Welcome to Hyde Park
Hyde Park began as a place for Chicago’s elite and industrial titans to get away and have an escape from the fast-paced city life. As a result, Hyde Park became an established part of the social strata, drawing attention from Mary-Todd Lincoln and John D Rockefeller, who founded the University of Chicago in 1891. With the arrival of the university, more individuals gravitated to Hyde Park, leading to the development of other major academic and cultural institutions.
Hyde Park hosted one of the most historical events of the 19th century, the 1893 World’s Fair, bringing inventors, artists, business people, scientists, academics, and dreamers into one neighborhood. This event changed the cultural landscape of the time, and many major inventions and movements found their origins in Hyde Park, a legacy that proudly continues today.
What to Love
- Access to some of the best museums in art, science, and history
- The Obama Center
- Home of the University of Chicago,
- Stunning pre-war buildings
Local Lifestyle
The hum of cultural advancement creates an earthy sophistication, inviting free thinkers into any season of life. Locals relish the greenery in the parks dotting the neighborhood, like the manicured greenery in the Osaka Gardens.
With the University of Chicago on one side and the Museum of Science and Industry on the other, Hyde Park is bordered by two of the most prestigious centers of education in the U.S. The University of Chicago draws in undergraduate students and those looking to advance their education, as the school’s standing as a private research university offers five graduate research divisions. Likewise, the Museum of Science and Industry gathers history buffs from all over the country who are interested in learning about the past of our world.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Virtue elevates southern cooking to fine dining with the help of lead chef Erick Williams, who has been put in the same league as Michelin-rated chefs like Grant Achatz from Alinea. Williams’ deft hand at American cuisine is a testament to his skills and ability to shape Hyde Park’s culinary landscape.
Nella Pizza e Pasta is a three-time winner of the Michelin Bib Gourmand through their fantastic Neapolitan pizzas made in a traditional pizza oven. Beloved for their purity in Neapolitan cuisine, they have risen in the ranks as one of the best Italian restaurants in the district.
The Reva and David Logan Center of the Arts is perfect for a night of theater or music, with plays, concerts, ballets, and jazz sessions always being held, ready to entertain the residents with stunning performances. In addition to highlighting major artists, it is also a center of collaboration and learning. Local filmmakers are given a space to show their work alongside residential artists eager to break into the art world.
In partnership with the University of Chicago, the Court Theatre has established itself as one of the most prestigious university theaters in the U.S. Performing classical works, the theater season for Court Theatre is one of the most anticipated times for Hyde Park locals.
Things to Do
Silver Room hosts events such as book signings, a monthly open mic night, and annual art fairs. Art and community are inextricably linked in this Chicago neighborhood. Hyde Park Art Center is more than just a gallery open to the public; it is a community center for residents to take classes, learn about local art, and engage with multi-medium art forms.
For a look at the gem of Hyde Park, walk among the arbored quadrangles of the University of Chicago, touring the gorgeous campus with numerous museums and centers of science and history. As the former home of President Barack Obama and his family, the Obama Foundation has become a beloved fixture in Hyde Park for its amazing work within the community. In addition, Washington Park is a natural oasis and a beloved spot for locals to stroll and enjoy the sunshine.
