In 2011, we saw a beautiful new building, a stunning new theater and some extraordinary exhibits.

The history museum peels back the layers of America’s first couturier.

The rousing vocals of the late, great Mahalia Jackson make up for lackluster presentation.

Interactives attempt to continue Hull-House’s legacy as a cutting-edge arts-class purveyor by doling out how-tos from some of this city’s hippest artists.

Children’s books from 1930s Soviet Union

At this Expo 72 exhibition pictures of Chicago’s beloved dance show speak for themselves.

The Mitchell Museum presents a dry look at offensive contemporary American Indian portrayals.

With “Whales,” the Field Museum dives into its sordid past.

The Adler Planetarium’s new theater is out of this world.

A Northwestern University Library exhibit believes “the golden age of journalism may well be ahead.”