Walk in Chicago # 12, history and culture in Bronzeville

Walk in Chicago # 12, history and culture in Bronzeville, is a chance to explore the African American culture, past and present, and encounter very friendly residents.

It mainly follows a large boulevard and thus gives you a unique perspective of the neighborhood, often off the beaten track, and this is what makes it unusual compared to what you can find elsewhere.​.
​
It is available on Payhip in pdf format with a clickable map (very useful to access a lot of additional information on the places that interest you) and detailed descriptions of your itinerary (you'll see the link to access it below).

On this pdf, in addition to the map and the description of your itinerary, you will find:

• the list of highlights.
• the metro or sometimes bus stops to get to the start of the walk and back.
• information on bikes when they can be useful to shorten distances.
• the places where you will find restrooms, benches to sit on, restaurants.
• comments on some highlights of your itinerary.
• 8 photos illustrating part of what you will see.

​
You will be able to download this pdf on your phone (or just the map if you prefer) and it will help you in your discoveries without forcing you to follow it.

You will then be able to wander in this part of the city knowing that you will not be lost and if it’s your first visit, that should be a comfort! Besides, you won't have to listen to a more or less interesting guide.

Now, it's time to find this pdf on Payhip.

Otherwise, the text below, incomplete, without map and without photos, is the beginning of the description of this walk.

​It’s perhaps not the most recent one as revision on it are made regularly, but it should give you an idea of ​​what you will have on this pdf if you are still hesitant to buy it right away.

​Remember, though, these walks focus on art, culture, architecture, open spaces, and free entries, not anything else.

---

A et B: Once you exit the metro, head east and when you arrive at Martin Luther King Blvd, you will see a large stone building in front of you on the right, the Harold Washington Cultural Center, named after Chicago's first black mayor.

If it's open, step inside to see its black-and-white staircase that resembles a flying piano keyboard and to peruse contemporary artwork celebrating African American culture.

C: After that, continue towards the Guichard Gallery a little further on the left which exhibits contemporary art from the African diaspora and has, next to it, a small garden commemorating a famous 1930s-night club that was there, the Palm Tavern.

Then retrace your steps and turn right onto King Blvd.

D: You will soon find on the right the Blanc gallery, which is also specialized in African American art, but you will need to make an appointment if you want to visit it outside opening hours, which are very limited.

Just before and if you are lucky enough to find someone inside, go visit the Bronzeville Historical Society.
​
This is undoubtedly where you will learn the most about the neighborhood with exhibitions on its past and that of some of its notable personalities and, above all, a warm welcome which, with others further afield, will make this walk memorable.

---

You've now reached the end of the extract of Walk in Chicago # 12, history and culture in Bronzeville.

You can read more about it on Payhip and buy it as a pdf. There, you'll also find the 12 others walks of this series if you want to further explore the city on your own.