About this Event
The Chicago Maritime Museum and the Bridgeport Art Center are co-hosting the Grand Opening of two new permanent exhibitions, the most significant addition to the museum’s galleries since the museum opened in 2016.
The exhibitions focus on the Lady Elgin, the deadliest disaster on the open waters of the Great Lakes, and on Captain Bill Pinkney, the first Black sailor to solo-circumnavigate the globe around the five Great Capes.
The public opening will feature speakers, light refreshments, and time to explore the exhibitions. The event will feature renowned maritime folk musician Lee Murdock playing his arrangement of the 1861 song "Lost on the Lady Elgin."
The debut coincides with the Bridgeport Art Center's monthly Open Studios event.
The Chicago Maritime Museum, located on the River Level of the Bridgeport Art Center at 35th Street and Racine Ave., opened in July of 2016. The museum offers visitors a chronological walk through local maritime history including the eras of French fur traders, sail and steam-powered vessels, modern commercial Great Lakes frigates, recreational sailing and the Ralph and Rita Frese Canoe Collection. Designed by renowned architect and CMM chairman emeritus, Dirk Lohan, the 10,000-square-foot museum serves as a window into Chicago’s maritime history.
The event is free but there is a suggested $20 donation at the door to help support the mission, programming and operation of the Chicago Maritime Museum.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bridgeport Art Center Chicago, 1200 West 35th Street, Chicago, United States
USD 0.00
