Attractions and Places To See around Cicero - Top 20

This bright red sculpture, made of steel and standing 16 meters tall, was unveiled in 1974 on Federal Plaza, directly in front of the Kluczynski Federal Building. It is a so-called stabile—an abstract, stationary sculpture—and a beautiful example of Calder's unique style.

Massive building with an unexpectedly large number of public services. A must-see!

Willis Tower, formerly and also in today's everyday life known as the Sears Tower. With a height of 442 meters (total height with antenna 527 meters, 108 floors) it was the tallest building in the world when it was completed, replacing the World Trade Center (417 meters) in New York as the tallest skyscraper. With its nine columns in a square floor plan, the arrangement of which architect Bruce Graham allegedly devised using a cigarette model, it is reminiscent of an oversized 3D Tetris. The viewing platform ("Skydeck") is literally elevated at 412m high and offers a breathtaking view over the city. In four glass balconies ("The Ledge"), the city lies on the ground for two or three minutes monitored by a timer - you can look 400 meters straight down and take a few souvenir photos with all sorts of knick-knacks.

The Willis Tower in Chicago is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Located in the heart of Chicago, the tower was formerly known as the Sears Tower. With its 110 floors it is one of the tallest buildings in the USA and offers a breathtaking view of the city. A visit to the Willis Towers is definitely worth it, because here you can not only admire the skyline of Chicago, but also get an insight into the history of the city. The observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city, including Lake Michigan, numerous parks, and other well-known attractions like Navy Pier. If you are interested in architecture, then the Willis Tower is a particularly worthwhile destination. The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture and has a rich history dating back to the 1970s.

This bridge connects downtown to north Chicago and is an important part of the city's history and architecture. Built in the 19th century, the North Western Railway Bridge is a masterpiece of engineering. It is also known for its distinctive architecture, which plays an important role in Chicago's history. A visit to this bridge is worthwhile because of the breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline from here. You can see the impressive skyscrapers and the river and get a sense of the size and beauty of the city. You can also take some photos here and be inspired by the beauty of the bridge. It's also a popular spot for walks and joggers, giving you a chance to meet the locals and learn more about their city. From here, you can also explore the Loop district, known for its theaters, shopping, and restaurants. Or you can take a stroll along the Chicago River and admire the city's impressive architectural highlights.

This imposing library opened in 1991 and is named after the city's first African-American mayor, Harold Washington. The architecture of the library is an example of modern art and houses an impressive collection of books, magazines, artwork and more. The library also gives you an amazing view of the city and surrounding buildings that you shouldn't miss. From the Harold Washington Library, you can also explore the Loop district, known for its theaters, shopping, and restaurants. You can also visit the historic Theater District and Millennium Park for a taste of Chicago's vibrant life.

This impressive sculpture is located in the famous park "Federal Plaza" in the heart of the city and is an important part of the cityscape. This sculpture by Alexander Calder from the 1970s is a masterpiece of kinetic art. Made of stainless steel, the pink flamingo shape sways in the wind, adding a lively atmosphere to the park. A visit to the Calder's Flamingo Sculpture is definitely worth a detour, especially if you're traveling near the Loop area. From here, you can explore the historic Theater District, Millenium Park and Michigan Avenue for a taste of Chicago's vibrant life.

This theatre, originally named the Oriental Theatre, opened to much fanfare on May 8, 1926. Designed by the legendary George L. and Cornelius W. Rapp, it was one of the first motion picture palaces designed to create a complete experience for the theatre patron. Still to this day, the décor is a virtual art museum including large mosaics of an exotic prince and princess, an inner foyer with elephant-throne lighting and multicolored glazed Buddhas, and an auditorium of “hasheesh-dream design.” Over the years it presented popular first-run motion pictures, complemented by lavish stage shows. Among the many stars that played the theatre are The Three Stooges, Judy Garland, Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker, Fanny Brice, Duke Ellington, and Danny Kaye. Although management changed hands several times the theatre continued to feature films and hosted live performances by such artists as Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Little Richard. Soon the theater fell into disrepair. In an effort to preserve the theatre, it was added to the Federal National Registry of Historic Places in 1978, but the building continued to crumble. The theatre was closed to the public in 1981, and the site was considered for a shopping mall and cinema. In 1996, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley stepped in and announced that the venue would be restored to its original grandeur for the presentation of live stage musicals. Renamed the Ford Center for the Performing Arts in 1997, the restoration was completed in October 1998 and opened with the Chicago premiere of Ragtime. Broadway In Chicago, formed in 2000, began to light the stage with the record-breaking run of Wicked for three and a half years and the long-run production of Billy Elliott, along with many Pre-Broadway World Premieres including: The Addams Family, Big Fish, On Your Feet!, The SpongeBob Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Pretty Woman: the Musical, and The Cher Show with many more to come. In February 2019, the theatre was renamed the James M. Nederlander Theatre, in honor of the legendary Broadway theatre owner and producer and patriarch of Broadway James M. Nederlander. As the founder of Broadway In Chicago, he championed theatre in Chicago having presented shows here for over six decades. (https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/chicagos-james-m-nederlander-theatre/)