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Illinois

Winding Through the Windy City: Art & Architecture in Chicago

Program No. 21908RJ
On expert-led, small group walks and during independent explorations, learn about Chicago’s historic architecture and diverse neighborhoods.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Chicago, IL
Program Concludes
Chicago, IL
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
11 ( 5B, 3L, 3D )
Activity Level
Thrilling and serene. Tough and sophisticated. Chicago is a city of contrasts best understood through its art and architecture. We’ll be on the go with a small group of fellow explorers as we visit a range of neighborhoods with an architecture expert to see how the city’s evolution is told through its buildings. Then we’ll venture outside the city to learn about the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright, as we visit his Prairie-style home and studio. Your schedule includes some open afternoons, during which you’ll be able to discover on your own the aspects of the city that speak to you most.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Go inside the Art Institute of Chicago with an expert on the artworks of its world-class, 300,000-piece permanent collection.
  • Study city architecture on a walk with a scholar and from a boat on the Chicago River.
  • Learn about the life and work of the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright through an expert-led exploration of his Prairie-style home and studio in charming and historic Oak Park, Illinois.
General Notes
Those interested in a less focused and less active program may enjoy programs "Signature City Chicago" (#2818) or "Go Solo: Art and Architecture in Chicago" (#24935) intended exclusively for solo travelers may enjoy.
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Joe Cunniff
Joseph Cuniff writes about the theater and music scene in Chicago, and is an instructor at the School of New Learning at DePaul University. He has led classes at the Art Institute of Chicago for more than 10 years. He earned a master’s in fine arts and interdisciplinary learning from Loyola University.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
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Andrea Maremont
A native of northwest Indiana, Andrea Maremont has lived in the Windy City for nearly 50 years. She has been a group leader for Road Scholar for more than 10 years, and has helped to design learning adventures in the city. When not leading educational expeditions throughout Chicago, Andrea is the director of a small senior center.
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Aurora Cruz Nelson
Aurora Cruz Nelson is a seasoned world traveler and lifelong learner. Her travel experience has given her a global perspective that she is passionate about sharing, and she strives to ensure that others are positively impacted by their travel as well. Aurora has held positions in education, nonprofits, and travel sectors. She is motivated by her dedication to quality life for all, and her strengths include creativity, curiosity, and gratitude.
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Brian Murray
Brian Murray is a graphic artist and educator based in Chicago for over two decades. Combining his local experience with his passion for art history and community organizing, Brian leads thought-provoking explorations of the art forms that adorn the walls of the city and the various perceptions and historical contexts around them.
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Kim Johnson
Kim Johnson is a lifelong Michigander. A graduate of Michigan State University, she spent over 30 years as a commercial banker. By happenstance, she discovered group leading which allowed her to retire early. This career change perfectly coincided with her grown sons venturing out on their own career paths. Today, Kim and her husband Greg are both enjoying life as group leaders with both students and adults. Her hobbies include hiking, reading, cycling, pet-sitting, and researching new places to visit.
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Phyliss Kozlowski
Dr. Phyllis Kozlowski is a native Chicagoan who has an extensive background in the history and architecture of the city. She has worked as a travel expert for several organizations giving tours locally and internationally. As a former college professor and author, she also has a background in art history. She has often been invited to give lectures on the city and its cultural scene. Recognized as an outstanding educator, her enthusiasm for sharing information about her city is evident in all her presentations.
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Spiro Dousias
Spiro Dousias is a lifelong Chicago native from the south side and a graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He worked at the Museum of Science and Industry then moved to giving architectural river cruises with Wendella Boats. He recently started showing highlights of the Art Institute to visitors.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on field trips.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (15 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.