St Michael the Archangel Church, Chicago
Perhaps the grandest example of the Polish Cathedral style on the South Side is this towering neogothic church, built in 1909.
Perhaps the grandest example of the Polish Cathedral style on the South Side is this towering neogothic church, built in 1909. Of course, economic-driven neighborhood change has meant the end of the Polish steelworker demographic in this parish, which is now heavily Latino. The interior is very impressive - look especially for the hand-sculpted statue of St Michael defeating Lucifer, the oak and marble communion rail, and the enormous, beautiful German-made stained glass windows.
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About St Michael the Archangel Church
8237 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60617
+1 773-734-4921
St Michael the Archangel Church and Nearby Sights on Map
Sherman Park
Although lesser known than Marquette Park, this 60 acre park is historically and aesthetically its equal
The Union Stock Yard Gate
This limestone structure marks the entrance to the now defunct Union Stock Yards that dominated this section of Chicago (and the meatpacking industry of the country) in the late 19th-early 20th centuries
Fuller Park
Some very serious basketball players hit the pavement here on weekends and the courts are worth a visit to watch the local players, but keep in mind that the park is in one of Chicago's roughest areas
Polish Highlanders Alliance of North America
This is the seat of Chicago's Polish Highlanders, or Góral community which dominates the Southwest Side's Polish population
Zhou B Art Center
A big arts center in the heart of Bridgeport hosting three contemporary painting galleries: Oskar Friedl, 33 Collective, and the Zhou Brothers Art Foundation, as well as the eerie abstracts and mixed-media experiments of 4Art
National Museum of Mexican Art
A lovely, small gallery full of vibrant colors and well-curated installations focused on understanding Mexican as well as Mexican-American history and culture through art
Saint Mary of Perpetual Help
Another massive, opulent church of the Polish Cathedral Style, built in 1882
Co-Prosperity Sphere
Bridgeport's (and possibly Chicago's) most radical and experimental artistic space is huge, full of artists and their art, and is an ever-expanding force in the neighborhood - they plan to host live music in the near future
Harrison Park
If you have kids in tow and they've been patient through the National Museum of Mexican Art (or they need to burn off some energy before going in), you might reward them with some monkey time right next door at Harrison Park, which has a big playlot with swings, slides, jungle gyms and more
CTA 18th Station
Art and public transit have had a troubled relationship in Chicago, with awful results almost every time the CTA commissions a mural for a station