Art and Architecture: 26 Cities Every Creative Soul Must Visit

18. Chicago – The Living Blueprint of Modern Architecture

Few cities rival Chicago’s architectural innovation. The birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago is home to everything from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style homes to the bold, twisting shapes of the Aqua Tower and the surreal reflections of Cloud Gate (The Bean). Take an architecture river cruise to admire the city’s skyline from a unique perspective, or wander through Pilsen, where striking murals turn entire streets into a living art gallery. Chicago’s museums are just as inspiring—The Art Institute of Chicago houses everything from Monet to Warhol. Whether it’s avant-garde design or public art installations, creativity is built into the city’s DNA.