December Arts Preview
There aren't enough hours in the day to check out every noteworthy art event in Chicago. But there are a few events that you just can't afford to miss. Here's our quick guide to five must-see events and exhibits in Chicago in December.
Andrew Bird
What: Andrew Bird & Ian Schneller's Sonic Arboretum (Schneller's horned speakers play compositions by Bird)
When: December 6-21
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL
Why: A new type of sound garden
More: mcachicago.org
Watch video of Andrew Bird and Ian Schneller at the Guggenheim
Nutcracker
What: Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
When: December 9-27
Where: Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL
Why: Get in the holiday spirit
More: joffrey.org
Architecture of Invenetion
What: Bertrand Goldberg: Architecture of Invention (retrospective of a seminal Chicago architect)
When: Through January 15
Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Why: Discover the origins of Marina City and other buildings
More: artic.edu
Elizabeth Rex
What: Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Elizabeth Rex (Shakespeare relives the night he and his company performed for Queen Elizabeth)
When: Through January 22
Where: Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater, 800 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
Why: A look back at history
More: chicagoshakes.com
Genius Deconstructed
What: Charles James: Genius Deconstructed (a retrospective about a 20th century designer with Chicago ties)
When: Through April 16
Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL
Why: Celebrating a fashion icon
More: chicagohistory.org