This popular sculpture in Millennium Park has become a landmark of Chicago's cityscape. Ever since the public first glimpsed the then-unfinished structure in 2004, its unique appearance has drawn a great deal of both criticism and praise. Designed by British artist Anish Kapoor and forged from steel plates that have been polished to a mirror-like finish, Cloud Gate has been affectionately named "The Bean" by city residents because of its legume-like shape. At 66 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 33 feet high, this is one mighty bean, weighing in at 110 tons. The highly reflective surface and curved shape create an effect similar to that of a funhouse-mirror, distorting the shape of curious onlookers and making it a popular attraction for children of all ages. The sculpture often takes on a life of its own as its surface reflects Chicago's skyscrapers and the blue sky.

A TV studio during the week, NBC Tower turns into a showroom on the weekend where the hit show 'Ron Hawking in His Way-A Tribute to the Man and His Music' is performed. The music of Frank Sinatra couldn't have a more perfect home in the NBC studio. With just over 304 seats, the place is a throwback to the legendary Copa Room at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Choice of seating ranges from the ringside cabaret table, romantic love seats, VIP boxes, dramatic on-stage table seating, and more. The versatile theatre boasts state-of-the-art sound and video systems as well as complete video capability for television broadcasts and tapings.

Granville Gallery is a custom framing gallery on the North Side of the city and was the recipient of the Best Picture Frame Shop by the weekly newspaper NewCity, and it deserves its accolade. The selection of frame styles here seems never ending, offering selections ranging from the contemporary to Baroque. The window displays also draw attention. One such display won an award for Best Window Decorations from the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.

This 350-acre cemetery is a true monument to the past. Originally constructed in 1864 by William W. Boyington, the ornate and Gothic entrance is classified as its own historic landmark. Inside, many grand crypts pay homage to 14 Chicago mayors, Nobel Prize winner and Vice President Charles Gates Dawes and businessmen Richard Sears, Montgomery Ward, Oscar Mayer and Milton Florsheim. Rosehill is also a natural sanctuary. Every fall, Canadian geese flock in by the hundreds and several raccoons, rabbits and squirrels can be spotted.

Located in a traditionally Swedish area of Chicago, this museum weaves the heritage of two great countries through historical exhibits, art and artifact collections dating back to the mass immigration of Swedes to Chicago in the 19th century. The 24,000 square foot center also houses a Swedish library and meeting and workshop areas. Concerts, educational programs, lectures and films are held throughout the year.

A typical city park, Touhy Park is located in the popular Rogers Park neighborhood of the city. This park was one of the open spaces that was undertaken for development by the Chicago Park District after World War II. It still exists today, and is usually filled with people out for a leisurely stroll, a jog, or out with their kids. The park is equipped with facilities like two playgrounds, two softball fields, two tennis courts, and a field house, which is abuzz with a range of events. See the website to know more.

The home of the Loyola College, Rogers Park is known for being one of the city's most vibrant and culturally diverse communities. Straying not too far from its Native American past, the community welcomes people of all races and nationalities, and it is stated that there are at least 80 spoken languages that exist here. The cultural heritage can also be explored in historic places like the Madonna Della Strada Chapel and the Rogers Park Baptist Church. The community is also the venue for many festivals, fairs and celebrations, one of them prominent among them being the Celebrate Clark Street Festival.

Formerly known as the Morse Theater, the Mayne Stage continues its long standing tradition of providing Chicago's audiences an absolute cultural mix of music and theater. Independent artistes, script writers, song-writers, stage performers, folk musicians and even children now have a platform to showcase their unbridled talents. This venue can be hired for rehearsals, studio recordings, private bashes, seminars, meetings and banquets so check website for details.

As a part of the Loyola University in Chicago, this theatre has two performance stages. The university's Department of Fine & Performing Arts conducts and co-ordinates all the theatrical performances here, so this is the place for those who want to take in some shows put forth by both students and local artists.

As the name suggests, Northside College Preparatory High School prepares and educates the students so that they are fit to graduate to college. The school houses The Northside Cafe, Saddle Shoppe etc., combining fun with learning. It boasts of a beautiful campus and well-stocked library. The Hoofbeat is the entertainment hub of this institute which showcases movies.