Chicago
DESTINATION GUIDE WITH TROVE GALLERY
Chicago Design City Guide: A Curated Journey with Trove Gallery
Chicago is a city where architectural innovation and cultural depth intersect—where soaring skylines meet intimate design moments, and historic craftsmanship lives alongside contemporary expression. In this curated Chicago design guide, Hadas Teuscher, founder of Trove Gallery, shares her personal perspective on the city’s most inspiring places to stay, eat, explore, and discover.
From modernist landmarks and under-the-radar galleries to boutique hotels, sculptural dining spaces, and Prairie School landscapes, this guide reflects Chicago through the eyes of a collector, curator, and designer. Whether you're searching for interior design inspiration, architectural icons, or hidden gems in Chicago’s creative neighborhoods, this is a thoughtful companion for experiencing the city with fresh eyes—and a beautifully trained one.
JUNE 2025
Words: designeers and TROVE GALLERY
favourite design museum:
Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago
The Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the city’s most inspiring destinations for design lovers and architecture enthusiasts. Designed by Renzo Piano and opened in 2009, this celebrated extension blends Chicago’s Beaux-Arts architectural heritage with modernist design principles.
Crafted from Indiana limestone, glass, and steel, the Modern Wing offers a masterclass in spatial composition, light, and materiality. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary architecture, interior design inspiration, and world-class design museums in Chicago.
A breakfast and coffee stop:
Marisol Restaurant & Bar (MCA)
Marisol Restaurant & Bar, located inside the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA), is one of the best design-forward spots for breakfast or coffee near Michigan Avenue. This art-driven café features a bold, site-specific mural by Chris Ofili, paired with gem-toned interiors, custom lighting, and refined architectural detailing.
Blurring the line between museum experience and dining destination, Marisol is a must-visit for lovers of contemporary art, interior design, and Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
A lunch to indulge into:
Miru
Perched atop the St. Regis Chicago, Miru offers one of the most elevated lunch experiences in Chicago—both literally and gastronomically. Specializing in refined Japanese cuisine and sushi, Miru delivers standout dishes alongside panoramic views of Grant Park, Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier.
Aptly named after the Japanese word for “to view,” Miru is a design-forward restaurant where floor-to-ceiling glass, clean architectural lines, and a serene material palette frame the breathtaking cityscape. It’s a go-to for luxury dining in Chicago with a view—ideal for design lovers and culinary explorers alike.
A fine dining restaurant:
Sepia
For fine dining in Chicago with character, craftsmanship, and historic charm, Sepia delivers an elevated culinary experience in a richly designed setting. Located in a restored 1890s print shop, the restaurant features original mosaic tile floors, antique mirrors, Art Nouveau details, and salvaged vintage lighting—creating a warm, tactile atmosphere that fuses historic architecture with modern refinement.
Sepia is a must-visit for design-conscious travelers, interior design enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a memorable meal in one of Chicago’s best design restaurants.
A cocktail or wine bar:
Cindy’s Rooftop
Located atop the historic Chicago Athletic Association building, Cindy’s Rooftop is one of the best rooftop bars in Chicago for cocktails with a view—year-round. Once a private men’s club from the 1890s, the restored space blends Gilded Age architecture with contemporary design, featuring vaulted ceilings, elegant furnishings, and warm natural light.
Named after Cindy Pritzker, wife of John Pritzker, the space includes a striking Andy Warhol portrait of her and overlooks the skyline and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Whether for sunset cocktails or a winter nightcap, Cindy’s offers a perfect mix of historical charm, cultural storytelling, and rooftop sophistication—ideal for design-conscious travelers and architecture lovers alike.
A PLACE TO FIND ART, FURNITURE AND DESIGN OBJECTS:
Jayson Home
Jayson Home is one of the best furniture and design stores in Chicago, offering a highly curated selection of vintage furniture, modern home accessories, and interior design objects. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, this beloved destination blends global sourcing with a distinctly editorial eye—perfect for designers, stylists, and collectors seeking one-of-a-kind pieces.
From eclectic vintage finds and sculptural lighting to artisanal textiles and curated decor, Jayson Home is a must-visit for anyone passionate about interior styling, home curation, and design-led living in Chicago.
Favourite Brand for design inspiration:
Fferrone Design
For refined, design-led inspiration, Fferrone Design—founded by Felicia Ferrone—stands out as one of the most influential contemporary design brands rooted in both Chicago and Milan. Internationally celebrated for its minimalist glassware, sculptural forms, and timeless design objects, the brand is a go-to for interior designers and collectors seeking elegance with intent.
Each piece is handcrafted in collaboration with master artisans, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials and production techniques. Felicia Ferrone’s work embodies modern sophistication, making Fferrone Design a must-follow brand for those passionate about interior design, product design, and collectible homeware.
A must-SEE neighbourhood for design lovers:
Architecture Boat Tour
For a truly immersive look at Chicago’s architectural heritage, the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour is one of the city’s most iconic and inspiring design experiences. In just 75 minutes, you’ll cruise all three branches of the Chicago River, passing over 40 architectural landmarks—including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and the monumental Merchandise Mart.
Led by expert guides, the tour reveals hidden architectural details, skyline perspectives, and design stories only visible from the water. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this tour offers one of the best ways to experience Chicago’s design legacy and dynamic skyline.
a design hotel to stay in:
The Robey
Located between Bucktown and Wicker Park, two of Chicago’s most creative neighborhoods, The Robey is a standout design-led boutique hotel housed in a meticulously restored 1929 Art Deco office building. The hotel’s original limestone and brick façade, bronze elevator doors, and marble-clad lobby have been preserved to historic preservation standards, honoring the building’s architectural legacy.
Thoughtful contemporary updates blend seamlessly with vintage details, making The Robey one of the best boutique hotels in Chicago for architecture lovers, design professionals, and style-conscious travelers looking for a stay rooted in history and local character.
An iconic architectural landmark:
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate—affectionately known as “The Bean”—is one of the most famous architectural landmarks in Chicago, located in the heart of Millennium Park. Designed by renowned artist Anish Kapoor and unveiled in 2006, this monumental, mirrored sculpture reflects the city’s skyline, sky, and visitors in a dynamic, ever-changing display.
Inspired by liquid mercury, Cloud Gate is a standout example of contemporary public art and urban placemaking. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in architecture, sculpture, and design in Chicago, and remains one of the most photographed and iconic sights in the city.
The Robey
Favourite outdoor space or garden for a moment of tranquillity:
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
One of my favourite places to pause and reconnect in Chicago is the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, tucked quietly inside the Lincoln Park Conservancy. Designed in the 1930s and now a National Historic Landmark, it’s a beautiful expression of Prairie School landscape architecture—rooted in natural materials, flowing lines, and a deep sensitivity to place.
Often overlooked, the lily pool feels almost secret. Surrounded by native plantings, stone pathways, and water gently moving through space, it offers a rare moment of stillness in the middle of the city. For anyone drawn to landscape design, quiet beauty, or natural architecture, it’s an incredibly special spot.
Iconically a Chicago store/building:
P.O.S.H.
Opened over 20 years ago, P.O.S.H. has become a beloved Chicago institution for those in the know—especially anyone with a soft spot for vintage silver, European tableware, and Parisian charm. Tucked inside the historic Tree Studios Building, a Queen Anne–style landmark that’s housed over 500 artists since 1894, the shop carries a rich creative legacy.
As the oldest continuously operating artist studio building in the U.S., Tree Studios is a destination in itself. Stepping into P.O.S.H. feels like wandering through a Parisian flea market, where every piece tells a story and every shelf invites discovery. It’s a true design lover’s treasure hunt—and a must-visit for collectors, entertainers, and interiors obsessives alike.
A place to adventure out of town:
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Just a short trip from the city, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park offers a deeply inspiring look at the origins of one of America’s most influential architects. Designed and built in 1889, this was Wright’s first project with full artistic control—where he began to shape his signature Prairie School aesthetic.
Every detail reflects his philosophy of craftsmanship, horizontality, and integration with the natural landscape. The house and studio are beautifully preserved, and walking through them offers rare insight into the early development of a design language that would go on to shape modern architecture. For those drawn to architectural history, organic design, or Wright’s enduring legacy, this makes for a meaningful escape just beyond Chicago.
Photography credits:
the robey adrian gaut
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