Grand Christmas Tree @ the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

In honor of the 75^th anniversary of the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit, the Museum of Science and Industry celebrate their milestone in a big way that extends beyond the exhibit and the MSI grounds.

MSI worked with the Chicago Cultural Alliance to help identify eight Chicago cultural institutions to host large, specially designed tree topper star statues outside of their property, encouraging people in their communities to appreciate the holiday traditions of a other cultures.

The Grand Tree in Christmas Around The World and Holidays of Lights at The Museum of Science and Industry

These individual stars are wrapped in the flag colors of select countries and feature the corresponding holiday greetings in the country’s native language and English. The stars are intended to serve as a symbol of joy and holiday traditions of various cultures and faiths around the world.

The Grand Tree in Christmas Around The World and Holidays of Lights at The Museum of Science and Industry

Take a mini scenic tour of the city to appreciate these stars with your families and maybe learn a thing or two about how other cultures celebrate the holidays in their countries.  This is a great opportunity to teach our youth about inclusivity and unity during trying times.  The holidays are always regarded as a time of humble appreciation and thankfulness, this is just a simple way for the city of Chicago to extend its appreciation of its citizens of all nations as we progress into 2018 in unity.

Share your experiences with your families about these statues!

The stars can be found at the below cultural institutions throughout the city:

1.         Irish Star

Polish Museum of America

             984 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60642

2.         Greek Star

National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

            3015 W Division St, Chicago IL 60622

3.         Chinese Star

DANK Haus

            4740 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

4.         Polish Star

Irish Heritage Center

            4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

5.         German Star

Chinese American Museum

238 W 23^rd St, Chicago, IL 60616

6.         Ukrainian Star

DuSable Museum of African American History

740 E 56^th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637

7.         Puerto Rican Star

National Hellenic Museum

333 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661

8.         Nigerian Star

Ukrainian National Museum

2249 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60612

Also, don’t forget to visit the Museum of Science of Industry’s gorgeous display of Christmas Around the World!  Visit here for more information!

All photos courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry