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Community Partner Spaces
Through the Creative Arts Community Partnership Program, the displays and interactive exhibits throughout Lurie Children’s are the culmination of years of planning and collaboration on the part of more than 20 organizations throughout the Chicago area, Lurie Children’s staff, and the hospital’s Kids Advisory Board.
As you tour these halls and rooms, you will encounter Paths of Discovery (a series of images, photographs or illustrations) and Discovery Boxes (three-dimensional dioramas, mounted at a young child’s eye level), as well as stand-alone installations, artwork, and murals.
The following donors contributed generously to support the Creative Arts Community Partnership displays:
- Susan and Lloyd Berhoff
- Cal’s All-Star Angel Foundation
- CN
- Mary A. Dempsey and Philip H. Corboy
- Marilyn & Larry Fields and Family
- James J. & Jamie Thorsen McNulty
- The Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation
- Evan & Anita Rao
- Maria and Bill Smithburg
- The Sunshine Charitable Foundation
- Rebecca, Daniel, Bobby, Mikey, Flora, Tomi, Dena, Lisi, Mia & Levi Weiss, in honor of Emuna Shir
Our Community Partners & Installations
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium: Thanks to a one-of-a-kind donation by the John G. Shedd Aquarium, near life-size models of a mother humpback whale and her calf were raised 24 feet into the air and installed on the ceiling of the hospital’s Pritzker Foundation Lobby. In addition, the Shedd Aquarium’s calming and fun presence throughout the Kenneth and Anne Griffin Emergency Center transports guests to lively habitats around the world where unique and fascinating animals thrive.
The Field Museum
The Field Museum: In each of its four cases on the first floor, the museum features a scene from Illinois’ prehistoric past: from an underwater reef to a tropical swamp, then a land ruled by dinosaurs and later, a home to Ice Age mammoths. The backlit scenes use lenticular printing technology to create a three-dimensional effect. Accompanying the images are real fossils and fossil casts from The Field Museum’s extensive collection.
Art Institute Chicago
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago: The Museum of Contemporary Art’s active family programs are the inspiration for the fourth floor of Lurie Children’s, where guests and kids can enjoy images of art in the making. The MCA’s family programs introduce children and their families to contemporary art, and encourage spending time together viewing, making, questioning and just having fun with art.
DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American History: The DuSable Museum of African American History’s mural showcases the founder of Chicago, Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable and everything that has grown from his pioneering beginnings to form this great city.
Little Black Pearl
Little Black Pearl: Symbolic of the transition and transformation of the patient through surgery, the theme of the mural leading to the operating rooms focuses on butterflies. Throughout the world, butterflies are considered symbols of endurance, change, hope and life.
After School Matters
After School Matters: This series of murals, inspired by flora and fauna, was designed by teens in the After School Matters painting program. The dedicated young artists were determined to create an enjoyable, beautiful and welcoming setting that celebrates nature in a magical and fantastic way.
Chicago Public Library
Chicago Public Library: This mural is the gift of Mary A. Dempsey and Philip H. Corboy in honor of Chicago Public Library, and the children and families it serves. It is the work of artist Rafael López, a children’s book illustrator and advocate for literacy.
Joffrey Ballet Chicago
Joffrey Ballet Chicago: Photos throughout the 7th floor present the vitality and uniqueness of The Joffrey, captured through the eye of the camera. These fascinating photographic works convey the beauty, elegance, energy and creativity expressed through ballet as art.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden: Chicago Botanic Garden believes that beautiful natural environments and gardens are fundamentally important to the mental and physical well-being of all people. Research finds that realistic images of nature are preferred by all ages and help to reduce symptoms of stress, pain and confusion. The Garden’s Horticultural Therapy department draws on this evidence to thoughtfully design gardens for specific populations, to deliver programs promoting engagement with the world of nature and to partner with healthcare providers.
National Museum of Mexican Art
Chicago Fire Department’s Engine Company 98
Chicago Fire Department’s Engine Company 98: Located just down the block from Lurie Children’s on Chicago Avenue, this customized cab was donated by Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton in recognition of Lurie Children’s longstanding partnership with the Chicago Fire Department in caring for Chicago’s kids. It is accessible to kids of all ages and abilities and features some fun and “flashy” activities.
Chicago Cultural Alliance
Chicago Cultural Alliance: A dynamic, multimedia installation celebrating Chicago’s rich cultural diversity resides on the 12th floor. A collaborative effort between the Chicago Cultural Alliance and artist John Manning, the display incorporates a series of 15 flat screen video monitors mounted vertically on a 40-foot curved wall.
Snow City Arts
Adler Planetarium
Adler Planetarium: Adler Planetarium’s galactic perspective acts as a guiding light on the 14th floor, where the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is located. This exhibit offers an experience of tranquil wonder, and a reminder that though sometimes we can’t see them, the stars are always there, in the skies above us.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lookingglass Theatre Company
Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lookingglass Theatre Company: inspired by their 2010 collaboration on a production of Sergei Prokofiev’s classic work for children, Peter and the Wolf. Through this story, patients and their families can discover the ways in which music and theatre can spark delight, inspire courage and offer comfort and refuge.
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Children’s Museum
