The art and culture scene in Chicago is buzzing with activity, highlighted by several notable developments across various sectors.
One of the prominent stories emerges from Expo Chicago, where presenting sponsor Northern Trust has reaffirmed its commitment to independence amidst rumors of a possible merger with Bank of New York Mellon.
After a conversation between the two executives, analysts expressed skepticism about the merger’s likelihood due to Northern Trust’s reluctance to entertain an acquisition and the expected challenges from regulators.
In the realm of art, Maria Gaspar is making her mark with her latest creation, a ‘sonic sculpture’ entitled ‘We Lit the Fire and Trusted the Heat (after Angela Davis).’ This installation, which repurposes eighteen salvaged prison bars from the Cook County Jail into a musical instrument, is set to be unveiled at UIC’s Gallery 400.
Chanel is also diversifying its cultural engagement by launching its new Arts & Culture Magazine, celebrating the brand’s collaborations with artists and cultural institutions over the past five years. The debut 250-page issue, under the direction of Chanel’s Culture Fund, showcases elements from Gabrielle Chanel’s collection, including a statue of the designer herself.
Design news fits seamlessly into this cultural mosaic, as Marina City sees a resurgence in popularity among residents.
Architects Iker Gil and Julie Michiels, who have lived in the iconic towers for two decades, reflect on how they have evolved their living spaces while honoring the building’s working-class history.
In further design milestones, the revamped Plaza del Lago shopping center in Wilmette is making waves with its new addition of an Hermès store, which will span two stories and encompass approximately 8,000 square feet.
Despite challenges in securing financing, the development crew has updated its plans for a mixed-use project at 2600 North Clark, scaling back to a five-story structure while maintaining its original architectural aesthetic.
Dining and drinking options continue to expand, with the announcement of a new Groundswell Coffee shop set to open in the Fine Arts Building.
Scheduled for an August debut, this will be the first café since the closure of the Artists Cafe in 2019 and promises a fresh space for the community.
In Andersonville, the beloved Great Lake Pizza has returned, delighting Reddit users with its soft reopening.
Once heralded as producing the best pizza in America, the eatery is renewing its commitment to providing high-quality, artisan pizzas created with locally sourced ingredients.
In a notable shift, McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme are concluding their partnership after a short-lived effort to distribute Krispy Kreme doughnuts nationwide at McDonald’s outlets. The last day for this collaboration will be July 2.
Meanwhile, Aldi has secured a former Whole Foods location in River North, preparing to open a 25,000-square-foot store where community members can access affordable grocery options.
The legacy of the Edgewater Beach Hotel is being remembered through the recently examined 1926 cookbook from head chef Arnold Shircliffe, which focuses on salads and their culinary significance.
The film and television sector also shares exciting developments; Ayo Edebiri’s character in ‘The Bear’ is commemorated with a striking Ghanaian artwork released ahead of the Season Four launch.
Additionally, author John Abendshien’s upcoming memoir about the ‘Home Alone’ filming experience paints a vivid picture of how the iconic house transformed from a private residence into a tourist attraction, illustrating the invasion of daily life by curious movie fans.
In literature, notable works, such as A.J. Liebling’s impactful New Yorker profile of Chicago, continue to influence perceptions of the city, while classic comic strips and children’s books face bans across Tennessee under new regulations targeting specified content.
On the media side, the Freedom Of The Press Foundation has updated its journalist border guide amidst increasing reports of device searches and journalist detentions at border crossings.
Musically, Shalisa Kline Ugaz steps into her new role as president of the Music Institute of Chicago, promising to enhance the organization’s financial stability and educational offerings.
Notably, Tortoise has released an EP featuring remixes of their latest single, ‘Oganesson,’ contributing to the diverse soundscape of the city.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is set to unveil its upcoming season, filled with world premieres and notable performances, with ticket sales launching soon.
Lastly, Pivot Arts has detailed its 2025 festival lineup which will feature interdisciplinary performances reflecting themes of memory, transformation, and queerness, exemplifying a commitment to innovative storytelling through the arts.
image source from：newcity
