblock prints and paintings that epitomize the pleasures of the floating world.
One of the key highlights in this exhibition is an interactive display that involves Japanese Edo culture, an anime area, and a beautiful Japanese garden.
For those who appreciate nature, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle has also launched an attractive display, “Vivid Creatures: Colorful Sculptures as Tall as Trees,” which opened on May 17.
Visitors will be treated to larger-than-life sculptures created by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz, featuring essential animals within Illinois’ ecosystem, including the white-tailed deer, dragonfly, sandhill crane, fox squirrel, and brittle button snail.
There are also exhibitions in the suburbs that showcase significant cultural themes. The Elmhurst Art Museum is currently hosting “Crossings” until August 31, featuring outdoor vehicle sculptures and large paintings from Chicago-based artist Bernard Williams.
His works aim to provide fresh perspectives on engineering innovations of the past, reflecting on how these developments impact contemporary culture while celebrating Black achievements in transportation and agriculture.
At the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, “Resilience: A Sensei Sense of Legacy” continues through June 1, exploring the repercussions of FDR’s 1942 Executive Order that interned Japanese Americans.
Simultaneously closing on June 1 is the exhibition titled “Shtetl in the Sun: Andy Sweet’s South Beach 1977-1980,” showcasing photographs that depict Jewish life in South Beach, Florida, during that era.
Another notable exhibition at the Elmhurst History Museum is “Acre By Acre: Our Farming Heritage,” which runs through August 10, tracing the evolution of farming in DuPage County.
In the heart of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago features “Paul Pfeiffer: Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom” until August 31.
This exhibition highlights the artist’s exploration of celebrity culture through works that engage with global icons such as pop stars and athletes, bringing new interpretations to mass culture.
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is also hosting “Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature” through August 17, focusing on the Scottish artist whose contributions laid the groundwork for contemporary botanical art.
Beyond traditional exhibitions, the Museum of Contemporary Photography will feature “Collaboration: A Potential History of Photography in Dialogue With the MoCP Collection” from May 30 to August 16.
This exhibition brings together works from 29 artists, showcasing photographs that interact with their subjects’ narratives to provide deeper insight into the moments captured.
Last but not least, lovers of textile art can visit the National Museum of Mexican Art to see “Puntadas del Alma, Told Through Quilts,” running through October 12.
This exhibition spotlights beautifully embroidered and beaded creations made by female quiltmakers, redefining these works as powerful expressions of memory and resilience.
As summer unfolds, Chicago and its suburbs are bursting with cultural offerings ranging from the fantastical world of superheroes to the delicate intricacies of Japanese art and the vibrant expressions of nature.
With so much to explore, art enthusiasts are sure to find a collection or exhibition that captivates their interests and immerses them in the experiences these artists have crafted.
image source from：https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/05/27/superheroes-japanese-masterworks-and-giant-sculptures-exhibits-at-chicago-suburban-museums/
