40 North

RBML’s new exhibit celebrates the 75th anniversary of Gwendolyn Brooks’s 'Annie Allen' – the poetry collection that won the first Pulitzer Prize by a Black author – and explores the rich history of Black literature’s emergence into the mainstream. On display through May 2025.

Мы будем говорить только по-русски! Conversation in Russian, beginners welcome!

Chado, or the Way of Tea, is one of the most ancient and revered arts of Japan and is at the very heart of Japan House. It is a ceremonial way of preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea) that benefits both the host and the guest through mutual respect, non-verbal communication, and a calmness, or sense of peace, away from everyday life.

Explore stories of cultural self-determination in societies around the world. Dr. Christina Gonzalez, co-curator of Caribbean Indigenous Resistance / Resistencia Indígena del Caribe ¡Taino Vive!, will lead tours of the exhibit, and staff will share some of the museum's collections related to resistance and cultural identity in the face of oppression.

The RBML welcomes Justine Murison on Thursday, April 3, from 3-5pm in 346 Main Library to speak about her new edition of the 1850 novel. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. This event is free and all are welcome to attend, and refreshments will be served.

Calling all teens! Join us for a Teen Takeover of the museum featuring live music, art-making, activities, and food for young people, ages 13–18, as part of the Boneyard Arts Festival. Explore our galleries and flex your creative muscles in this teen-focused night at the museum!

We are delighted to showcase the work of some of our most productive and creative faculty in this informal series of intellectually and spiritually invigorating presentations. You are invited to drop in when you can to learn about the exciting projects undertaken by our faculty.

Join us for a hands-on journey through history! Play historical board games that bring the past to life as you roll the dice, make your moves, and uncover the stories behind them. Perfect for all ages, this interactive in-person event invites families, students, and community members to connect, learn, and have fun. Don’t just study history—experience it through play!

Come experience immersive sound as you view artworks at Krannert Art Museum! Members of Improviser's Exchange Ensemble along with special guest Geoff Gersh, a New York City–based electric guitarist, will create soundscapes in the galleries through site-specific solo performance and collective improvisation in reflection and response to artwork on display. You're invited to

Celebrate the exhibition opening of "Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR): Red Regalia Project" created with Chicago-based Native artist Angel Starr (Omaha, Odawa, Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota) to call attention to violence against Indigenous Peoples. Part of the 2024–25 Native North American Art Residency. Reception in Link Gallery.

In this conversation, Dr. Wayne Pitard and Dr. Sundiata Keita Cha-Jua discuss Pitard's new book on John J. Bird, a significant civil rights leader in 19th century Illinois. A reception will follow.

Chado, or the Way of Tea, is one of the most ancient and revered arts of Japan and is at the very heart of Japan House. It is a ceremonial way of preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea) that benefits both the host and the guest through mutual respect, non-verbal communication, and a calmness, or sense of peace, away from everyday life.

The Department of Asian American Studies welcomes Dr. Nayan Shah, Professor of American Studies & Ethnicity and History at the University of Southern California to present his talk "Mutual Aid and Resisting Carceral Power: Asian American Strategies".

SPEAK stands for Song, Poetry, Art, and Knowledge. It’s an open-mic public performance space at Krannert Art Museum curated by local artist, Shaya Robinson, featuring guest performers and welcoming all to the mic.

This annual exhibition represents the culmination of artistic development for graduate students in the School of Art & Design at Illinois, which is committed to elevating and sustaining the arts as a distinct and necessary approach to human understanding. On view through April 26.

Celebrate as we open the 2025 Master's of Fine Arts Exhibition. Enjoy new work that exemplifies the studio art and design practices of students graduating with the MFA degree from the School of Art & Design at Illinois. On view through April 26. Reception will be held in the Link Gallery.

Мы будем говорить только по-русски! Conversation in Russian, all levels welcome!

Chado, or the Way of Tea, is one of the most ancient and revered arts of Japan and is at the very heart of Japan House. It is a ceremonial way of preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea) that benefits both the host and the guest through mutual respect, non-verbal communication, and a calmness, or sense of peace, away from everyday life.

At Spurlock Museum in the Knight Auditorium, Japan House is pleased to welcome Japanese calligrapher Seiran Chiba for an interactive performance and lecture. Doors to the Knight Auditorium will open at 12:45PM. Please allow plenty of time to arrive to get seated so we may start on time. Seating is first-come, first-serve and walk-ins are welcome if seating is available.

On Saturday, April 19 at Spurlock Museum in the Knight Auditorium, Japan House is pleased to partner with the Spurlock Museum to feature the exhibition opening of Kogei: Traditional Japanese Arts and Crafts of Fukushima, Japan. There will be an artist meet and greet and reception to celebrate!

Make your own raden (pearl inlay) maki-e lacquer pin with Fukushima artist Ayako Hirai who specializes in the art of urushi (lacquerware).

Make your own lucky cat with Fukushima artist Akie Hashimoto who specializes in the art of hariko, or paper mache.

Make your own colorful urushi lacquer pin with Fukushima artist Ayako Hirai who specializes in the art of lacquerware.

Мы будем говорить только по-русски! Conversation in Russian, beginners welcome!

Learn and practice Japanese calligraphy with Seiran Chiba!

Мы будем говорить только по-русски! Conversation in Russian, all levels welcome!

Chado, or the Way of Tea, is one of the most ancient and revered arts of Japan and is at the very heart of Japan House. It is a ceremonial way of preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea) that benefits both the host and the guest through mutual respect, non-verbal communication, and a calmness, or sense of peace, away from everyday life.