Illinois is a global center for arts, music, and cultural institutions.
* **Museums:** The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium are world-renowned. * **Music Heritage:** Chicago is a historic epicenter for Blues, Jazz, and House music. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is globally celebrated for its brass section and historic recordings. * **Theater:** A vibrant theater scene is anchored by the Steppenwolf Theater Company, The Second City (a legendary comedy and improv institution), and the historic Chicago Theater. * **Architecture:** The state is widely considered the birthplace of the modern skyscraper and boasts an unparalleled architectural heritage, heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
