There are many places to see in Champaign, Illinois. The Krannert Art Museum and Spurlock Museum offer a variety of cultural artifacts and ancient works. The Neo-Romanesque Altgeld Hall is home to the University Chime, and the city’s Art Deco City Building stands as an architectural icon.
University of Illinois at Champaign
If you’re a student at the University of Illinois at Champaign, there are many places to visit near campus. From the beautiful campus to the vibrant local arts scene, there’s something for everyone in the Champaign area. The city has a rich cultural scene and technology sector, but it still retains a sense of Midwestern authenticity. And you can enjoy all of this at any time of the year. Summers are jam-packed with festivals and outdoor entertainment, while fall brings breathtaking fall foliage and sports activities.
If you’re interested in Japan, you’ll want to visit the University of Illinois at Champaign’s Japan House, a beautiful, peaceful teaching facility located on campus. There, you can experience Japanese tea ceremonies and learn about Japanese culture. You can also take classes in ikebana, calligraphy, and more. The building dates back to 1964, when artist-in-residence Shozo Sato began teaching Japanese culture to students. The building’s Japanese gardens are one of its main attractions and are an excellent place to spend time. It’s also open to the public during special events.
Another attraction near campus is the Champaign County Planetarium, which features a 50-foot dome and state-of-the-art projection technology. During your visit, you can also enjoy educational programs at the Champaign County Museum, which was founded in 1974. It contains a wide range of artifacts and exhibits from the city’s past. The museum’s knowledgeable staff can show you around and answer any questions you might have.
If you’re an aspiring writer, you can check out the University’s public library, which ranks among the best public libraries in the country. The library also hosts events and classes, including short story competitions and writer’s meet-ups. While you’re on campus, you can even visit the city’s downtown district, where you’ll find many attractions and activities. The town has a small-town feel and is very walkable.
Orpheum Children’s Science Museum
Kids will love this children’s museum, where educational exhibits are interactive and fun. The museum is housed in an old vaudeville theater. It has a variety of interactive exhibits, including a steam engine. It is also free to visit.
The building is a historic landmark and was constructed in 1914. It was designed by Chicago architects Rapp & Rapp. It originally hosted vaudeville performances, but later began projecting films. The theater closed in 1986, but the Preservation and Conservation Association decided to save it. Hardy suggested turning it into a children’s museum. There were no other children’s museums in the Champaign area, but Hardy’s suggestion helped save the building. Today, the building is home to the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum.
The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum offers many activities for kids, including LEGO building competitions, which help kids build models and learn about the science behind their favorite amusement parks. There are also hands-on experiences that help families bond while exploring the museum. Guests can also donate to the museum to support its mission of educating children and their families.
There are several exhibits for families of all ages. My toddler son loved the train table and the water table, which had different plastic pieces that could control the flow of water. He also enjoyed the purple sand table. The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum is well worth a visit!
Despite all the challenges the museum faces, the Orpheum has been an important part of the Champaign community. It unites schools, businesses, community colleges, and arts organizations. By uniting all of these groups, the Orpheum enriches the lives of its community members. The museum has many ways to continue its success and expand its programs to support the community.
State Farm Center
The State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois, is a top-notch venue located in the state’s heart. While most people know it for hosting the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team, the venue has played host to several other events and performances. With almost 15,500 permanent seats and a variety of adaptable set-ups, the State Farm Center is the ideal place to see any show.
The State Farm Center offers convenient parking and offers accessible seating in most seating areas. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available in all four parking lots, and there are ramps inside the venue. In addition, there are elevators inside and outside the venue, making it easy for guests with disabilities to enjoy the event.
The State Farm Center was originally known as Assembly Hall and opened in 1963. The original State Farm Center has undergone fifteen2,000 SF of renovations and 66,000 SF of additions. The remaining 33,000 SF is unchanged. The renovations were completed in six phases, with the building remaining operational during the process. The renovations included the demolition of upper bowl seating areas, adding glass walls to accommodate bathrooms, and reshaping of the lower bowl.
Tickets to events at the State Farm Center in Champaign are available at a reasonable price. Depending on the event, tickets can range from $51 to $119. Illinois Fighting Illini basketball tickets are usually less expensive, ranging from $51 to $53. Comedy shows are also available, with tickets ranging from $101 to $101.
If you’re looking for a place to watch basketball and live entertainment, the State Farm Center in Champaign is a great option. The arena hosts college basketball games, concerts, and other events all season long.
Virginia Theater
If you are interested in history, you may want to check out the Virginia Theatre, a historical venue in Champaign, Illinois. Built in 1921, the theater is a Spanish Revival-style structure with a lavish lobby and auditorium. It is also home to a Wurlitzer theater pipe organ. It is a great place to go to watch a movie or enjoy a play.
A classic old movie house with a Wurlizer organ in the corner and a stage, the Virginia Theatre is one of the best places to see a movie in Champaign. It is conveniently located near good restaurants and hosts interesting music concerts. You can also see famous people perform at the theatre, including David Sedaris.
The historic district of Champaign is 19.4 acres and is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. There are many restaurants, local shops, and a farmers market every Tuesday. You can also stop by Sam’s Café for a hearty breakfast. During the summer months, you can also dine al fresco while enjoying the fresh air. Also, check out the Jane Addams Bookshop in the downtown area.
The Virginia Theatre was built in 1921 and opened the next day. Its interior design was the work of noted theater architect C. Howard Crane and was commissioned by a local businessman, A. W. Stoolman. The design featured Spanish royal arms, Baroque plasterwork, statues, and an ornate auditorium ceiling dome. The auditorium was once covered in silver leaf.
If you’re in the mood for some live entertainment, the Virginia Theatre is the place to be. This historic theater has been showing movies since 1921. It also has a variety of live shows and performances.
Downtown Champaign
Downtown Champaign, Illinois, is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife. There are over a hundred locally-owned businesses in the downtown area. The historic Virginia Theatre is also located downtown. Visitors can also enjoy live performances and film screenings. In addition, the city is a major transportation hub for C-U, featuring the Illinois Terminal and MTD buses.
The city has many attractions, including a campus, museums, and natural spaces. Several downtown street festivals are popular attractions. The city also offers several popular parks and outdoor attractions. One popular park is Crystal Lake Park, and the city also features a park where kids can play. Parkland College is another educational destination, offering free public planetarium shows and educational opportunities.
Downtown Champaign is experiencing a revitalization, thanks to several new businesses. Newcomers include Golden Weather Goods, an upscale home and lifestyle boutique, and Fire Doll Studio, an artisan candle-making studio. These businesses will join other women-owned businesses that opened during the pandemic, including the Next Level Hair Parlor, Behemoth Durable Goods, and Suzu’s Bakery. Additionally, a new tattoo and art collective, the Recreation Club, will open soon. And if you’re looking for a good cup of coffee, stop by the Aroma Cafe.
During the past 15 years, downtown Champaign has seen a dramatic transformation, thanks to new public investments, renovations, and new infill projects. With these investments, the city is making great strides to revitalize the area and make it an entertainment center. A new development is in the works at the Neil Street Plaza, which is currently a surface parking lot. It will eventually become the city’s new heart, a destination for special events and daily life.
The downtown Champaign area offers great shopping opportunities. Visitors can browse antique stores and consignment shops. There’s also a PACA Architectural Salvage Warehouse for purchasing vintage stained glass. The city also has a vibrant fall festival, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, which is held in October. Visitors can also enjoy pumpkin-related festivities and wine in the downtown area.
