Mark your calendars for these essential events in May and beyond.
Doc10
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Dates: April 30-May 4
The Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave.; Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. / Website
Now in its 10th year, Doc10 is Chicago’s only all-documentary film festival, offering a unique opportunity to experience the year’s top documentaries over five days and nights. Curated from prestigious festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, Telluride, Tribeca and Venice, Doc10 has premiered 90 films, with more than a third of them going on to be short-listed or nominated for Academy Awards.
The First Homosexuals: The Birth of a New Identity, 1869-1939
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Dates: May 2-July 26
659 W. Wrightwood Ave. / Website
Wrightwood 659 presents a landmark exhibition exploring the creation of the term “homosexual” in 1869 and its impact on identity and culture. With over 300 works by 125 artists from 40 countries, the exhibition offers a profound examination of sexualities and identities, featuring rare depictions of same-sex couples and early trans representations.
Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature
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Dates: May 16-Aug. 1
50 E. Erie St / Website
With its latest exhibition, The Richard H. Driehaus Museum celebrates the groundbreaking career of Scottish artist Rory McEwen, who was acclaimed for his revolutionary approach to contemporary botanical art. Featuring over 100 works, including sculptures and manuscripts, this exhibition explores McEwen’s modernist approach to botanical portraits alongside works by contemporary artists who were influenced by his legacy.
Hiplet Ballerinas
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Date: May 17
50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive / Website
This Chicago-based dance company brings its bold reimagining of classical ballet to The Auditorium, blending classical pointe technique with the vibrant movements of hip-hop, African, Latin and urban dance. Celebrating inclusivity, the company’s performances feature dancers of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds, with a modern soundtrack that offers a fresh twist on traditional ballet.
Wright Plus
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Date: May 17
951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park / Website
Explore eight private homes in Oak Park designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries during this popular annual event, which draws architecture buffs from Chicago and beyond to get up close and personal with some historic architecture. Highlights include the Harry and Louisa Goodrich House (1896) and the George W. and Lucy Smith II House (1898), with trained guides who share the rich history and architectural details of each home.
Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection
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Dates: Through June 29
111 S. Michigan Ave. / Website
The Art Institute of Chicago presents the North American debut of rare ancient Roman sculptures from the renowned Torlonia Collection. Featuring 58 rarely seen works—24 of which are newly restored—this exhibition spans nine centuries of Roman art. It showcases iconic figures and portraits with support from Bvlgari, which has contributed to the restoration of more than 150 statues since 2017.
Photography by: TULIP “HELEN JOSEPHINE” (DETAIL, 1975, WATERCOLOR ON VELLUM)/©ESTATE OF RORY MCEWEN
