Hyde Park is a neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago. Known for being the place of residence of President, Barack Obama, Hyde Park is filled to the brim with historical buildings and community pride. Most notably known for The Museum of Science and Industry and The University of Chicago, Hyde Park was also the host to the 1893 famous, World’s Columbian Exposition. In addition to history, this neighborhood boasts a lot of cultural diversity and has numerous restaurants, shops, and parks.
History
Hyde Park was developed by Paul Cornell in 1853 who desired to make the neighborhood an oasis from the city life and even built a hotel to lure guests to the area. John D. Rockefeller later established the University of Chicago in 1892, which is still considered one of the top ten universities in the United States. A year later, the World’s Columbian Exposition was held to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the United States. The Fair lasted six months and attracted over 27 million people from all over. The Fair itself helped to establish Hyde Park as a historical place and the only building left, Charles Atwoods’ Palace of Fine Arts, now is the Museum of Science and Industry. Currently, Hyde Park is made up of 43,000 people and houses 60% of the University of Chicago’s students and faculty. Being very economically and culturally diverse, Hyde Park is a melting pot and is one of the most sought after places to live in all of Chicago. With a breeze from the lake and 7 miles from downtown, Hyde Park is a little oasis and has lots of offerings.
The University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in the entire world and is associated with 87 Nobel Laureates including Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize awarded in 2009. A decently sized campus, The University of Chicago is 211 acres. A lot of students live on campus and many faculty members choose to live in Hyde Park because of the history and easy commute. In addition to the University, The University of Chicago Medical Center is a state of the art teaching hospital that was established in 1927. Very prestigious, the Pritzker School of Medicine is currently ranked as the top 8th medical school in the United States. In addition to an undergrad program, the University also offers graduate programs and different schools.
Historical Sites
You can find Barack Obama’s home in Hyde Park at 5046 S. Glenwood Avenue. In addition to living in the same neighborhood as the President, you will also be close to the University and two historic sites. The Robie House, built and designed by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright is right beside the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. This specific home built by Wright is considered to be the greatest example of the “Prairie School Style.” The other historical site is that of the world’s first man-made nuclear reactor titled Chicago Pile-1. Although this location is now covered by the Regenstein Library, there is a sculpture to pay tribute to the event.
Activities
While living in Hyde Park, you’ll never get bored. No matter what the season there is always activities being planned and carried out in the community. The Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the western hemisphere and offers changing, exciting exhibits and lots of family fun. In addition to the world-class museum, Hyde Park offers the Oriental Institute Museum and other smaller museums associated with the University. The Court Theater offers performances through the University and a standard ticket ranges from $15 to $45. Annual fairs take place and Hyde Park is famous for it’s 57th Street Art Fair and Jazz Festival.