Join us for a discovery of three of Chicago’s most diverse communities
PILSEN
The first immigrants in this neighborhood were from Germany and the former Czechoslovakia. Today, Pilsen is shaped by generations of Mexican-American families.
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National Museum of Mexican Art
The NMMA has an impressive permanent collection but during this time of year it is probably best known for its Día de Los Muertos exhibit. Make sure to check it out. It is free!
Pilsen Arts & Community House
Pilsen Arts & Community House is a nonprofit organization providing space, resources, and creative community engagement through exhibitions, art instruction, and mentorship. Check out the monthly exhibit or register for one of their many workshops.
Murals
The 16th Street corridor in Pilsen probably has the largest showcase of murals in the city, but make sure to venture beyond, too. Our favorites include Hector Duarte’s iconic Gulliver in Wonderland mural, Jeff Zimmerman’s photorealistic work, the mosaics of the J-Def Peace Project, and the many projects that Francisco Mendoza (aka The Picasso of Pilsen) created with local youth.
Thalia Hall
Modeled after the Prague Opera House, Thalia Hall was built by John Dusek in 1892 to bring arts and entertainment from Bohemia to his Bohemian neighbors. For over seven decades, the Hall was a beacon of the community and it obtained landmark status in 1985. In 2013, the current owners launched three new concepts within the storied property: a restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a public hall fit for all types of events.
Pilsen Community Books
Founded in 2016 as a general interest used bookstore, Pilsen Community Books recently transformed into Chicago’s only employee owned and operated independent bookstore. Pay them a visit!
606 Records
Music lovers and deejays alike love this charming record store that sells your favorite tunes on vinyl or cassette tapes. Find all your Chicago favorites, including house, jazz and more.
EAT AND DRINK
Try the authentic Mexican food at La Esperanza, Frida Room, 5 Rabanitos, and La Vaca. For traditional baked goods and homemade tortillas, check out Panadería Nuevo Leon. Try the traditional hot chocolate from Sleep Walk and frozen desserts at La Michoacana Premium or Paleteria Los Magos.
LITTLE VILLAGE
Little Village -or La Villita- is best known as the “Mexico of the Midwest.”
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The Arch
Take a picture at the terracotta arch over 26th Street, the ‘official’ entrance to this fascinating neighborhood.
Chicago Alfresco
See the mural by artist Sergio Maciel honoring and commemorating Congressional Medal of Honor recipient PFC Manuel Pérez, Jr., the only veteran memorial named after a Mexican-American in Illinois. Stay in the area to shop for local goods or engage with locals.
Dulcelandia del Sol
Stock up on traditional Mexican candies at the largest retail and wholesale distributor of Mexican candy in the Midwest. There are more than 1,000 options.
EAT & DRINK
Enjoy paradillas (a mix of marinated meat or seafood and vegetables over its own tabletop grill) and other traditional dishes at Mi Tierra, pick up some tacos at La Chaparrita, or have a cocktail at Osito’s Tap, Little Village’s own speakeasy-style bar.
ROGERS PARK
For decades, the Rogers Park neighborhood has been a hub and port of entry for immigrants and refugees. For this reason, there are over 60 languages spoken in Rogers Park, making it incredibly culturally diverse.
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Chicago Alfresco
Enjoy live music, local art displays, shopping and dining at the brand new Chicago Alfresco site on the historic cobblestone Glenwood Avenue.
The Mile of Murals
A community-based public art initiative, the Mile of Murals at the lakefront began in 2007 with the intention to nurture, promote, and celebrate the arts-centered identity of Rogers Park. Over the last 15 years, the Mile of Murals has commissioned 15 beautiful large-scale works, totaling over 16,000 square feet of painted walls.
Jarvis Square Artisan Market
Support local arts and crafts makers at this vibrant market, held on October 15th and November 19th.
The New 400 Theater
Catch a movie at Chicago’s oldest operating movie theater.
EAT & DRINK
As mentioned, Rogers Park is a melting pot, so make sure to try Le Piano (French food & live music), Caribbean American Bakery, Taste of Peru, and El Sabor Poblano (Mexican). You will not leave hungry!
