AOTM: Exhibitionism Opens in Chicago in Four Days

The Rolling Stones have had a very successful career as one of the best rock-n-roll bands in music history. Started in London in 1962, The Stones were at the forefront of the British Invasion in the U.S. While the band’s roots are embedded in blues music and rebellion, they have created their own style through a fusion of various music genres and influences. They were inducted into Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame in 1984 and have continued to remain busy; most recently, releasing an album of blues standards titled Blue and Lonesome in late 2016. A career spanning over fifty years, there isn’t much The Stones haven’t done and now fans will get to enjoy a display of that career in an exhibit called Exhibitionism.

Exhibitionism shows the story of one of the most influential bands in music history, and while it focuses on the band’s music, it also is an immense display of culture, fashion, and design. The Rolling Stones didn’t just create music, they created a cultural phenomenon and Exhibitionism explores that phenomenon. The exhibit follows The Stones from their early time together living in a flat to playing to sell-out crowds worldwide. Fans will get to see over 500 different items from the band including vintage guitars, photography, and personal letters (stonesexhibitionism.com). Additionally, visitors to Exhibitionism will experience interactive displays, video experiences, over 190 original artwork pieces from notable artists such as Andy Warhol, and fashions worn by the band since the 60s. The exhibit is the largest ever of its kind and is sure to please all who visit from the casual fan to the collector. The traveling show began in London, traveled to New York, and is now on its way to Chicago’s Navy Pier.

(Rolling Stones Exhibitionism trailer courtesy of The Rolling Stones; 2017)

The curated event will host nine galleries of Stones splendor at Navy Pier beginning April 15, 2017 and continuing through July before it moves on to Australia. Tickets are available now and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid sell-out crowds. While the Navy Pier exhibit can accommodate at-the-door ticket purchases, they are not guaranteed. Once inside the exhibit, visitors can expect to spend a minimum of 90 minutes touring the exhibit and are allowed to take as much time as they need during open hours (stonesehibitionism.com). Fans are also allowed to take photos, however, not every gallery in the show allows photography; people are encouraged to respect those areas of the exhibit. Finally, Navy Pier and the local area are planning some interesting events to coincide and celebrate the arrival of the event.

The Rolling Stones have enjoyed a very successful career spanning over fifty years. Inducted into the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame in 1984, the band has continued to remain busy with their most recent release of Blue and Lonesome in late 2016. In their latest endeavor, The Stones have opened up access to some of their most personal items from their career. Fans will be able to see Stones memorabilia up close and personal at Navy Pier beginning in April this year. Tickets should be purchased ahead of time for this once-in-a-lifetime exhibit that is definitely going to rock.

~Jenna Jakes, WOGB

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