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Hyde Park
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Hyde Park

Live near the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and numerous seminaries and educational institutes.

Hyde Park's boundaries extend from 51st St./Hyde Park Blvd. on the north, Midway Plaisance on the south, Washington Park on the west, and Lake Michigan on the east. Hyde Park is home to the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry and numerous seminaries and educational institutes. It was the site of the World’s Fair of 1893 and is the home of former President Barack Obama, who lived in Hyde Park before moving to Kenwood.

Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate Hyde Park’s Frederick C. Robie House, a cornerstone of modern architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This Prairie-style masterpiece was designated as “one of the 10 most significant structures of the 20th century” and inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The African Festival of the Arts is held every year during Labor Day weekend in Washington Park, near the eastern edge of Hyde Park. In a simulated African village, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant African music and magnificent artifacts.

Photo Gallery

Blackhawks skating youth clinic at the Midway Plaisance Ice Rink.
BLKLST Urban Decadence Fashion Walk on 53rd Street.
Exercise class at Chaturanga Holistic Fitness.
The Annual Hyde Park Quilt Show at United Church of Hyde Park.
Winter morning at Promontory Point.
Happy hour at the Promontory.
Annual Hyde Park Used Book Sale at the Hyde Park Shopping Center.
The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company performing in Mandel Hall.
Playing Chess in Harold Washington Park.
Dancing at the Harper Court Summer Music Series.
Hyde Park School of Dance demonstration at the annual children's book fair.
Immersed in a book at the Annual Hyde Park Children's Book Fair.
Community members marching in the annual 4th on 53rd parade.
Archery at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club.
The Hyde Park School of Dance's annual Nutcracker performance in Mandel Hall.
Hyde Park Suzuki Celebration.
Snowfall in Nichols Park.
Waiting to meet Michelle Obama at the Seminary Co-op Bookstore.
Monsters of the Midway Criterium in the Midway Plaisance.
A group of Ray Elementary students create a "flash mob" in Nichols Park.
Participants in the annual South Side Pie Competition.
Swimming off Promontory Point.
Summer thunderstorm at Promontory Point.
Jam session at the University of Chicago Folk Festival in Ida Noyes Hall.
Woodlawn Avenue.

Neighborhood photos: Marc Monaghan

John Mark Hansen, Charles L. Hutchinson Distinguished Service Professor
“Hyde Park is a wonderful place to raise a family. It’s diverse, international, rich in culture, and, above all, an actual community. Bixler playground is just out our back door. We spent many an afternoon there with our children, which sometimes extended into evening gatherings with carry-out from Medici. If it was too cold for Bixler, there were always museums and playdates. Friends who are neighbors and neighbors who are friends; that’s our memory of Hyde Park.”
—John Mark Hansen, Charles L. Hutchinson Distinguished Service Professor
Guangbin Dong, Professor in the Department of Chemistry
“We enjoy living close to the University. The beautiful campus is the place we often go as a family for an after-dinner walk. The convenience is the most significant advantage of living in the Hyde Park neighborhood. We can all walk to work and school.”
—Guangbin Dong, Professor in the Department of Chemistry
  • Stop along walking tour

    Walking Tour

    Explore this neighborhood through a self-guided walking tour created by Professor John Mark Hansen and hosted by Chicago Studies at the University of Chicago.

    Take the tour »