Catholic Chicago
March 8, 2008 through January 4, 2009
Overview
The first in a series of exhibitions to explore the ways in which religious communities have shaped the city, Catholic Chicago explores the influence of Catholicism on the city's ever-changing urban landscape. The exhibition highlights the area's earliest Catholics; Chicago's parochial school system; the church's art and architecture;
the city's network of parishes and religious orders; Catholic activism; and the evolving nature of religion in the city. This original exhibition features artifacts, paintings, historic documents, and film footage.
Multimedia
The Eucharistic Congress
Historic photos and film tell the story of the International Eucharistic Congress of 1926. Experience the record-setting Chicago celebration that caught the world's attention.
> View The Eucharistic Congress
Growing Up Catholic in Chicago
Catholics share their memories of growing up in Chicago. Common themes emerge, including family traditions, the lasting impact of Catholic schools, and the rite of passage that is Confirmation.
> View Growing Up Catholic in Chicago
Parish Life
Chicago Catholics from a variety of backgrounds describe important facets of parish life, including community, identity, service, and celebrations.
Exhibition Highlights
View exhibition highlights in this slideshow, including artifacts from the 1926 Eucharistic Congress, architectural models, and artwork created for the exhibition.
> View a slideshow of exhibition highlights
School
Featuring interviews with Chicagoans, this video explores the experience of growing up Catholic, with a focus on memories of Chicago Catholic schools.
> View the Catholic Chicago School video
Audio Tours
Enhance your experience of Catholic Chicago by taking an audio tour of the exhibition. Ask for the tour at our Visitor Center, or download it here and play it on your own MP3 device.
Download the Catholic Chicago audio tour in English (Zip 22Mb)
Download the Catholic Chicago audio tour in Spanish (Zip 33Mb)
Download the Catholic Chicago audio tour in Polish (Zip 31Mb)
Events
Beginning with the opening on March 8, Catholic Chicago programming will offer a wide range of lectures, tours, films, and performances. Check back throughout the exhibition as new dates and details are added.
> The Saintly Stroll walking tour: Saturdays, May through September
> Performance: Put the Nuns in Charge: Sunday, August 24
Shop Catholic Chicago
The Museum Store website, Chicago to go, offers a range of books and gifts related to Catholic Chicago.
> Browse Catholic Chicago books and gifts
Resources for Teachers
A suite of resources has been developed to help educators add dimension to a field trip to see Catholic Chicago. The materials are flexible, can be used with students of all ages, and may be modified to fit your classroom needs.