Culture AND Kitsch
Written: Mar 15 '01 (Updated Mar 15 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great for a family outing, or for a more sophisticated evening out for adults.
Cons: Usually crowded, parking expensive and virtually nonexistent during peak times.
The Bottom Line: Navy Pier offers a broad range of attractions, not the least of which is simply the pier itself. A good choice for family entertainment, or for more sophisticated evening entertainment.
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| telefrog's Full Review: Navy Pier |
Navy Pier has a long and mostly rocky history. Originally intended for heavy cargo shipping, it failed in that venture and eventually was taken over by the US Navy for use as a training area (G. Bush Sr. trained there, and local divers like to visit the area because of all the aircraft still on the bottom of the lake - they missed the aircraft carriers). After the Navy pulled out, it mostly sat empty except for civic events and festivals (I once saw Iron Maiden there during Chicagofest). A few years back the city decided to do something about this eyesore, and the result is mixed, but interesting.
Cavalcade of Kitsch
Let's face it, this is a tourist trap. (Says so right on the blueprints). There are numerous attractions for the light of heart and heavy of wallet. These include:
THE MALL
This is an indoor mall, which is pretty much its only redeeming quality, and only if the weather turns inclement. As a mall, it barely qualifies as such. Yes, there are plenty of stores and a food court, but the stores are all about the size of my very dinky livingroom and mostly of souvenir stand/airport quality. The food court is pretty much standard issue, with no surprises. I generally stick to the kiosks outside, where you can buy items ranging from lemonade and hot pretzels to hammock chairs.
THE CAROUSEL AND FERRIS WHEEL
About midway down the pier is a reflecting pool which serves a dual purpose - a winter skating rink and a mirror for the carousel beside it. This is a large, classically styled beauty. Beside this is an absolutely huge ferris wheel which provides a lovely view of the city. Both are very nicely lit at night and both ALWAYS have long lines.
THE CRYSTAL GARDENS
This is a large greenhouse-like structure located between the mall and the amusement rides. It is chock-full of palm trees and some really neat fountains of the "jumping water" variety (basically a stream of water leaps from one fountain to another, creating an arch you can walk under without getting wet). There is a bar/eating area along one side, and the area is often rented out for weddings or other festivities.
THE EATERIES
I've never actually eaten at Ruby Tuesday's or Bubba Gump's, so I can't speak to the quality or value myself. I do have several friends who rave about both.
IT IS, AFTER ALL, A PIER
There are several types of nautical attractions here. You can take a boat tour of the lake or nearby Chicago River, take a dinner cruise, or walk the decks of one of the tall ships of yesteryear. Prices vary widely and none of them are cheap, but all offer a good time.
A Haven Of Culture
Now, to the other face of Navy Pier. It has quite a lot to interest culture vultures like myself who normally would not be caught dead in a tourist trap. Among these are:
ART SHOWS
The convention center at the center of the pier frequently plays host to art shows, including the SOFA show (functional art). The hall between the mall and the convention center also acts as occasional gallery, and has been the setting for antiques shows and an absolutely smashing display of stained glass. The park just outside the pier proper, as well as the pier itself, serves as a display area for the yearly large outdoor sculpture show. The park also is home to some very nice pieces of permanent art, including some lovely mosaic work and a terrific granite fountain.
NPR
The pier is home to the studios of WBEZ, Chicago's National Public Radio Station. There is a window where you can watch the various radio personalities as you listen to the broadcast over a speaker. Frankly, this is only interesting for about 5 minutes, unless you are considering a career in radio. I still think its pretty neat, but then again, WBEZ is one of the 2 radio stations I listen to.
THE SHAKESPEARE REPERTORY THEATRE
This has been on the pier for a bit less than 2 years, and I have not yet had a chance to enjoy it. I have seen the company at several of its temporary homes, and the quality of the performances, staging, etc. were sterling.
THE CONCERT PAVILION
I keep wanting to call this a concert hall, because this is what it feels and sounds like. It is actually a large permanent tent, and the sides can be drawn up to let in the breeze off of the lake. Musical offerings are varied - folk, orchestral, blues, and Rock'N'Roll.
Somewhere In The Middle
Falling somewhere between kitsch and culture are the IMAX Theatre and the Children's Museum. The IMAX is a rather nice example of its kind, with ample seating and a quality sound system. The Children's Museum actually deserves a review of its own - suffice it to say that it has a large variety of fun, hands-on learning activities for children 0-12 years. Along with the great permanent exhibits, there are some truly memorable temporary exhibits. The current gem is a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street.
In Conclusion....
Navy Pier is wonderful both as family entertainment and for evening, adult entertainment. A visit can be a bit dear, or it can be very inexspensive (bring a picnic lunch and just stroll the pier admiring the view and people-watching. This is quite entertaining, even without any of the attractions). Admission to Navy Pier is free, but the parking can be somewhat expensive and is at times nonexistent. I would recommend taking public transportation, as several bus lines stop at the terminal that is about half a block away.
Come visit us this summer, and have fun!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Epinions.com ID:
telefrog
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Member: Becky P
Location: Chicago, IL
Reviews written: 33
Trusted by: 11 members
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