Art attack in Chicago
Art lovers will flock to the Windy City at the end of April for the city's annual visual feast: Art Chicago in the Park. A massive tent will be erected downtown in Butler Field, next to Lake Michigan in Millennium Park, and galleries will show off their biggest stars and up-and-coming talent.
The opening night is April 27, and work will be on display until May Day. There will be events and talks for dealers and tourists alike. Don't be put off by some of the prices, there should be something for professional and amateur collectors to take home as a special souvenir.
The location is also ideal for exploring Chicago's bars and restaurants, especially the jazz and blues venues, some of which are world famous for their stars and settings.
As US skylines go, Chicago can compete with the best of them. The 110-storey (1,450 feet) Sears Tower was built in 1974 and is a sight to behold. Try taking the lift up to the top to revel in the views of the soaring skyscrapers and vast sparkling lake beyond.
The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see attraction as well, as is Millennium Park, which is perfect to lose yourself in if you tire of the crowds. Chicago is one of the country's largest cities with 2.8 million residents.
The Art Institute houses a remarkable collection of works, covering everything from European painting and sculptures to the armour worn in bloody battles. One of the most famous pieces is probably Belgian surrealist Rene Magritte's Time Transfixed (1938), which depicts a steam train blasting out of a fireplace.
From April to August, the Institute will house a collection of pottery by ancient Mexican Indian communities. The Casas Grandes ceramics date back to 1250. Their modern use of geometric shapes with macaws and horned serpents suggest ancient mythologies and are sure to draw in the visitor.
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