Even during the pandemic, Chicago continues to offer new and unique opportunities. Opened recently in July 2020, the Nobu Hotel Chicago is the global hospitality brand’s first Midwest property. It is an oasis in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant West Loop and the epitome of relaxed luxury. A seamless, serene blend of Japanese minimalism and Windy City grit, the 115-room hotel activates the senses with magnificent skyline views, acclaimed dining at Nobu Chicago and the 11th floor Rooftop at Nobu, an indoor tranquility pool and instinctively authentic service.
Not too far away from the Nobu is Chicago’s newest venue and patio (one of the largest in the city), Recess, a part of the Atomic Group of venues that also include Morgan Manufacturing and Untitled Supper Club. Surrounded by shipping containers, the 14,000-square-foot patio features a raised platform that can be used as a center stage. Two of the containers open up and convert into bars, while second-floor containers offer semi-private dining. A spectacular addition to an already diverse and unique food and drink scene.
Iconic luxury will be reimagined as Four Seasons Hotel Chicago announces a hotel-wide transformation. Just steps from the Magnificent Mile, the 347-room hotel celebrated its 30-year anniversary last year with the commencement of this multi-million-dollar renovation. Re-emerging this fall as a vibrant hub of culture, style and energy, the Hotel will offer guests a taste of Chicago’s rich history and unique vibrancy through all-new designs and guest experiences. Building upon the hotel’s premier Forbes Five-star Status, the revitalisation includes a reconceptualised lobby and social lounge; a new restaurant and bar in partnership with James Beard Award-winning Chef Jonathon Sawyer; newly designed specialty suites and apartments; and enhanced event spaces.
As North America’s only multi-venue museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting art of the 21st century, 21c Museum brings a new cultural resource to Chicago’s already incredible art scene. 21c Museum offers the local and traveling community unprecedented access to the work of some of today’s emerging artists, every day all day. The art is free and open to the public 365 days/year with regular cultural programming. Bright and airy design will greet you upon entrance to the 297 guest rooms, 106 suites and over 10,000 SF of exhibition and meeting space at 21c Chicago. A welcomed sanctuary from the art and activity that fills the 21c galleries (and downtown Chicago!), you’ll find the perfect landing place to rest and refresh.
To continue your exploration of Chicago’s art scene, beginning this September and running through January 18, 2021, the Art Institute of Chicago welcomes a new special exhibit – Monet and Chicago. Long home to the largest collection of work by Claude Monet outside of Paris, the Art Institute’s newest exhibit will be the first exhibit to trace the artist’s connection to the city, a place that was an early champion of the founding father of the Impressionist movement. Access to the exhibit requires a $7 ticket on top of general admission. The exhibition will have a virtual line to enable physical distancing while waiting to enter and limit the number of people in the galleries at any given point.
Finally, if you’re more of a thrill seeker, adventure awaits everyone at The Forge: Lemont Quarries, Chicagoland’s newest adventure park. Just a short drive from the city, guests can enjoy hundreds of outdoor activities from fishing, hiking, biking, and canoeing, to rock climbing, rappelling, ziplines, tactical laser tag, augmented reality adventure games, and the largest aerial challenge course in the world, the Eight Towers Adventure! The park is open year-round, rain or shine and open for corporate groups as well.
