ON VIEW NOW

The New Magnificent: Visions to Renew and Reconnect the Mag Miles

The Pop-Up Exhibition

North Michigan Avenue, known colloquially as The Magnificent Mile, is an indelible part of Chicago’s global image. Since the 1920 completion of Michigan Avenue (now DuSable) Bridge set this formerly dirt road on a course toward becoming a grand boulevard, prominent retailers have flocked to the district and skyscrapers have sprouted along the corridor. Encompassing 13 blocks of Michigan Avenue from River North to Oak Street Beach, the Magnificent Mile and its side streets are packed with hundreds of shops and restaurants. A wide variety of hotels, entertainment venues and cultural offerings reinforce the area’s draw.

In this pop-up exhibition, two design proposals are presented for improving the economic vitality and overall experience of the Magnificent Mile: MM2050 by Lamar Johnson Collaborative, commissioned by the Magnificent Mile Association; and Reimagining North Michigan Avenue by Gensler, commissioned by Parkside Realty. The themes presented in these proposals can be further explored in our Loop as Lab: Reshaping Downtowns exhibition on view in the upstairs Skyscraper Gallery.

interior photo of an exhibition space, including two chairs and a book.interior photo of an exhibition space, including two chairs and a book.

MAG MILE WALKING TOUR

Our "Architecture of the Magnificent Mile" walking tour will guide you through the early phases of its development as initially envisioned. You'll learn more about venues now in operation as well as under construction and see how the Mag Mile is already reinventing itself.

Take the Tour
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