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The City Gallery, located inside Chicago’s historic Water Tower, is definitely worth checking out if you’re shopping along Michigan Avenue. Especially, if you’re in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of the crowded Gold Coast streets.

The Water Tower’s exterior is an architectural gem, so it’s only fitting that the building’s interior matches its beauty. Robust stone lion head statues are built into portions of the wall. The gallery itself holds Chicago-themed photography exhibits from local artists. When I visited, the photography exhibit held photos of Chicago’s historical past and its more recent present. Photos included snapshots of St. James on Wabash and Huron before and after the Chicago fire. Which, in accordance with the Water Tower’s history seemed fitting.

Admission is free and the gallery’s hours are extremely convenient, so there’s no excuse not to sneak in and take a peek. Through December 20th 2011, on the third Tuesday of the month, the City Gallery offers free gallery talks on, “The City Then and Now.” Talks are lead by photographer, architecture critic, Lee Bey. Gallery exhibits and talks change every three months and focus on a new neighborhood or theme.

The Essentials:
Location: 806 N. Michigan Ave.
Phone: 312.742.0808

Hours & Admission:
Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m

Getting There:
L: Red Line (Chicago Ave.)
Bus: #3, #145, #146, #147, or #151.

Map: