September brings a fresh wave of cultural events to Chicago’s neighborhoods, giving families and faith‑centered communities new opportunities to experience art that inspires and educates. Below are the five must‑see exhibitions opening across the city, each offering a unique blend of history, technology, and artistic vision.
Mary Cassatt Retrospective – The Art Institute (Sept. 6 – Jan. 3)
The Art Institute of Chicago opens its first major show on Mary Cassatt in more than 25 years. The Pennsylvania‑born painter, the only American to exhibit with the Impressionists, is represented by over 75 works, including sketches for the lost 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition mural “Modern Woman.” Admission requires an additional $7 ticket beyond general museum entry.
Honoring Emmett Till – Museum of Contemporary Photography (Sept. 10 – Dec. 19)
In a powerful tribute, the Museum of Contemporary Photography presents photographs by more than 100 artists imagining the life Emmett Till might have led. The project involves Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Till’s cousin and the last surviving witness to his kidnapping, as well as cultural figures such as Ava DuVernay, John Legend, Sherrilyn Ifill, and Chelsea Clinton.
teamLab Digital Immersion – Smart Museum of Art (Sept. 22 – Feb. 21)
Tokyo‑based collective teamLab brings its signature digital installations to the Smart Museum of Art, marking the first Midwest showing of the group. Visitors can wander through fully immersive environments that respond to viewer interaction, highlighting the collective’s 25‑year evolution in art, architecture, and technology.
Inner Worlds at Wrightwood 659 (Sept. 25 – Dec. 19)
Lincoln Park’s Wrightwood 659 opens “Inner Worlds,” featuring three foreign‑born avant‑garde artists—Yayoi Kusama, Mary Bauermeister, and Niki de Saint‑Phalle. The exhibition includes three of Kusama’s iconic “Infinity Rooms,” borrowed from the Hirshhorn Museum’s permanent collection, offering a reflective experience that resonates with families and faith‑based visitors alike.
Dia de Muertos Celebration – National Museum of Mexican Art (Sept. 25 – Nov. 29)
The museum’s beloved Day of the Dead exhibition marks its 40th anniversary. In addition to professional installations, the exhibit invites community members to add letters or drawings to a shared ofrenda, creating a living memorial for loved ones who have passed.
All five exhibitions are located within Chicago’s city limits, making them easily accessible by public transit or car. Whether you are looking for a family‑friendly outing, a reflective experience rooted in faith, or an innovative digital adventure, September’s art calendar offers something for every household.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
