Shakespeare 400 Chicago

In 2016, the citywide celebration Shakespeare 400 Chicago marked four centuries of the playwright’s rich legacy since his death in 1616. Throughout the yearlong festival, 1.1 million people took part in 863 events across 231 locations across the city, presented by 60 local cultural and creative organizations. International artists from 12 countries traveled 116,112 miles to make Chicago their stage, and performed the Bard’s work in 11 languages.

Spearheaded by Chicago Shakespeare Theater with leading support from the Julius Frankel Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, this quadricentennial event was one of the world’s largest celebrations of Shakespeare’s enduring legacy. Genres represented included: theater, visual art, dance, music, lectures and presentations, and culinary arts. A full listing of all events and participating organizations can be found on the festival site, www.shakespeare400chicago.com.