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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Loop

Cool galleries

Made for those who curate their social life around avant-garde art spaces and the specific, understated energy of a scene-setting gallery.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated April 2026
01
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Bright, interactive rooms invite touch, play, and photography with free digital photo stations in each area. The space offers a vibrant, colorful atmosphere that engages the senses and encourages fun. Small size and unique, themed installations create an immersive experience centered on color.

Colors and exhibits stand out with incredible vibrancy and interactive art displays. Activities engage visitors, making the experience excellent and fun.

Many photo stations offer high-quality pictures and free downloads via QR codes. The compliment exhibit creates a funny and unique way to connect with others. Overall, the experience feels very fun and interactive.

People are saying

"It's a fun experience for all ages."

"The galleries here are an explosion of creativity and joy."

"This place is just so cool and a fun spot for photos."

Good to know

1

Tickets cost $72, which includes treats and digital photos.

2

The entrance is located next to the Willis Tower Deck entrance.

3

Free items like ice cream and souvenirs are included with admission.

02
Fine Arts Building image 1

Historic building showcases vintage architecture and manually operated crank elevators that create a unique, immersive atmosphere. Galleries and studios fill multiple floors, offering a blend of artistic displays and preserved history. The space feels like stepping back in time with its authentic, old-school charm.

Nine floors hold studios and galleries showcasing diverse exhibits like puppetry, glass paperweights, and violin repair. The space blends art and history with a museum exhibit and a historic elevator.

Riding the cable elevator with an attendant feels very old school and adds a unique charm. The entire space has a distinct old school cool vibe that stands out.

People are saying

"I loved the art and history, it felt like stepping back in time."

"The theater is a gorgeous, classic old venue with lots of history."

"Riding the manually operated ancient elevator is really cool."

Good to know

1

The building is open to the public on the First and Second Fridays of each month.

2

Parking is available in a paid lot right around the corner.

3

Visitors can explore more studios and galleries during open house days.

03
Chicago Fed Money Museum image 1

Small, modern museum offers an intimate and quiet atmosphere with interactive games and photo spots. Visitors pass through security and show ID for entry, reflecting its location within a federal bank. Admission is free, making it accessible for family fun and educational visits.

Interactive exhibits focus on US currency history and economic policy. Displays include counterfeit money and the first $1 million bill, with content suitable for kids and adults.

Free entry offers a cool wow factor with lots of money displays including several showing a million dollars. Balls moving through a mouse-trap style maze illustrate the economy in a unique way.

People are saying

"It's a cool historical site to learn about US currency."

"I found the exhibits on money and finance really cool."

"I loved that the Galleries here are free to enter."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free, but an ID is required for entry.

2

You must pass through security to enter the museum.

3

The museum opens at 10am.

04
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Sculpture

106 towering cast iron sculptures resembling headless human figures create a surreal, quiet atmosphere. The installation offers striking views of the city skyline and invites calm reflection. Its rusty reddish-brown color and unique textures emphasize individuality within a crowd.

Sculptures with cast iron legs create a very unique art installation. The exhibit prompts reflection on public art and crowd psychology in a busy cityscape.

Great views of the city create a cool spot in the park. The legs sculpture and statues add a weird, unassuming vibe that feels both cool and a bit creepy with the fog.

People are saying

"Walking through this sculpture park felt super fun and illogical."

"I found the statues to be really cool and weird."

"The Galleries feature 106 giant, rusty cast iron legs."

Good to know

1

The Agora features 106 iron sculptures that resemble giant legs and are about 2.7 meters tall.

2

The sculptures are free to view.

3

There are city bikes near a transportation hub for public transit at Agora.

05
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Coffee shop

Spacious cafรฉ with streamlined neutral tones and geometric fixtures creates a calm, cozy atmosphere despite busy surroundings. Local artwork decorates the walls, adding a quiet craft vibe. Few tables and excellent Wi-Fi support a relaxed, unhurried experience.

Large space features fantastic local art and pieces like A Circle of Weiner's. Some art is available for sale by consignment, with chill music setting a reflective mood.

Offers sophisticated coffee options beyond the usual. Serves as a cool workspace and a hip hangout spot with a distinct vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good and well made."

"The staff here are warm, efficient, and friendly."

"I loved the local art pieces in the galleries here."

Good to know

1

Expect a line during peak hours, especially in the morning.

2

Seating can be limited, especially during busy times.

3

Payment methods include credit cards and mobile payments.

06
Necessary & Sufficient Coffee - Printers Row image 1

Cafe offers spacious seating with large open windows facing the street, creating a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere. Live DJs and local art displays add to the creative and chill vibe. Both indoor and outdoor areas provide comfortable spots for work or relaxation.

Space features local art and displays beautiful pieces throughout. Walls showcase a variety of live music and art styles.

Cozy vibe stands out with a cool mural on the wall. The tea setup includes a timer to avoid over steeping, and a cool juice fridge adds to the great atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be good and smooth."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and has great vibes."

"The coffee and food here are so high quality."

Good to know

1

They invest heavily in community events and support numerous local small businesses.

2

Sundays are lively with a DJ setting the tone for the day.

3

They automatically add a 15% gratuity to all orders.

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