1. The Bean (Millennium Park, Loop)
Also known as "Cloud Gate" and "The Electric Kidney Bean," this is that weird mirror thing you've seen on all your friends' Instagrams. The $23M art piece is washed about twice a year in 40 gallons of Liquid Tide.
2. The Palmolive Building (Near North Side)
3. Buckingham Fountain (Loop)
Named after Kate Sturges Buckingham, a prominent woman in 19th-century Chicago high society, the mystical fountain has always been known for its distinct lighting design and fishy friends.
4. Mary Bartelme Park (Near West Side)
5. The Chicago Theatre (Loop)
6. Peoples Gas Education Pavilion (Lincoln Park)
7. Adler Planetarium (Near South Side)
8. Crown Fountain (Millennium Park, Loop)
9. Navy Pier (Near North Side)
Perhaps the most recognizable "light" on this list, this 50-acre enterprise dazzles. The amusement doesn't stop at the park — the acclaimed Chicago Shakespeare Theater is based out of Navy Pier as well.
10. The University of Chicago (Hyde Park)
Founding President William Rainey Harper dreamed of a university that was "bran splinter new" in 1929. Original buildings on campus have that age-old college Gothic feel, but the modern architecture has more than snuck its way in.
11. Jay Pritzker Pavilion (Millennium Park, Loop)
12. Shedd Aquarium (Near South Side)
13. Calder's Flamingo (Loop)
This back-bending art pivots in the heart of the financial district. Lights were originally added for increased nighttime security in the area, but they further accentuate the curves in the piece.
14. Bahá'í House of Worship (Wilmette)
You have to break north of city limits to get to this one, but it's worth it. One of only seven Bahá'í worship centers in the WORLD, this imposing temple on the North Shore will do for your soul what an IMAX 3D movie does for your eyes.
15. Underground Walkway (O'Hare)
These night photos are from photographer Chris Smith. Chris runs the site www.OutofChicago.com where he highlights the best places to shoot in Chicago and gives advice for capturing amazing images like these. Chris Smith also runs photography tours and workshops around Chicago and wrote The Photographer's Guide to Chicago.
Locations distinguished by Official City of Chicago Community Area Map.
The sights don't stop in Chicago! This summer, explore all the impressive places you'll find in Illinois.
