What’s new in Chicago ?

Chicago’s skyline is poised for a major transformation with the planned opening in summer 2026 of The Obama Presidential Center, a new civic and cultural hub of international stature nestled within a 7-hectare campus in Jackson Park.

Located in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, this architectural complex will be more than just a museum dedicated to the 44th President of the United States; it will include an auditorium, a modern branch of the Chicago Public Library, landscaped gardens, and sports and community facilities designed to foster civic engagement and intercultural dialogue.

Before this major summer event, the city will resonate with the 70th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14, 2026, a legendary event marked by the spectacular green dyeing of the Chicago River starting at 10:00 a.m.

This tradition, best viewed between State and Columbus Streets, will precede the grand midday parade on Columbus Drive, where colorful floats, Irish dancers, and the renowned Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band will celebrate seven decades of Celtic heritage in the Midwest.

On the arts front, the Art Institute of Chicago offers a rich and diverse program, notably the poignant exhibition « On Loss and Absence: Textiles of Mourning and Survival » (until March 15), which explores, through 100 historical and contemporary works, the role of fibers in the processes of grief and resilience.

In parallel, starting March 7, visitors can immerse themselves in « Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color, » a celebration of Henri Matisse’s revolutionary cut-outs, where bold forms and vibrant colors dance in response to musical improvisation.

Finally, the local art scene is celebrated with « City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago » (until May 31), an essential exhibition that traces the history of struggles and creativity within LGBTQ+ communities in the metropolis, reaffirming that Chicago in 2026 defines itself as a dynamic laboratory of cultural exchange and diversity.