Culture

A new WTTW examination of homelessness through firsthand perspectives, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on gospel music, NOVA on the Eiffel Tower, and more.

Chicago kicked off 2024 with plenty of news. Did you keep up with the top stories? Take our monthly news quiz now to test your knowledge of Chicago politics, culture, sports, business, and more. 

Celebrate Black History Month this year on WTTW with a wide variety of programming that explores the political, artistic, musical, and other contributions and experiences of Black Americans. 

Chicago has a long history as the center of pinball manufacturing. Zachary Sharpe, who works at Stern Pinball and comes from a decorated, competitive pinball family, talks about the game's history in the city and why it's still loved today.

Whether you plan to spend the day with your partner, your family, or your friends, we've got a list of starter ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day in Chicago this year.

Edward Hopper is the subject of a new American Masters documentary. His most famous painting – one of the most famous American images – was acquired by the Art Institute of Chicago the year he painted it. 

Somehow, 2023 is already coming to a close! Did you follow the news in Chicago this year? Test your knowledge of 15 stories from this year below! 

There are plenty of beautiful schools to be found in the Chicago area, from the grand edifices of the nineteenth century to modernist masterpieces. Geoffrey Baer highlights a few noteworthy ones.

Retrace Geoffrey Baer’s footsteps with these self-guided tours of the locations featured in The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago and The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2.

Holiday specials from Mary Berry and The Tabernacle Choir, more beautiful places with Geoffrey Baer, Lucy Worsley on Agatha Christie, and more highlights help you enjoy the end of the year.

The travel guru Rick Steves believes that travel can change lives and improve the world by broadening perspectives. "I'm sort of into cultural shock," he said. "I think it's a constructive thing." 

A high-profile trial, a new city budget, and a surprise birth at a zoo. How many local news stories did you keep up with this month? Test your knowledge with our November news quiz.

In The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2, Geoffrey Baer explores more eye-popping places around Chicago, and the stories behind them. He spoke to us about the new special.

Cozy up with family and friends and enjoy our line-up of holiday programming as the nights get shorter and the holidays approach.

WTTW spoke with "20 Days in Mariupol" director Mstyslav Chernov about the film and the decisions he made on the ground as a conflict journalist in Mariupol during the early days of the Russian invasion.