We think lunch hours aren’t for watching pigeons. It’s to spot a Cady Noland or an Antony Gomley. Or to check out the new Paul McCarthy. That’s only possible in River North, the largest concentration of art galleries in the United States outside of Manhattan.
Or if you want to walk a mile in better shoes, the Merchandise Mart and the Apparel Center are havens for women’s and men’s fashion. Or browse the antique furniture, prints and objets d’art that make River North a moveable feast for the creative spirit.
Art Galleries
Chicago’s only gallery of architectural art has design drawings, blueprints and industrial art. Swing by to see lithographs from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wasmuth Portfolio or Daniel Burnham’s original plans and construction documents for the Chicago waterfront.
730 N. Franklin 2nd Fl.
Chicago, IL 60654
312-475-1290
One of the senior members, they’ve been at it for 35 years. Featuring contemporary artists Nancy Wolfe, Thom Kapheim, Mira Hermoni-Levine, Brian Divis, Sheila Finnigan and Levan Stepanyan. Also featuring masterworks of the 19th and 20th Centuries, including works by Renoir, Chagall, Picasso, Miró, and Zuniga, among others.
207 W. Superior
Chicago, IL 60654
312-787-4640
Boutiques
Men’s Clothing, Accessories, Bespoke Suits
What haberdashery is all about. With personal stylists on call, this is a curated shopping experience like no other. Zero membership fees.
325 W Ohio St
Chicago, IL 60654
(866) 406-2235
Women’s Clothing
Runs the gamut from slept-in to soignee. On the fun side, find flirty dresses, tees, and tops with a West Coast bent from designers like Rachel Pally and Frenzii. The fancy side includes cocktail wear from Susana Monaco and Sunner, and classic trouserse from Raven Tailored. All at a relative bargain. Dresses start at $89.
520 N Kingsbury
Chicago, IL 60654
(773) 276-3888
Boutiques and Specialty Stores, Women’s Apparel
Located in gallery-like digs in River North, Blake offers a curated inventory of Marni, Dries Van Noten, Balenciaga, and other such hallowed ilk. Expect everything from $100 T-shirts to $5,000 leather coats, but don’t expect elaborate window displays, signage, or even much of a welcome wagon, unless you’re sartorially serious.
212 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL
312-202-0047
Boutiques and Specialty Stores
Professionals head to this elegant boutique for Walter’s no-nonsense approach to shopping: sturdy classics are arranged by color and style, not designers or price points. Helpful yet unobtrusive staff aid in the intermingling of labels, and an on-site tailor makes for one less chore on your to-do list. Crisp white shirts from Lafayette 148, Eye, and Farinaz ($150-$250) are season-less staples welcome in any closet.
33 W. Superior St.
Chicago, IL
312-266-1094
Furniture/Antiques Stores
Two of the world’s finest luxury bedding companies in one location: Vi-Spring and Hastens. Chicago Luxury Beds’ passion is life-changing sleep achieved by luxurious all-natural materials, beautiful hand craftsmanship, fine luxury linens, and bespoke pillows.
440 N. Wells, Suite 100N
Chicago, IL. 60654
312.527.5337
A dramatic setting, complete with an Asian courtyard and exemplary customer service. The Golden Triangle’s block-long home in the historic Reid Murdoch Center features one of the largest collections of Asian and European antiques and home furnishings in the country.
330 N. Clark
Chicago, IL 60654
312-755-1266
Known for its artful collaborations with both established and up-and-coming talents in contemporary design. Headquartered in Briord, France, this company has been family-run since its inception in 1860.
440 North Wells
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 222-9300
