From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film All Talks About The Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park are not just beloved city landmarks—they’ve also played unforgettable roles on the big screen. In this hour-long talk led by a film scholar with a PhD , explore how both public spaces have been represented in film, sometimes as places of whimsy, sometimes as sites of unrest. Specifically, you will: Stroll (virtually) along Michigan Avenue to visit the Art Institute of Chicago and its famous lions Explore how a beloved ‘80s teen comedy transformed a museum visit into a cinematic moment Step into Grant Park, a sprawling downtown green space rich in political and pop culture significance Learn how a recent historical drama restaged one of Chicago’s most turbulent protests View original HD footage you won’t find anywhere else—captured and curated just for this talk See familiar city landmarks in a new light—through the lens of film—as we engage in conversation about place and media. Request Talk

Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family Holiday Chaos: Behind the Scenes of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family All Talks About Set in the Chicago suburbs, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) follows the Griswold family as they attempt to create the perfect traditional Christmas celebration. However, as is usually the case with this fictional family, chaos ensues. Yes, everything that can go wrong does. Have you ever wondered what happened off-camera during the making of this iconic holiday film? Do you know where the movie was shot? Have you noticed the film's ties to Lethal Weapon , Betty Boop, and It's a Wonderful Life? In this Christmas event by Chicago Movie Tours, go behind the scenes of Christmas Vacation and dive into the world of the Griswold family. You'll challenge your knowledge of the movie and discover fun facts that will make you appreciate the film even more. You'll also hear about Chicago's (minor) role in creating the perfect backdrop for the Griswold's holiday misadventures. Request Talk

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Widows Widows is a 2018 heist movie about four women with nothing in common but a debt left behind by their dead husbands' criminal activities. Today's #OneShotWed reflects the funeral of one of those husbands. The TV show on which Widows is based, also called Widows , is set in London. But British director Steve McQueen wanted to adapt the story to Chicago. In his words: "I wanted a contemporary place, a modern city, and Chicago seemed to be that place. Politics, race, corruption, policing, gender, all those things, it was all there, in Chicago.” Read more about Widows ' Chicago connections . And watch Widows ! Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. The Color of Money The Color of Money is a 1986 film directed by Martin Scorsese. It serves as a sequel to the 1961 movie The Hustler . Starring Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, The Color of Money follows "Fast Eddie" Felson (Newman) and his protege, Vincent (Cruise), as they hustle their way to a nine-ball tournament . In this low-angle shot, Vince is in the middle of a game of pool, showboating in front of a crowd. His name is stamped across his t-shirt, illustrating Cruise’s “big and bold” performance, as one reviewer puts it in 1986: “Cruise knows how to make his props work for him — the silly 1950s pompadour, the shirt from the toy store he works at with “VINCE” in big block letters, the playful way he wields the pool cue. He’s not afraid to color Vince, to show you how he’s vain and impulsive and even a little stupid.” — Paul Attanasio, 21 October 1986 Several of Cruise’s pool scenes, like this one, were filmed inside Fitzgerald’s, a historic bar in Berwyn, IL, about 10 miles outside Chicago. Watch the scene below, and then check out Fitzgerald’s The Color of Money memorabilia in this Facebook post . Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Office Christmas Party Office Christmas Party is a 2016 comedy that follows a group of Chicago coworkers who throw an epic Christmas party in an attempt to impress a potential client and save their jobs. Today's #OneShotWed shows Santa (T.J. Miller) making his entrance down a flight of stairs at the office party. More interesting perhaps is this B-roll footage of the cast and crew filming in downtown Chicago, which you can watch below or here via IMDb . Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Fargo Oh no, we've momentarily lost the trivia for this one. Check back, and we'll have it up soon! Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Derailed Coming to you from Chicago's Millennium Park, this week's shot is from Derailed , a 2005 crime thriller film starring Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston. You'll see LOTS of shots of Chicago and its suburbs in this one! But fair warning: Derailed has been consistently panned by credits since it premiered. (In short, the movie ain't great.) Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Visit 10 locations above and below street level as you discover their ties to movies Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground Visit 10 locations above and below street level as you discover their ties to movies Read Reviews Book Public Tour Book Private Tour About 2 hrs 1.25 mi. 8 guests $49.99 Visit 10 locations above and below street level as you discover their ties to movies Step into the highlights of Chicago's cinema history with our guided walking tour Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground . Led by a knowledgeable guide with a PhD in film , this 2-hour journey takes you through—and beneath—the heart of downtown Chicago. Yes, prepare to venture underground while traversing the city's film locations! As you navigate the secret nooks of the Pedway and bustling streets of the city, expect to encounter familiar themes like gangster films and the caped crusader himself. But the true magic of Beneath the Big Screen lies in its exploration of lesser-known film subjects—like the first virtual reality movie and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of department store Santas. On the 1.25-mile route, you'll encounter landmarks like historic City Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, and Millennium Station, where the Dark Knight once roamed with his Batpod. You'll also make stops below Daley Plaza and other notable sites, each with its own fascinating ties to Chicago's longstanding film scene. Finally, as with all of our guided movie tours, your experience will be enhanced with a variety of media: videos, photographs, screenshots, soundbites, maps, and/or vintage movie fan magazines. Whether you're a seasoned film buff or just looking for a new way to explore the city, Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground promises to inform, entertain, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for Chicago's cinematic legacy. Don't miss your chance to go underground and behind the scenes of Chicago's film world. Book your tickets now! NOTE: There is a passing reference to suicide as we discuss Bill Murray's early career here in Chicago. Movies/TV Highlighted Southside with You (2016) The Dark Knight (2008) The Lake House (2006) Barbershop 2 (2004) What Women Want (2000) The Fugitive (1992) Child's Play (1988) The Untouchables (1987) The Blues Brothers (1980) Medium Cool (1968) Tarzan and His Mate (1934) Stars: Bill Murray, Oprah Winfrey, Dorothy Lamour, Rock Hudson Public Tour Dates Show More Dates Private Tours Book this tour as a private or group tour! The private tour price listed below is a flat fee for up to 8 guests. If you have more than 8 in your party, please contact us to see if we can accommodate you. NOTE: Chicago's City Hall is closed on weekends, so if you book this tour on a weekend, we will amend the route slightly. Book Private $499 Tour Specifics Start/End Points Depending on the season, this tour starts either at the Palmer House Hilton or outside Walgreens on State St. The tour ends at Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St. Check your confirmation email for your exact meeting location . Waivers Guests must initial a digital general waiver of liability with Chicago Movie Tours when they book. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18. Low Attendance To ensure we can provide a fun, engaging, and economically feasible public tour, we typically need a minimum of 4 guests. Head over to Tour Terms and Conditions for more on this policy, including reasons behind it and your refund options if, in the rare instance, a tour is cancelled due to low attendance. Parking/Transportation By Car : Nearby Millennium Garages are located at Grant Park North Garage (25 N. Michigan Ave), Grant Park South Garage (325 S. Michigan Ave) and Millennium Park Garage & Millennium Lakeside Garage (5 S. Columbus Dr). Public Transit 'L': Red Line train to Monroe or Purple/Brown Line to Washington/Wabash. Accessibility Guests will need to climb up/down 2-5 sets of stairs. Escalators and elevators are available in some locations. What to Bring Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. Tours run rain, snow, or shine. Restrooms Public restrooms are available at several stops on this tour route. Children Guests ages 10 and up can attend. Photography/Video No video or audio recording of the tour, but take as many pictures as you'd like! Cancellations and Refunds You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Read more Tour Terms and Conditions . What's Included 2-hour journey through Chicago's Loop, including underground and historic locations Expert tour guide commentary, including little-known stories from Hollywood's and Chicago's pasts Guided access inside locations where movies and TV series have filmed Small group to generate engagement and foster a personalized tour Visual and audio media to enhance your experience Plenty of Instagram opportunities Mini goodie bags! 💙 Reviews Yoel Chicago and Movies Underground average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli is amazing!! By far the best tour guide in Chicago. She is super friendly, incredibly smart, and shows you Chicago on another epic level. Her tour is so educational and fun. Book her now!!! August 7, 2025 Marie Chicago and Movies Underground average rating is 5 out of 5 Wow, Kelli is the best! Look no further if you’re searching for the best tour guide in Chicago! We learned a ton and had an amazing time. Thank you so much, Kelli! December 28, 2024 Charles and Judy Chicago and Movies Underground average rating is 5 out of 5 What a fantastic tour of Beneath the Big Screen that my husband and I enjoyed on July 26. We knew some movies were made in Chicago, but not as many that Kelli introduced to our group. Kelli was very detailed as she explained how movies were made — from lighting to how and why various scenes and characters were photographed. Kelli was not only extremely knowledgeable, but also very engaging with our group. We highly recommend this tour. You will not be disappointed! August 2, 2024 Load More Reviews

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Contagion Contagion is a 2011 thriller that follows the rapid spread of a deadly virus and the efforts of scientists, government officials, and the public to contain and understand the outbreak. Much of the movie was shot here in and around Chicago. Gwyneth Paltrow's character, seen below, dies early in Contagion due to the lethal spread of the virus. In today's #OneShotWed, her character's son watches said demise from the family kitchen. The house in which this scene was shot is located in the Chicago suburb of Glencoe. The family who owned the home stayed in a downtown Chicago hotel for 3 weeks (on the studio's bill, I assume) while set designers modified the furniture and wall paint to fit the story. All was reset after production of course. Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Explore Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks," its legacy in cinema and popular culture, and the story of how Chicago brought the diner to life Art of the Diner: Nighthawks in Film, History, and Chicago Explore Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks," its legacy in cinema and popular culture, and the story of how Chicago brought the diner to life All Talks About Since 1942, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks has graced the walls of the Art Institute of Chicago . People have travelled across the world to see this depiction of a 24-hour diner with its four subjects, each seemingly lost in thought. This talk explores the story behind Hopper's painting, its influence on film, and how Chicago brought the diner to life. With Kelli , your attendees will: Discover key moments in Hopper’s life and career Explore his love of movies—and how cinema celebrates his work Analyze Nighthawks in popular culture Take an HD video tour to Chicago’s version of the famous diner This 60-minute program (plus Q&A) is ideal for library adult programs, film societies, or community venues looking to connect history, art, and Chicago culture in one entertaining session. Ready to dive into Nighthawks, Chicago style? Request Talk

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. The Fugitive In the 1993 action-thriller The Fugitive , Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) escapes from U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) during Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day parade . This sneaky getaway allows Kimble more time to find the one-armed man who murdered his wife. This screenshot illustrates how The Fugitive ’s director, Andrew Davis, filmed this segment “documentary-style, grabbing what [he] could from the actual parade.” Pictured are parade participants dressed as clowns, with one in the foreground juggling bowling pins. Alongside their float, they march down N. Dearborn St. in front of The Daley Center . Can you spot the Picasso statue in the background? More specifically in terms of production, The Fugitive 's director captured most of the parade chase with hand-held and Steadicam cameras. Then, he edited the shots together to depict Kimble’s slipping away unnoticed. But one of the final shots in this scene—of Kimble escaping into the crowd as Gerard searches —occurs in the same frame. “That moment was without a cut," recalls Davis. "It was fantastic." You can watch the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade scene in full below and read more about it in this 2023 interview . Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Examine the SS Eastland tragedy through its screen portrayals—from newsreels and documentaries to home movies and a Disney show Still Waters, Sudden Death: Chicago’s Deadliest Disaster Onscreen Examine the SS Eastland tragedy through its screen portrayals—from newsreels and documentaries to home movies and a Disney show All Talks About On July 24, 1915, the SS Eastland capsized on the Chicago River, killing more than 800 passengers before it ever left the shore. This shipwreck ranks as one of the worst maritime disasters in American history—and one of Chicago’s deadliest catastrophes. Rather than retelling the events of that tragic day, this program explores how the Eastland has been remembered through at least nine film and television representations . Drawing on documentary film , oral histories , contemporary newsreels , and narrative television , this talk examines how filmmakers and television producers have captured, interpreted, and preserved one of Chicago’s greatest tragedies. Along the way, you’ll travel by HD video to a suburban Chicago home where a large family’s life was forever changed by the disaster. Together, we’ll explore how film and television have shaped public memory of this often-forgotten tragedy—and why those images still matter. NOTE : Due to the subject matter and the graphic nature of some onscreen depictions, this talk may not be suitable for children. Request Talk