The great-great-grandnephew of John Mills Van Osdel — Chicago’s first architect — toured the glorious Church of the Holy Family interior designed by his relative in the mid-19th century.

If you’re spending money at Lollapalooza, enjoy yourself and skip this week’s list. But if you plan to avoid the raucous caucus in Grant Park, please read on.

Legendary actor and comedian Lily Tomlin was in Chicago support “Billie Jean,” a play about another living legend — Billie Jean King, the groundbreaking champion of tennis and equality.

The artist’s large canvas “Paris Street; Rainy Day” is a true icon in the Art Institute collection, and it’s one of the centerpieces of a show titled “Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World.” The exhibition features more than 120 works that capture people and places in and around 19th century Paris.

Here’s a soulful and sometimes silly six-pack of the artistic and the fantastic — our shortlist of Chicago shows to kick-start your heart and make your brain buzz.

Whether they work with the latest digital programs or cut up old magazines with scissors, artists can turn collage into a medium of beauty, darkness and humor.

The 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment engaged in the first action of the Battle of Gettysburg, defending Union positions and delaying the advance of waves of Confederate infantry. Chicago's Rosehill Cemetery has a connection to that history.

In this week’s diverse set of picks, none of the things are much like the others — except that every choice is a chance to flex and learn.

Richard Hunt created more public sculptures and monuments in the U.S. than any other artist — over 160 by the time he died in 2023. He spent more than 70 years grinding, welding and sculpting metal. A new exhibition provides an intimate look at his work.

A circus hits town this week, leading the way for a wide spectrum of spectacle. Throw in the odd cultural curveball, and you have no reason to stay at home this weekend.

If you can’t “get out of town,” as the Cole Porter song says, at least get out of your house or apartment. Start the second half of 2025 on sure footing — see something, do something.

The exhibition “Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World” transports visitors to a time when Japan was emerging from the feudal era and modern cities were booming.

There are lots of celebrations on the horizon in Chicago — openings, closings, anniversaries, festivals — but’s it’s only a party if you show up. With a boatload of entertainment options out there, hop on board and grab a paddle.

Steppenwolf Theatre’s “You Will Get Sick” is laugh-out-loud funny and deadly serious. It’s a puzzle of a play where the pieces come together in surreal but satisfying ways.

Whether the weather ahead is pleasant or there’s a June monsoon brewing, here’s a starter list of arts and culture opportunities to get you out into the atmosphere.

Liz Callaway returns to Chicago this weekend to perform “To Steve with Love” at the Studebaker Theater and celebrate the composer through his words and music – and she’ll offer some personal recollections of the man himself.