Chicago, Illinois, is home to a thriving Iranian community, and the city has no shortage of entertainment and cultural events with a distinctly Persian flavor.
Whether your passion is Persian history, art, food or music, Chicago will have an event to educate, intrigue or entertain.
Film Festival
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago hosts the annual Festival of Films from Iran at the Gene Siskel Film Center on North State Street.
This popular movie event has been running since 1990, making it the longest-running Iranian film festival in the U.S. It brings a selection of both classic Persian films and the latest releases to the big screen.
Established and new directors are often in the theater to discuss their work with the audience. The films are carefully chosen to offer an eclectic and insightful representation of Iranian society and culture.
The Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60601
312-846-2800
siskelfilmcenter.org
Norouz Celebration
The Persian Cultural Society at the University of Chicago presents an annual Persian New Year celebration on 1 April, in the Assembly Hall at International House on East 59th Street.
This free event is open to the public from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. All are welcome to celebrate Norouz—the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Dance to some live Iranian music and enjoy a selection of authentic Persian foods.
Meals are free, and will be brought to the event from some of the best Persian restaurants in the city. Poetry readings and historical stories will add some cultural education to the mix, making this an essential Persian event for your calendar.
Norouz, Persian New Year Celebration
Assembly Hall
International House,
1414 E. 59th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
773-753-2270
ihouse.uchicago.edu
Art Exhibition
The distinct, richly decorative styles of Persian art are frequently on display in galleries and museums around Chicago. To see some of the best examples, head to the Art Institute on South Michigan Avenue where a permanent gallery of Islamic Art has recently been refurbished.
To celebrate its reopening, the Institute is presenting “Arthur Pope and a New Survey of Persian Art” from July to October 2010. Pope was an American Art historian who had a major influence on western appreciation of Persian art.
This special multimedia exhibition highlights the beauty and historical significance of his collection. Don’t worry if you miss it—the treasures in the permanent Islamic gallery can be enjoyed throughout the year.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
312-443-3600
artic.edu