Revisiting the demolished Garrick Theatre
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Chicago's cultural historian Tim Samuelson narrates one of the videos on the Garrick Theater at Wrightwood 659 in Lincoln Park. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Visitors can step back in time by touring Chicago's Louis Sullivan-designed Garrick Theatre in an exhibition called "Romanticism to Ruin," hosted at the Wrightwood 659 gallery.
Why it matters: Super COVID-safe entertainment is in short supply these days, and this exhibit delivers lots of wows without the crowds.
- Famed cartoonist Chris Ware designed the show. It's housed in a hidden gem of a museum tucked between residential buildings in Lincoln Park.
What you'll find: Huge blown up photos, tickets, programs and even actual terracotta art from the theater that stood near Randolph and Dearborn from 1891 to 1961.
Neatest feature: Bangladeshi architectural animator Razin Khan created a virtual reality style video tour of the building in mind blowing detail.
Cool fact: The facade of the Garrrick was saved and remounted over the iconic entrance to The Second City theater building on Wells Street.
If you go: Romanticism to Ruin is open on Saturdays through February and tickets are reservation only.