Hull House Museum Unveils New 'Radical Craft' Exhibition in University Village Little Italy

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/University Village Little Italy · November 22, 2025

The Jane Addams Hull House Museum in University Village Little Italy has attracted record visitor numbers this month with its innovative 'Radical Craft' exhibition, which will continue through December 2025. The exhibition, which opened in September, celebrates the neighborhood's rich textile history and immigrant crafting traditions.

The museum, a National Historic Landmark that remains free and open to the public with welcomed donations, has complemented the exhibition with a series of hands-on community workshops. This month's 'Mending Basics' workshop, led by arts-educators from The WasteShed, helped visitors develop essential sewing skills while museum educators shared fascinating stories about the people and histories of Chicago's garment industry, much of which was centered in the University Village area during the early 20th century.

Neighborhood residents and visitors interested in connecting with this aspect of the area's cultural heritage can visit the museum any day except Mondays and Saturdays. Museum director Maria Varela encourages community members to participate in upcoming December workshops that will feature local artisans demonstrating traditional Italian textile techniques. 'This exhibition connects our neighborhood's vibrant immigrant past with its creative present,' Varela explained. Community members can share their experience on social media using #RadicalCraftChicago or join the conversation at the museum's next community dialogue session on December 5th.

Sources:
1. https://www.hullhousemuseum.org/programs-and-events-at-hullhouse
2. https://www.hullhousemuseum.org/