The Chicago Architecture Center is opening a moving new exhibition this fall — The Disappointed Tourist, by artist Ellen Harvey. Running from September 29, 2025, through April 26, 2026, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the places that no longer exist, and the memories that keep them alive.
Michael Ferro, Chicago artist and curator, finds this project deeply resonant. Cities like Chicago are always changing, and with every demolition or redevelopment, pieces of history quietly disappear. Harvey’s work captures that sense of loss while celebrating the stories behind it.
At the heart of The Disappointed Tourist are nearly 300 hand-painted panels, each depicting a vanished site from somewhere in the world — from beloved local diners to grand public landmarks. Each painting resembles a vintage postcard, labeled with the name and year the site was destroyed. Visitors can walk through these collected memories, exploring how architecture shapes not only our cities but also our sense of identity.
In a participatory twist, visitors are invited to submit their own memories by writing on postcards about places they miss or wish they could visit again. For Michael Ferro Chicago, this interactive element makes the show especially meaningful — transforming a static gallery into a shared space for storytelling and reflection.
Several of the featured works focus on lost Chicago sites, making this global project feel uniquely local. From demolished theaters to historic storefronts, the exhibition connects past and present through shared memory.
As part of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, The Disappointed Tourist bridges art, architecture, and emotion in one immersive experience. To learn more or plan your visit, see the full exhibition details on the Chicago Architecture Biennial website.
For those who value the intersection of architecture and art, The Disappointed Tourist offers a space to remember, imagine, and reconnect — one postcard at a time.
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