The Siskel Center: Sleek and artsy

Ellen Fox

From the Chicago Tribune 11/28/03

There's something rather slick and European about the Gene Siskel Film Center, which was relocated (and renamed after the late Chicago Tribune movie critic) in the Loop in 2001.

Perhaps it's the airy, second-story cafe, with its steely furniture and framed posters, or the fact that the concession stand serves beer and wine. But even if you don't sport funky glasses or a black turtleneck, you're likely to find something of interest amid its artsy film series and festivals.

Tickets: $8 ($4 members). Box office opens at 5 p.m. weekdays and an hour before first film of the day on weekends (usually 2 p.m.). Major credit cards accepted. Tickets also available via Ticketmaster ($1.75 charge), at least one day ahead.

Concessions: Popcorn, candy, fountain drinks, cappuccino, espresso, beer and wine ($4 large popcorn, $2 large soda).

Parking: If you can't stomach Loop street parking, try the Interparking Self-Park (20 E. Randolph St.), which offers reduced parking (with ticket stub) for $13.

Public transportation: Situated just north of State and Randolph, the Siskel is accessible via numerous bus lines and "L" stops. The CTA Red Line (Lake stop) is steps from the front door.

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Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N. State St., 312-846-2600, siskelfilmcenter.org.