University of Chicago - 10 Great Things to See and Do

This immense, non-denominational chapel celebrates all faiths and serves as a community focal point for celebrations, graduations, and commemorations. Check their list of events for musical concerts, worship services, tours, and more.
Location:
5850 South Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

I have always found this sculpture by Henry Moore chilling. The bronze is titled "Nuclear Energy," and it commemorates the creation of the first sustained nuclear chain reaction, which was realized by a team of University of Chicago scientists led by Enrico Fermi. This knowledge eventually led to the creation of the nuclear bomb and, subsequently, to its use in Hiroshima. The sculpture was unveiled on December 2, 1967.

Chicago, IL

Don't be fooled by the Middle Ages-invoking name: this hard-to-find gallery has been showing cutting edge artwork since 1915. It was among the first galleries in the United States to exhibit Picasso, Brancusi, and Miro among others and the first gallery to ever host a solo exhibition of Alexander Calder and Ferdinand Leger. A must-see for any serious or curious art fan in Chicago.
Location:
5811 S. Ellis Avenue
Bergman Gallery, Cobb Hall 418
Chicago, IL 60637

Get in touch with your inner archaeologist at this renowned museum dedicated to the ancient Near East. The museum has an incredible collection spanning the Near Eastern civilizations and featuring mummies, ancient pottery, and much more.
Location:
1155 East 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637

The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art draws on its location in the heart of the University of Chicago campus to offer an interdisciplinary approach to presenting and exploring the visual arts. Many of their exhibits are accompanied by a broad spectrum of programming designed to enhance and promote the presented works.
Location:
5550 South Greenwood Avenue
Chicago IL 60637

The physical heart of the University of Chicago is at 58th Street and University Avenue. 58th Street leads into the quadrangles. Wandering among the quads is a lovely stroll. The Oriental Institute and the Renaissance Society are located nearby. Check out the botany pond to see what's in bloom.

This is probably the building that is the least accessible to the public on this list, but I included it for two reasons. First, it's by one of my favorite architects, the renowned Eero Saarinen. Secondly, it's where Barack Obama taught before he became President of the United States.
During Barack Obama's campaign for President of the United States, the University of Chicago media office was besieged with requests for clarification about his status and experience while teaching at their law school. They issued this clarification about his work at the University.
Location:
1111 East 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637

For more than 50 years, this professional theater has been staging classic plays with remarkable results.
Location:
5535 S. Ellis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637

The University of Chicago Folklore Society stages this showcase of folk talent from around the country ever year, usually in February.

This is the former "plaisance" where the 1893 World's Fair was held. It hosted the first Ferris Wheel as well as concession stands and markets. Now, it's part of the university's campus. In the winter, the city runs an ice skating rink in the center, which is open to the public.
Read more about the Midway Plaisance's role in the 1893 World's Fair.
Location:
Between 59th and 60th Streets on the North and South and Cottage Grove and roughly Harper on the West and East.
Chicago, IL