Chicago Stories
The history behind the buildings you're squinting at — plus a few things even lifelong Chicagoans get wrong.
September 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Adler Planetarium History: When Was It Built and What's the Sundial Out Front?
Adler Planetarium opened in 1930 as the Western Hemisphere's first planetarium. Here's when it was built, its neighborhood, and the Henry Moore sundial.
August 30, 2026 · 4 min read
The Tortoise Shell in the City: Lincoln Park Zoo's Hidden Pavilion
Discover the stunning wood pavilion hiding inside Lincoln Park Zoo — a tortoise shell-inspired structure by Chicago architect Jeanne Gang that most locals walk right past.
August 24, 2026 · 4 min read
Chicago Theatre History: When Was the Chicago Theatre Built and Why the Marquee Matters
The Chicago Theatre opened in 1921 as a Balaban & Katz movie palace. Learn when it was built, how old it is, and why the six-story State Street marquee became a protected landmark.
State Street · Landmarks · Loop · Chicago Theatre
August 24, 2026 · 4 min read
When Was Guaranteed Rate Field Built? The White Sox Ballpark's Whole Story
When was Guaranteed Rate Field built? Get the story behind the Chicago White Sox ballpark — opening day, all four names, and its 2005 World Series moment.
August 17, 2026 · 5 min read
Garfield Park Conservatory & Fieldhouse History: The Story of the Golden Dome
Is the Garfield Park Conservatory free? Where is it? And what's the story behind the West Side fieldhouse's golden dome? A quick guide to one of Chicago's most overlooked buildings.
West Side · Parks · Architecture · Garfield Park