"Chicago is well-known for offering rich cultural resources and Gordon Halloran's groundbreaking work supports our long-standing commitment to bringing world-class art to this city," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "Chicago is proud to be the first city in the United States to present Paintings Below Zero which is a must-see exhibition for both residents and visitors this winter."
Free weekend family activities will be offered in or near a heated tent adjacent to the ice wall. Interactive programs such as ice games, hands-on art projects, and dancing will encourage the public to celebrate the vibrant winter season. The Chicago Cultural Center across from Millennium Park will become the Hot Spot for residents and visitors to warm up and enjoy weekend cooking demonstrations, knitting and crafting activities, music concerts, film screenings, and cabaret performances. To complete the ice theme, the Café at the Cultural Center will offer a special menu of ice-inspired snacks and hot drinks.
Museum of Modern Ice is presented by Canadian National, North America's Railroad (CN); the Chicago Office of Tourism; the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism. The celebration is also supported by American Express, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, Lifeway Foods, and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.
"CN is pleased to be a presenting sponsor of Paintings Below Zero during the Museum of Modern Ice celebration and to support Canadian artist Gordon Halloran's work, which has been internationally acclaimed," said E. Hunter Harrison, President and Chief Executive Officer, CN. "Our partnership with the City of Chicago is particularly gratifying because Chicago is a critical center in our North American rail operations and home to approximately 1600 employees."
"Governor Blagojevich and I are proud to support this major initiative in Millennium Park, one of the nation's finest cultural assets," said Jack Lavin, Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "Museum of Modern Ice will give visitors another compelling reason to travel to Chicago and experience all that it has to offer as a great winter destination."
For more information about Museum of Modern Ice, visit www.millenniumpark.org.
Museum of Modern Ice
Paintings Below Zero
Millennium Park
Thursday through Sunday
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Now until March 16
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
www.millenniumpark.org
