“WHIM” = Immersive Art by Frank Meccia

What used to be, may not be! Many of us know that building on Belmont called Stage 773, that was previously called “The Theater Building”. It was empty for a long time during the pandemic and now has re-opened but with a new look, new concept and of course a new name. The name is WHIM Chicago. What is in this building ( that used to have three theaters) is a building that one might call “immersive Art”. This is art that feeds the senses! art that you can see! Art that you can feel! and Art that you can touch!

What happens when you enter the doors of Whim Chicago?

You will be transported to a unique world of experiences. The entrance is called “The Lobby of Second Chances” and the front area entertainment area, “the Enchanted Forest”. This, by the way, is a dream house for “hoarders” Everything you see or sit on has been found in a resale shop, a second hand shop or an alley waiting to be picked up by the trash men. Old bikes, old sneakers and other things that people have tossed or thrown away. The bicycles hanging from the ceiling are now art. The old sneakers have been converted into a massive crocodile.( hundreds of sneakers were used).

The entrance is composed of old wooden chairs perfectly balanced to form and archway.

Of curse there is a bar!  They serve drinks that are exotic and tasty. The talented “barkeeps” are able to not only make every drink on their menu, but any drink that has been poured over the last century. Try them!

The Enchanted Forest has live music, Improv and stand-up. On Thursday nights, Karaoke ( for you swinging singers!)

The highlight of the experience was the back area, where the stages used to be. There they have created unique rooms that act as a maze as you move through them. Each one is unique and different and has a name hidden somewhere in the room.

One room is called “street-wise” containing street art on the walls and ceiling. You can leave your mark on the wall by writing your name. A clever idea allowing us to  see which friends have been there.

“Time to Play” or “reflections” and another room, “Time In Every Moment”. There is a room completely upside down and the “doll Room ( kind of creepy) and yes, one room is called “the Crematorium”.

Going thru all the rooms takes about 30 minutes. They are still doing more and when finished there will be 25 rooms in total. This is a great addition to Lakeview and will attract visitors to the city who are looking for indoor activities.

Since they are open until 2 a.m. this will be a perfect place to enjoy after the theater or a dinner party. When you are young with lots of energy you need to have releases and this is a fun place to visit, with friends and or family.

Whim also offers parties and corporate meetings.

It takes a ticket to enter the building. You can go online to www.whimchicago.com, pick a time for your experience. The ticket gets you into the building, one drink, The back area rooms have a time limit.

I tasted several drinks: Foxy Villain, Full Moontini and Fluffy Punch- maybe they will offer some light food in the future so the drinks, which look light and frothy, will not knock you off your feet.

Call 773-327-5252 or Info@whimchicago.com. While you can buy a ticket at the door, I suggest you pre-purchase to guarantee you get to truly enjoy the experience.

The address is 1225 West Belmont, Chicago. Street parking is metered ( with a few free spots) and bus service is easy to use.