The Art Institute and the MCA are cultural gems, but let’s face it: both spaces can be tough to navigate during the summertime, when they’re mobbed by tourists. Do yourself a favor this summer and check out these 11 museums, galleries, and art spaces outside the Loop and the northeast side that offer their own rewards.
DuSable Museum of African American History Yes, DuSable is a major institution, but we included it for the folks who usually don’t venture farther south than the Museum Campus. Traveling just a few more miles, you’ll arrive at the 60-year-old hub of exhibits and cultural programs. Of particular note this summer is “Freedom’s Journey,” which uses paintings and photographs from DuSable’s collection to tell the story of black people’s fight for equality in America. 740 E. 56th Pl., 773-947-0600, dusablemuseum.org
Rootwork Gallery Located on the border between Pilsen and Chinatown, Rootwork specializes in promoting folk, street, and indigenous art. It also hosts a variety of film screenings, artist talks, performance art works, and workshops open to the public. On May 20, the gallery will offer a free screening of the 1997 documenatry Nappy by director Lydia A. Douglas, which focuses on the then-burgeoning “natural hair movement” within communities of black women. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Chicago-based filmmaker Shahari Moore. 645 W. 18th, 917-821-3050, facebook.com/rootworkgallery
