World City Guide

Further Distractions

DuSable Museum of African American History
With the aid of artefacts, books, slave documents, civil rights memorabilia, paintings, drawings and sculpture, the Dusable Museum, the country’s oldest museum of its kind, dedicates itself to preserving and interpreting African Americans’ history and culture. Exhibits about the Underground Railroad, the Civil Rights Movement and Hale Woodruff murals, illustrating the slave ship Amistad, educate visitors about the turbulent history of African Americans.

740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue)
Tel: (773) 947 0600.
Website: www.dusablemuseum.org
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000- 1700, Sun 1200-1700.
Admission: US$3, Sun free, concessions available.

Lincoln Park Zoo
Begun in 1868, alongside Lake Michigan, is Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the first urban zoos in the country and noted for its Great Ape, Elephant and Lion Houses. Newer buildings tend to simulate natural habitats, and the Regenstein Small Mammal and Reptile House has a glass dome roof that serves to simulate jungle, river and forest environment. You will find cuddly koalas here too. Close by is Lincoln Park Conservatory (2200 North Stockton Drive) where you can while away your time amid orchids and lush greenery.

2200 North Cannon Street
Tel: (312) 742 2000.
Website: www.lpzoo.org
Transport: bus 11, 22, 36, 151 or 156.
Opening hours: daily 0900-1800.
Admission: Free.

Marshall Field’s
One of the earliest department stores in the world, Marshall Field’s, is to Chicago what Harrods is to London – much more than just a place to go shopping. Designed by Daniel Burnham in a neo-classical style, the State Street store opened in 1907. Its green clock at the State and Randolph entrance has become a Chicago landmark. A visit is as much an architectural experience as it is a consumer one. The building has distinct courtyards, one resembling an Italian palazzo, a striking Tiffany dome of mosaic glass, a calming fountain and gilded pillars. For lunch, try the famous Walnut Room and don’t forget to sample Frango mints, which are a Field’s specialty.

111 North State Street
Tel: (312) 781 1000.
Website: www.marshallfields.com
Transport: Randolph station.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0945-1900, Sat 1000-1800 and Sun 1100-1800.
Admission: Free.

Museum of Broadcast Communications
Hands-on exhibits, memorabilia and great moments in broadcasting, like old Jack Benny and Fibber McGee and Molly shows, are just part of what is on offer at this venue, which includes the Radio Hall of Fame. At the Comcast Center, visitors can anchor a newscast and bring home souvenir videotape as proof of their accomplishment (US$21.70 including tax).

Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Boulevard
Tel: (312) 629 6000.
Website: www.mbcnet.org
Transport: Randolph station; bus 3, 4, 6, 14, 60, 126, 129, 145, 147 or 151.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1630, Sun 1200-1700.
Admission: Free.

National Vietnam Veterans’ Art Museum
Enter to the sound tinkling bells, then look toward the ceiling and see Above and Beyond, 58,000 imprinted dog tags of the men and woman who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. This gem of a museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and displaying artwork done by Vietnam veterans, which includes the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese as well as the allies. Artefacts and artwork give one a more intimate look and a better understanding of a most unpopular war.

1801 South Indiana Avenue
Tel: (312) 326 0270.
Website: www.nvvam.com
Transport: bus 1, 3 or 4
Opening hours: Tues-Fri: 1100-1800, Sat: 1000-1700, Sun: 1200-1700.
Admission: US$5.

The Oprah Winfrey Show
Everyone wants to see Oprah and her popular TV talk show, and it is possible to do just that in Chicago because programmes are recorded here with a live audience. Morning and afternoon dates vary and go from Jan through Jun and Sept through Nov. Tickets, available exclusively by phone at the ticket hotline: (312) 591 9222, are at a premium and must be obtained at least one month in advance. A valid photo ID is required to enter the studio.

Harpo Studios, 1058 West Washington.
Tel: (312) 591 9222.
Website: www.oprah.com
Admission: Free.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Feel the tickle of a butterfly as you walk amid hundreds of Midwest species of them in this wonderful nature museum. Exhibits help kids of all ages (as well as those who are still big kids at heart) to learn about the impact of lakes and rivers. The museum’s huge windows reveal the outdoor nature of the surrounding Lincoln Park.

2430 North Cannon Drive
Tel: (773) 755 5100
Website: www.chias.org
Transport: bus 11, 22, 36, 151 or 156
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1630, Fri-Sat 1000-1700.
Admission: $US7, free Tues.