Columbus Controversies: Chicago Statues and a Hollywood Makeover

Join a virtual walking tour that delves into the complex legacy of Christopher Columbus statues in Chicago and their ties to silent cinema. Using HD footage, you'll visit three locations: Grant Park, Chicago’s Little Italy, and the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago.

Your virtual journey begins in 2020 with the nationwide removal of controversial historic statues. This brief conversation sets the stage for understanding the context surrounding Chicago's public art of Columbus. 

One statue you'll see was created for the Century of Progress World's Fair in 1933-34. Others date back to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair—with later enhancements by a Hollywood set designer! Throughout the virtual tour, you'll discover how these Columbus statues have sparked debate since their inception, challenging the notion that their controversy is a recent phenomenon. 

Led by a guide with a Ph.D. and over a decade of teaching film, this free virtual walking tour, like virtually all of our tours, highlights the ever-fascinating connections between art, history, and movies in Chicago.