Open House Chicago 2023: 16 Spectacular Sites for Art and Music Lovers

Each year, Chicago’s most architecturally inclined residents crisscross the city to check out some of the city’s most intriguing and vaunted buildings! From soaring skyscrapers to landmark houses of worship, there’s something for everybody. That includes music fans!

This year’s lineup offers the chance to peek inside more than 170 sites around the city. We’ve gathered the places (organized by neighborhood name) that we think music and arts lovers won’t want to miss! Jump to map with all our recommended sites.

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Austin

Kehrein Center for the Arts

5628 W. Washington Blvd.
Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 1pm-5pm
Link

After sitting vacant for decades, Austin’s Kehrein Center for the Arts has a new lease on life following a total restoration and 2018 rehaul of its auditorium. The West Side arts complex has since hosted Music of the Baroque, Hearing in Color, and more.

Bronzeville

The Forum

324 E. 43rd St.
Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-5pm
Link

One of Chicago’s most storied sites hosted luminaries like Muddy Waters and the Jackson Five before shuttering in the 1970s. Now, Bronzeville-based developer Urban Juncture is hard at work restoring and enriching the 1897 building to ensure it stands as a cultural gem for years to come.

South Side Community Art Center

3831 S. Michigan Ave.
Saturday 10am-5pm
Link

Bronzeville’s South Side Community Art Center dates back to 1940 — funded in part by the WPA, the initiative was spearheaded by legendary Chicagoan Margaret Burroughs. The center’s opening was attended by Eleanor Roosevelt, then the First Lady of the US. It’s remained open continually since, and generations of Black artists have passed through its doors.

Chatham/South Shore

Avalon Regal

1645 E. 79th St.
Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-5pm
Link

Mostly vacant for the past two decades, this 1927 auditorium does hold the distinction of hosting an election night party in 2008 to mark Barack Obama’s presidential victory. Self-guided tours around the facilities will reveal some of the venue’s fascinating history and its high-profile appearances over the years.

Garfield Park

Firehouse Community Arts Center

2111 S. Hamlin Ave.
Saturday 10am-5pm
Link

This former firehouse was converted into an arts haven and now offers arts and faith programming that works to stem violence in its neighborhood.

Hermosa

Segundo Ruis Belvis Cultural Center

4048 W. Armitage Ave.
Saturday 10:30am-4pm; Sunday 11am-4pm
Link

Chicago’s longest-running Latino cultural center traces the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico and Latin America as well as African influences. Live music and performances will set the stage for visitors to explore the multipurpose arts facilities.

Humboldt Park

Kimball Arts Center

1757 N. Kimball Ave.
Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-5pm
Link

Located right off of the 606 Trail, the recently renovated Kimball Arts Center hosts artists and creators of all disciplines.

National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture

3015 W. Division St.
Saturday 10am-2pm; Sunday 10am-2pm
Link

Situated in Humboldt Park, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture occupies an eye-catching German-style building. Printmaking, dance, tours, gallery, pastries, and refreshments are available for visitors.

Hyde Park

Grand Ballroom

6351 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 10am-4pm
Link

The Grand Ballroom looks to a seminal fairy tale for inspiration. Look closely, and you’ll see numerous details (pumpkins, slippers, etc.) referencing Cinderella, the ballroom’s original name. Now, the venue hosts music and dance.

Hyde Park Arts Center

5020 S. Cornell Ave.
Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 11am-4pm
Link

The Hyde Park Arts Center offers classes across artistic disciplines, as well as a gallery space, studios, and more. The facility — many of whose classes use a no-minimum, pay-what-you-can model — will showcase art workshops, lectures, and a dance troupe as part of its Open House Chicago programming.

The Loop

Fine Arts Building

410 S. Michigan Ave.
Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-5pm
Link

Boasting dance studios, bookstores, instrument makers, architecture firms, galleries, and the stunning Studebaker Theater, the historic Fine Arts Building is a spectacular home for all the arts.

Harris Theater

205 E. Randolph St.
Sunday 10am-5pm
Link

In the two decades since the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance opened, an eclectic lineup of respected artists has taken its stage. The Millennium Park performance space will welcome visitors to tour its auditorium and facilities.

Symphony Center

220 S. Michigan Ave.
Saturday 10am-5pm
Link

One of Chicago’s classical music hubs opens its doors to visitors. Attendees will be able to explore the storied auditorium and facilities of the legendary Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Near North Side

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

800 E. Grand Ave.
Saturday 12pm-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm
Link

One of the newest projects on this list, Navy Pier’s revamped Chicago Shakespeare Theater campus was completed in 2017. Though the Bard’s 17th century works make up a large part of this venue’s offerings, the auditorium is state of the art, making it a can’t miss for fans of the theater.

Pilsen

Chicago Art Department

1926 S. Halsted St.
Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-5pm
Link

The Pilsen nonprofit offers galleries, studio space, residencies, and other vital resources for artists. Now approaching its 20th year of operation, CAD will open its doors to visitors and welcome artists from Pilsen Classical for live performances.

Uptown

Riviera Theater

4746 N. Racine Ave.
Saturday 10am-2pm; Sunday 10am-2pm
Link

Opened 125 years ago as a movie palace (which boasted an orchestra pit to accompany silent films!), the Riviera now thrives as a music venue that has hosted some of the world’s most sought after artists from all genres and backgrounds.

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