Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum:
Journey to the Stars
: A film in the planetarium’s Definiti Space Theater explores the life and death of stars; open end. $14-$19. Planet Explorers
: The new permanent exhibit features hands-on activities including a simulated rocket blast off, remote controlled rovers and orbiters and electric microscopes for examining specimens; open end. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; $5-$10. Shoot for the Moon:
Learn about NASA’s Gemini and Apollo space missions and about the life and career of astronaut Jim Lovell; open end. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Wed. $14-$19. 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive; 312-922-7827
Art Institute of Chicago:
In the Vernacular
: Works by Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Richard Misrach, Andy Warhol and other artists include snapshots, crime-scene photos, advertising images, family pictures, travel albums, pinup posters and more; through May 31. Matisse — Radical Invention, 1913-1917
: See more than 100 paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints in this world premiere exhibit on the 20th century French artist; through June 20. 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; $10-$18, free after 5 p.m. Thursdays. 111 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-443-3600
Chicago Architecture Foundation:
Chicago Model City
: A large-scale, 400-block representation of the Chicago Loop includes 1,000 highly detailed buildings. City photographs, maps and videos complement the display; through Nov. 30. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; free. 224 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-922-3432
Chicago History Museum:
I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot
: More than 50 garments and heirlooms used in Chicago weddings are arranged chronologically, showing how fashions and traditions have changed during the last 150 years; open end. $12-$14, free on Mondays, free for children ages 12 and under. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.; 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Wed. 1601 N. Clark St.; 312-642-4600
DuSable Museum of African American History:
The Black Panthers — Making Sense of History
: An exhibit celebrating the 40th anniversary of the political party features more than 50 photographs chronicling the organization’s history; through Aug. 6. The Soul of Bronzeville — The Regal, Club DeLisa and the Blues
: Explore artifacts and ephemera from Club DeLisa and other local entertainment venues in this exhibition; through June 27. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Wed.; $3, free on Sundays. 740 E. 56th Pl.; 773-947-0600
Field Museum:
The Ancient Americas:
Explore the history of the Western Hemisphere including the Ice Age, Aztec empire and life in a pueblo dwelling. Exhibit features interactive displays, videos and more than 2,200 artifacts; open end. $12-$15, $8-$10 for children 3-11. 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive; 312-922-9410
Garfield Park Conservatory:
Sugar From the Sun
: A permanent exhibition details how air, water and light make sugar; open end. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Tue.; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wed.; free. 300 N. Central Park Ave.; 773-638-1766
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian:
Raising the Totem — Exploring Northwest Coast Indigenous Cultures
: Photos, masks, totem pole models, baskets and other items illustrate the spirituality, history, customs and contemporary concerns of the native peoples of North America’s northwest coast; through June 13. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; noon-4 p.m. Sun.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Wed.; $2.50-$5. 3001 Central St., Evanston; 847-475-1030
Museum of Contemporary Art:
12 x 12 — New Artists/New Work
: Steve Krakow, also known as Plastic Crimewave, showcases original drawings from his comic-like info-strip “The Secret History of Chicago Music”; through May 30. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tue.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.; $7-$12, free on Tuesdays. 220 E. Chicago Ave.; 312-280-2660
Museum of Science and Industry:
Science Storms
: An interactive exhibit looks at tornadoes, lightning, fire, tsunamis, sunlight, avalanches and atoms in motion. Artifacts on display include the first copy of Sir Isaac Newton’s 1704 physics book “Opticks”; open end. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; $9-$15, free general admission through Friday. 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive; 773-684-1414
National Museum of Mexican Art:
Rastros y Cronicas — Mujeres de Juarez
: Illustrating a history of violence against women in Ciudad Juarez, the exhibition showcases works by Mexican and Mexican-American artists sensitive to the struggle of victims and their remaining families who seek justice; through July 4. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Sun., Tue.-Wed.; free. 1852 W. 19th St.; 312-738-1503
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum:
Sanctuary — Flight of the Majestic Monarch
: The American premiere of this exhibit traces the history of monarch butterflies through paintings, photos and videos; through Sept. 19. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; $6-$9, includes general admission. 2430 N. Cannon Drive; 773-755-5100
Smart Museum of Art:
The Darker Side of Light — Arts of Privacy, 1850-1900
: A showcase of drawings, illustrated books and sculptures from late 19th century Europe aim to invoke contemplation. Artists include Felix Bracquemond, James Ensor, Max Klinger and Anders Zorn; through June 13. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Wed.; free. 5550 S. Greenwood Ave.; 773-702-0200
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies:
Ground Level Projects — Jan Tichy
: A site-specific installation commissioned for the glass-enclosed space visible from the street and adjacent public areas. You can step into the building free of charge; through June 27. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu., Sun.-Wed.; free. 610 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-322-1700
For complete listings, go to metromix.com.
