Newberry Library Gallery

Neither the library’s classic architecture nor its patrician setting betray its mission to bring high-brow culture to the plebs. All exhibitions, which generally revolve around a book or lit theme, are free. And anyone can browse the 2-million volume collection that specializes in Chicago history, genealogy, cartography and printing. All you need is a reading card, which will require a photo ID, proof of address and a reason for wanting to search a specific collection.