Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Oak Brook

"Consider it the Art Institute’s brash, rebellious sibling, with especially strong minimalist, surrealist and conceptual photography collections, and permanent works by René Magritte, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol. Covering art from the 1920s onward, the MCA’s collection spans the gamut, with displays arranged to blur the boundaries between painting, sculpture, video and other media. Exhibits change regularly so you never know what you'll see, but count on it being offbeat and provocative. Illinois residents get free admission on Tuesday."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 220 East Chicago Avenue in Streeterville neighborhood of Near North Side area of Downtown Chicago in Cook County, Illinois. It was established in 1967 as the world’s largest contemporary art museum featuring items from Post-World War II visual art collection. It is a run gallery-style exhibition showcasing individual curations throughout the year."

"Description: The MCA was the first project in the United States by Josef Paul Kleihues, the German architect behind Berlin’s reconstruction after the fall of Berlin Wall. The Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago opened its doors in 1996 with an exposition of Frida Kahlo, the first in the US!. Don’t miss a remarkable aspect of the museum: the stairwell."

"This accredited museum in the Pilsen area is dedicated to preserving and facilitating knowledge about Latino life and history. Exhibits focus on Mexican culture as it's represented in the US and in Mexico, and the permanent collection includes folk art, ephemera, sculpture, textiles and drawings. Performing arts are also featured and the center hosts special events throughout the year to advance the museum's objectives."

"Then, head over to the Mexican Art Museum. This is the largest collection of Latino artwork in the United States. If you’re at all interested in the fascinating, diverse world of Mexican art, it’s worth spending at least two hours here. It even has free admission."

"The Museum of Contemporary Photography, or MoCP, is Chicago's premier photography museum. The museum's permanent collection has an estimated 15,000 items crafted by more than 1,500 different photographers and artists. The American Alliance of Museums-accredited museum is also home to the Midwest Photographers Project, which highlights work by photographers local to the region."

"Like the DePaul Art Museum, this is a smaller-scale museum that prides itself on its permanent collection. It has amassed over 14,000 objects including pieces by well-known photographers like Dorothea Lange and Ansel Adams. Rotating exhibits are on display across the museum’s three floors."

"Admission is free year-round at the Museum of Contemporary Photography. All visitors must reserve a free timed ticket. Dates are subject to change and may not include fees to view special exhibits."

"Located in the heart of The University of Chicago campus, the SMART Museum of Art truly makes art accessible for their youngest guests. On the first Saturday of the month, the museum hosts a free Family Day where kids can participate in hands-on art projects highlighting current art exhibits. After creating their masterpieces, kids and their families can join a docent-led tour or listen to a story being read in the art gallery."

"Photo courtesy of Courtesy of the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago. Photo by Chris Strong. No, it's not the University of Chicago waving its intellect at the rest of us (although it is on the campus), but rather this Hyde Park museum is named for brothers David and Alfred Smart, the original publishers of Esquire magazine."

"Founded in 1974, the Smart Museum of Art is part of the University of Chicago and is home to acclaimed special exhibitions and a permanent collection that spans five thousand years of artistic creation."

"The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is a modern art museum in Chicago's Ukrainian village. The UIMA, founded in 1971, hosts exhibits, book readings, film screenings, recitals, and theater. The UIMA has been a fixture in its neighborhood for more than 40 years and is one of 25 members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance."

"Sip and dine right alongside huge metallic fermentation tanks at Corridor Brewery and Provisions. Director of brewing operations Brant Dubovick ensures there’s an ever-evolving list of drafts, from hop-heavy IPAs to sparkling saisons and fruity sours. Corridor is also a full-fledged restaurant, so whether you’re in the mood for a “beer bite” like doughy pretzels, or something more substantial – say an artisanal pizza topped with BBQ pork or leek and goat cheese – it’s worth putting your name down for a table (the brewery doesn’t take reservations)."

"Food and crowlers are available for patio dining, pick-up and delivery from these Lakeview brewers!. Patio tables are seated on a first-come, first-served basis."

"Another Chicago staples, Off Color was founded in 2013 by John Laffler (formerly of Goose Island Brewery) and Dave Bleitner (formerly of Two Brothers Brewing). As you might expect, the pedigree of the founders is obvious in Off Color Brewing’s mature and technically excellent beers, which lean toward European styles. While the beers are serious, the branding is fun, leading to a very silly and unique taproom experience at both the original location and The Mousetrap, located on the North Branch Canal just west of the Old Town neighborhood."

"Off Color Brewing's taphouse, Mouseroom has a beautiful indoor and patio for you to enjoy their signature drafts, canned beer, as well as seasonal and foedre aged specials. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis, so head on over or place an order for pick-up or delivery here."

"A selection of seven cans in the "Beer for" series is seen at Off Color Brewing's Mousetrap taproom. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)"

"Motor Row Brewery is located in Chicago’s historic Motor Row neighborhood|Courtesy of Motor Row Brewery. Frank Lassandrello, the head brewer of Motor Row, learned the tricks of his trade while at college in Vermont, creating home brews with his roommate. It wasn’t until 2007 that Lassandrello partnered with his son and purchased a space in Chicago’s historic Motor Row neighborhood to start his own legitimate brewery."

"German influence meets Midwestern hospitality at Motor Row Brewing. Located in an historic landmark warehouse building, Motor Row Brewing takes you back in time to when the neighborhood was home to Chicago’s auto industry. It offers extended seasonal releases (including a series of easy-drinking Belgian-style ales, perfect for summer), plus collaborations and experimental one-offs."

"Motor Row Brewing is a microbrewery with a tasting room and taproom. It produces and serves seasonal beers. As it is located in the neighborhood of automobile manufacturers and dealers, their name is conceived."

"Chicagoans think Umai is so delicious, that within a few years, a second location opened. At both locations, the menu is large, from sushi and creative sushi rolls to beef tongue grilled over charcoal and of course, the foods of the hour, ramen and poke. If you are looking for something quick and filling, Katsu Kare, pork cutlets or shrimp tempura on Japanese curry over rice is a favorite Japanese college kids and businessmen."

"#umaichicago #japanesefood #eattheworld #chefstalk #foodandwine... Umai restaurant has been in the business for a while having been started by experienced Chef Mai in 2013. It has since then become a crowd favourite joint for the best traditional Japanese foods with a mix of modernity."

"A chic but warm South Loop spot, UMAI Japanese Kitchen & Sushi offers inventive sushi and globally influenced Japanese cuisine for relatively reasonable prices. The full menu is av..."

"Sandy Chen has been keeping Evanston well-sated with her Chinese cuisine for over 20 years. In addition to the expansive a la carte menu, she’s doing some specials for the Chinese New Year that are filled with auspiciously lucky foods like Spring Rolls and Dumplings (wealth), Peanuts (long life), Fish and Rice Cakes (increased prosperity), and Lychee (close family ties). You won’t want to miss those Seafood Pan-Fried Noodles (Happiness and Longevity)!"

"On nearly all best-of-outdoor-dining Chicago lists, The Dawson’s River West patio is certainly one to behold. Glass, brick, wood, and ivy come together to create a dazzling effect. The chic atmosphere is simultaneously relaxing and energizing, accompanied by American fare such as a fried chicken sandwich, fish tacos, and mac and cheese."

"This West Town restaurant will help keep you cozy all winter long, with branded blankets available for $15 that guests can use while dining, and then take home. The restaurant’s outdoor heaters and fireplace will ramp up comfort too."

"Eggs and bacon will always be a good choice but for something a little different, head to this small Mexican spot in Pilsen. Along with all of the traditional morning fare, the menu offers items such as chilaquiles, chile relleno, and tortas. And if diners want to start the day with some tacos, those are available too."