I was a regular visitor to Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry while attending nearby Mt. Carmel High School. Since then, I visit MSI a few times a year, but I never miss the international holiday exhibit.
© JB Spector/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.
“Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” at MSI celebrates holiday traditions around the world. The annual exhibit started with one tree in 1942 as a salute to our allies in the war. A tree is still the centerpiece, but now it is a four-story, floor-to-dome “Grand Tree,” surrounded by more than 50 other trees representing holiday celebrations around the world. All trees have always been decorated by volunteers.On weekends, live holiday performances add to the experience.
Located off Lake Michigan on Chicago’s south side, MSI opened in three stages beginning in 1933. The building is the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. There are more than 2,000 exhibits in 75 halls. The Giant Dome Theater is always a highlight for me.
In 1994 the Holidays of Light was added to include countries and cultures without trees as part of their holiday celebration. Along with promoting inclusion, this addition adds another layer of beauty to the exhibit.
It’s fascinating to see how the holiday traditions from around the globe come together to create an awesome spectacle. Despite the large crowds, I always find this peaceful, and hope that someday the world will come together like “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.”
— John Wroblewski, online writer
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