Chicago Itinerary by Locals for a perfect trip

"Prioritize galleries with architecture models and design objects (ask staff for the current Modern Wing highlights list).Use the museum benches to compare construction details in paintings/objects to nearby facades you saw from the river.Accessibility note: the Modern Wing is elevator-accessible and has tactile guides for select objects — request them at the information desk."

"Seats at the bar give a close-up of the open kitchen choreography and interior materials.Reserve early and request a table away from the main service aisle if you plan to unroll sketches.Discuss local ceramicists with staff — many restaurants source plates from Chicago studios and can share names."

"Book the timed-entry tour to guarantee access; guided tours focus on construction methods and original materials.Bring a measuring tape or use your phone’s measuring app for on-site proportion studies (where allowed).Note the landscape-house relationship — sit on the lawn edge (as allowed) to study composition and horizon lines."

"Examine the storefront band at eye level — the tactile scale of the ornament reads differently than photos.Use a loupe or phone macro to study crazing and glaze textures; nearby benches are great for setting up magnification tools.If photographing, shoot late-afternoon for indirect light that reveals sculptural shadows on the reliefs."

"Request a window table to continue sketching the park and skyline while you eat.Order something sharable to maximize table space for sketchbooks — locals like the house sausages and open-faced options.Ask staff about quieter corners if you want to spread out reference photos and samples for material studies."

"Identify local brands and ask for business cards; many small makers show through Mart suites rather than storefronts.If you want hands-on time with materials, ask for a short demo — many reps will take 10–15 minutes for designers.Take photos of textures and joint details (many showrooms allow photos for designers) — they’re gold for later construction notes."

"Check the gallery calendar before you go to target exhibits that emphasize material practice or process-based work.Ask gallery staff about local designers in the exhibit and whether artist talks or studio visits are scheduled.Use your visit to gather gallery contact info for future studio visits or collaborations."

"Take measurements of installed vignettes to compare how pieces occupy space at full scale.Request material samples and inquire about lead times if you’re sourcing pieces for projects.Discuss with staff about local makers they collaborate with — DWR occasionally hosts pop-up maker events in the showroom."

"Find a bench facing the river to lay out spreads and compare studies; grouping studies by façade helps later analysis.If you want critique, DM a local organizer (Chicago Urban Sketchers) — many designers meet here in afternoons.If any pages got damp, pin them under a heavy object in your daypack to flatten and dry before evening."