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

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/University Village Little Italy · December 3, 2025

The Jane Addams Hull House Museum in University Village Little Italy is drawing record crowds this December with its innovative 'Radical Craft' exhibition. The exhibition, which showcases the neighborhood's rich textile history and immigrant crafting traditions, features Hull House's rarely exhibited textile collection, hand-bound books, restored paintings, and ceramics from the historic Hull House Kilns.

Visitors can participate in the museum's popular 'Mending Basics' workshops, where arts-educators from The WasteShed help participants develop essential sewing skills while museum educators share fascinating stories about Chicago's historic garment industry that once thrived in the University Village area. These hands-on community experiences have become a highlight for neighborhood residents seeking to connect with their area's cultural heritage during the holiday season.

The museum, which remains free with welcomed donations, is open daily except Mondays and Saturdays. University Village Little Italy residents interested in participating in upcoming December workshops can check the museum's website for the schedule of events. Community members are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #RadicalCraftChicago to help document the continuing cultural narrative of this historic Chicago neighborhood.

Sources:
1. https://www.hullhousemuseum.org/programs-and-events-at-hullhouse
2. https://nomadicniko.com/illinois/chicago/university-village/