Merchandise Mart & River North Art District

Chicago’s premier art-centric destination
Noteworthy for: Chicago’s art district hosts more galleries per square mile than anywhere outside of Manhattan. Most are concentrated on Chicago, Superior and Huron Streets, between Lasalle and Orleans.

River North (or RiNo) is Chicago’s art-gallery center, featuring work from established and emerging artists. Many new exhibitions are launched on First Fridays or Second Saturdays of the month – see Chicago Gallery News or the RiNo Crow for the latest listings.
Designer interiors are what’s on offer at the colossal Merchandise Mart – the world’s largest commercial building. Come to gawk and be inspired, if not to buy.

Immediately opposite the mart is the immaculate showroom for Haute Living’s striking interior design. Also nearby are modernist Italian furniture designer Poliform; expensive, wallet-annihilating vintage Swedish furniture courtesy of Svenska Möbler; and POST27’s beautiful selection of mid-century-themed credenzas, dressers and chairs. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out an Aladdin’s cave of lamps at Lightology – another gawker’s paradise.