About Chicago
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the third most populated city in the US, Chicago has plenty of history and culture associated with it. For one, spray paint was invented in Chicago, as was the world’s first all-color television. It’s also home to the Chicago River, the only river in the world that flows backward. Also, Batman’s Gotham City is inspired by the city of Chicago.
Yes, there are a lot of fascinating things about the city. Right from its unique architecture featuring moveable bridges to being a cultural melting pot with people from all over the world, there’s something about the city that oozes the American spirit unlike any other.
Nicknamed the Windy City and claimed by Frank Sinatra as ‘My Kind of Town’, Chicago is an international hub of pretty much everything. The city has many museums, a vibrant arts and movie culture, an eargasmic music scene, and some of the best food in the entire world. Not only is the city rated among the best cities to live boasting a high-quality urban life, but there are several fun traditions like turning the river green that the citizens of Chicago enjoy.
Gallery Space Options in Chicago
Finalizing your Chicago gallery space is only the first step to ensure a smooth event. There are many more factors that go into creating a successful event. We highly recommend hiring professional services to help with all this.
- Caterers
A gallery event requires a smorgasbord of hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and drinks. And depending on the size of the audience, this task can be hard or impossible for a handful of people. This is where a professional catering outfit comes in. Not only will they create food on par with the foodie hub that Chicago is, but they will also provide cleanup services after.
- Decor
Depending on the type of event being hosted at the gallery space in Chicago, the decor requirements will greatly vary. Whether it’s flowers, artworks, furniture, linen, equipment, or thematic installations, a decorating service will help bring your vision to life.
- Photographers
Today’s world lives online as much as it does offline. Creating memories has never been easier. This is why hiring a photographer is of paramount importance. Additionally, some galleries might showcase installations and artworks that you may not be able to use for any official purposes. A photographer will help be mindful of this while making sure all guests look great.
- Transportation Services
A no-brainer if your gallery event is serving adult beverages, hiring a transport service will not only bring your guests on time but will also ensure they get back without any problems. Chicago offers plenty of rideshare and car rental services you can choose from.
Gallery Venue Event Companies in Chicago
There’s no shortage of professional outfits capable of hosting world-class gallery events in Chicago. Whether it’s a small, intimate affair or a large, bold gathering, these event companies are fully equipped to handle all your event needs.
- Effortless Events
A company that has catered to 1,000 events across its 10-year span, Effortless Events has handled events of all scales and sizes. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or launching a product to the masses, the team at Effortless will help organize your event. A company that prides itself on exceeding expectations and not the budget, there are a lot of amazing events this talented company has executed flawlessly.
- Frank Event Design
An award-winning luxury wedding and event planner, Frank Event Design always takes only one event per weekend to ensure their time and attention is fully focused on creating the perfect experience for you. Over its 26-year period, the team has handled all sorts of events. If you’re looking for a luxury, elegant, glamorous event in Chicago, then this award-winning company is one to look into.
- Kehoe Designs
A full-service event design and decor company, Kehoe Design brings your imagination to reality. A nationally recognized company that has been elevating any event they are part of for over two decades, Kehoe has plenty of experience driving brand campaigns and creating one-of-a-kind experiences. They offer a bunch of different services for events including entertainment and custom furniture. The team has also organized all sorts of events including corporate events, social events, mitzvahs, galas, and weddings.
Pros and Cons of Gallery Spaces in Chicago
Advantages
- Public transport system
Chicago has a great public transport system which your guests can access to get to the event without any problems.
- Culturally diverse
Chicago is about as diverse as it gets. This means your gallery event can expect a diverse crowd in attendance.
- Culinary capital
Food in Chicago is some of the best across the world.
- Entertainment
Chicago is an entertainment hub and super-evolved in terms of performing arts - music, theatre, and comedy. Organizing any of them for your event should be a breeze.
- Sightseeing
If you’ve guests coming from outside the city, then visiting Chicago can be an incredible experience. With rich architecture and several iconic sites, your guests have plenty of places to visit before and after your gallery event.
Disadvantages
- High crime rate
Home of several world-famous criminals and their gangs, Chicago has a very high crime rate.
- High costs
Everything is costly in Chicago. This does not bode well for a low-budget gallery event.
- Traffic and parking
Chicago does have atrocious traffic and coupling this with minimal parking spots means several untimely arrivals.
- Weather
Brutal weather is a staple in Chicago. Depending on the time of year, be sure to factor this in for your gallery event.
- Lack of natural settings
With no beaches or mountains anywhere in the vicinity, Chicago can be considered a concrete jungle with no stunning natural features.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Willis Tower
Formerly the Sears Tower, this 110 story skyscraper is one of the world’s most iconic buildings, and ever since its completion in 1974, the view from the top has only gotten better. The SkyDeck at the Willis Tower offers magnificent panoramic views of the cityscape giving you a bird’s eye view of Chicago’s impressive architecture. And, on a clear day, your gaze can take you as far as Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, or Michigan.
- Art Institute of Chicago
A world-class museum with nearly 300,000 works in its permanent collection, the Art Institute of Chicago is most famous for its collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. But there’s a whole lot more to the collection than paintings. The treasure trove here comprises prints, photographs, sculptures, decorative arts, textiles, and a whole lot more.
- Grant Park
Colloquially called ‘Chicago’s front yard’, Grant Park is a large urban park spanning 319 acres and is located within the city’s business district. Within the park, there are several noteworthy features including the Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Court of Presidents, two marinas, Congress Plaza, and the Museum Campus. The park contains a great deal of public art including the Abraham Lincoln Monument, the Agora installation, the Logan Monument, and the Columbus Monument.