If you want a break from the usual routine of museums, head down to IIT to visit their new exhibition about... fashion. "Marimekko--Fabrics Fashion Architecture" is about a Finnish designer who boldly took color where it hadn't gone before in fashion and created lifestyle brands (think Martha Stewart's lines of coordinated towels, sheets, curtains, etc. etc.) The patterns are wonderful and exhibition is free. (Part of the nifty festival I hadn't heard of, Silk Road Chicago.)