February/March 2026 Issue: Fortieth Anniversary Edition (Print Edition)

Pre-Order the Fortieth Anniversary Double Issue Here/Ships February 11

“Am I Right? Or Am I Wrong?”

The science behind David Byrne’s “Theater of the Mind”

I don't expect to be embarrassed at the press conference for David Byrne’s “Theater of the Mind,” an immersive production that premieres this March as part of the Goodman Theatre’s hundredth-anniversary season. But that emotion suits Byrne’s goal, which is to upend what we believe about reality and ourselves. (Mary Wisniewski)

The World According to Goff

Exploring the everyday obsessions of history's most fantastical and far-out architect

Bruce Alonzo Goff is one of the great architects of the twentieth century. Acclaim for his work came early and often. He was championed by his architectural brethren, among them Frank Lloyd Wright. His stunningly original designs earned multi-page spreads in the popular media of his day, such as Life magazine and Architectural Forum. His career, spanning six decades, has been the subject of laudatory books, exhibitions and films. (Alison Cuddy)

Practiced Grace

The journey of Joffrey dancer Olivia Duryea

Ducking in and out of a dense flurry of snow, I jump onto a bus heading downtown. Anxiously looking down at my watch, I wonder if I will be late. The first arrival of a protracted snow presses into the logistical backbone of an anxious city. I am on my way to watch a rehearsal for The Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” as part of my preparation to talk to Olivia Duryea, a company dancer. The one-hour viewing slot I had been given wouldn't be put on hold for me. (Lucas Gómez-Doyle)

Thoroughly Modern Miller

He is a true Chicago original, whose fabulous handmade homes give sparkle to Old Town. When will Edgar Miller finally get his due?

Edgar Miller claimed to hate the phrase “Renaissance man”—in a curmudgeonly moment, he once referred to the Renaissance as “phony”—but it’s a hard epithet to avoid, and it comes up repeatedly when speaking of him. Painter, sculptor, wood-carver, ceramicist, master of stained glass and mosaic, graphic designer, illustrator, gallerist, artistic catalyst, self-taught mason and builder, wizard at transforming bland spaces into extraordinary environments—there were few artistic media or pursuits Miller didn’t make his own. (Hugh Iglarsh)

1986

When Chicago opened its heart to the world

With fresh energy and experimental desire, Chicago opened its heart to the world in 1986. That magical year helped shape America’s landscape. Harold Washington was the progressive mayor and a fan of the Staple Singers. Oprah Winfrey went national in September of that year, the same month “Siskel & Ebert & the Movies” joined the Walt Disney Company. The Bears won the Super Bowl in January 1986, demonstrating to America that they were clearly the pride and joy of Illinois. (Dave Hoekstra)

"You have to be naive and delusional." 

How Newcity got its start in 1986: an oral history

This publication was supposed to be a video store. Which would have long been out of business. In 1985, Jan and I moved back to Chicago after a training program in New York. I was going to work in the Chicago office of Goldman Sachs, and she would catch the 6 Bus to Hyde Park to finish her degree in the College of the University of Chicago, which had been interrupted by the birth of our daughter Erica four years earlier, as well as two moves back and forth to New York for my internship and training program. (Brian Hieggelke)

Art in Chicago

A guide for collectors, curators and the curious

From the Monster Roster to the Modern Moment: Chicago art movements over the years

A Place of Perpetual Warmth: Hyde Park Art Center and the making of Chicago’s creative identity

Home for the Vanguard: How the Arts Club of Chicago stays contemporary in its second century

A Special Mission: The National Museum of Mexican Art wants to bring art, education and pride to its community

A Home for Black Artists: How the South Side Community Art Center grew from an icon of the Black renaissance to a vital and expanding force

The Relentless Avant-Garde of The Renaissance Society: How did a hidden, nondescript place in a campus classroom building with a name that sounds like something from Harry Potter become one of the most important venues for contemporary art in the world?

A Charmed School: How SAIC became and remains one of the top art schools in America

Beauty by Volume: On the art-book trail

The Art Geography of Chicago

Arts & Culture

Art: “The Bear”’s makeup artist paints like a weaver

Dance: The Joffrey Ballet celebrates seventy with a tribute to American dance

Design: Jenna London Jewelry is inspired by grandmother’s heirlooms

+ Mood: Chairs

Film: The "Ghostlight" team takes its act to Berlin

Lit: Sara Levine discusses “The Hitch”

Music: Muti conducts “Manon” with the Chicago Symphony 

Stage: Jeff Perry returns for Steppenwolf Theatre’s fiftieth

Reviews

Stay warm by looking at art

Poetry

Shipping within the United States is included in the price.