Art Institute
Overwhelmingly, the concierge agree that this is the spot to go when the temps hit single digits. Bobbi Chiodo, chef concierge at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, says that no matter how many times she goes, she always learns or sees something new and exciting. “I love it,” she adds. Shannon Boland, chef concierge at LondonHouse Chicago agrees. “I love getting transported to another world while roaming the galleries,” she says. With plenty of art to accommodate everyone’s taste, places to dine, and their new Rodin: Sculptor and Storyteller exhibit (open now through March 2018), there’s even more reason to stay inside a bit longer and keep warm. Insider tip: On Thursdays they are open late, so you can stay toasty and explore even longer!
The Field Museum
Field Museum
It may be frightful outside, but it’s delightful inside the Field Museum. With enough exhibits to keep you exploring all day, Eric Loughlin, concierge at theWit Hotel, highly recommends the Grainger Hall of Gems. As a self-proclaimed “budding rock collector” in his youth, he loves gazing at the rare gems that are, as he says, “the size of a toddler’s fist”! He also recommends that you make sure you stop by and say hi to Sue the T. rex, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered.
International Museum of Surgical Science
International Museum of Surgical Science
Looking for a unique place to escape to wintry air? Check out the only museum in North America devoted to surgery. Housed in a historical mansion just steps from Lake Michigan, Mark Kraemer, concierge at the Hotel Palomar, loves visiting on a blustery day to see the unique exhibits (and to get a great view of the angry waves). Learn about the early practices of surgery from artifacts, paintings, and more, and see just how far we’ve come with our technology.
Otterly Adorable otters at the Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
Penguins may like the cold, but we sure don’t! When the wind chill is in the negatives and you’re thinking of a tropical destination, look no further than the Shedd Aquarium. Home to 32,000 animals from various aquatic environments, this cultural gem is sure to get you in the right frame of mind. Susan Wolf, concierge at the Hilton Suites Chicago Magnificent Mile loves seeing all of the sea creatures as it makes her feel as she’s in a warmer climate. Here you can learn all about the Great Lakes and the inhabitants that call it home, watch sharks swim along a reef, and event catch a dolphin show! It’s a can’t-miss that the whole family will enjoy.
U505 Submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry
Museum of Science and Industry
With over 400,000 square feet of of hands-on exhibits you’re bound to forget about how miserable it is outside and just focus on how much fun you’re having inside! Tim Anderson, chef concierge at the Dana Hotel & Spa, recommends this museum because “it has a variety of exhibits for everyone and the building itself has lots of history.” A mirror maze, robots from around the world, and a real U-505 submarine are just a few of the things you’ll see when you visit this amazing museum. Plus, as the only major building remaining from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, you get a chance to see how old and new come together to create something unique.