Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park

Home of Chicago SummerDance

601 S. Michigan Avenue
(Between Harrison Street and Balbo Drive)

The Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park was developed and landscaped especially for Chicago SummerDance and received a Gold Award from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association. Chicago Park District worked with Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Department of General Services, and the Mayor's Office of Special Events to create a garden that fulfilled program needs as well as a garden that was a unique draw in and of itself. The park district uses a combination of annuals and perennials that will guarantee a splash of color throughout the summer. The garden layout incorporates a geometric design that pulls the visitor into the center of the garden, where they can easily access all other areas. Classic-looking wooden umbrellas, tables and chairs circle the center of the garden, encouraging people to sit and enjoy their surroundings. A variety of food and drinks are available for purchase at the SummerDance Grill, and seating is available. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited at all Summer Dance events.

Sculptor Albin Polasek's The Sprit of Music statue presides over the award-winning garden and pays tribute to Theodore Thomas (1835-1905), who in 1891 founded the Chicago Orchestra (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), and served as its director until his death. Polasek intended this personification of music to have "the majesty and sweep" of a symphony and to be "dignified yet simple, assertive but not bold...a feminine figure…but not too feminine." The goddess figure has just struck a chord on her lyre. The hemispherical base is embellished with reliefs illustrating the power of music.