Chicago has officially opened a new Buddy Guy exhibit in the Main Hall of Terminal 2 at O'Hare International Airport, honoring the blues icon and the city’s musical roots. The display was unveiled ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend by the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, with Guy and his family taking part.
The exhibit is the latest effort by city officials and local museums to bring Chicago culture to travelers passing through the airport. In a press release, Mayor Brandon Johnson said Guy’s legacy extends from Chess Records to the film “Sinners,” giving visitors a chance to learn his story at one of the world’s busiest airports.
According to his autobiography, Guy was born in 1936 to a poor sharecropping family in Louisiana, learning to play on a homemade two-string diddley bow before moving to Chicago in the mid 1950’s. In Chicago, Guy’s talent led him to come under the tutelage of legendary Blues artist Muddy Waters, who helped him secure a record deal, launching a nearly 70-year career in the industry that has spawned nine Grammy Awards.
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Artifacts and honors
According to the Chicago Defender, the exhibit includes Guy’s signature polka-dot guitar, a performance shirt, a cap from Buddy Guy’s Legends, a 1968 vinyl record and a U.S. House proclamation. It also features awards and photos tied to his career, including recognition from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 and nine Grammy Awards.
Most of the items came from Guy and his family, while the Chicago History Museum and DCASE supplied archival images. City officials said the display is meant to spotlight the reach of Chicago blues and connect millions of travelers with the people who shaped the city’s history.
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In the press release, DCASE Commissioner Kenya K. Merritt said the exhibit helps “activate an unexpected cultural space” and amplify the legacy of one of Chicago’s most influential artists. Aviation Commissioner Mike McMurray said the airport’s art program is meant to reflect Chicago’s identity and share that story with visitors from around the world.
The Buddy Guy exhibit joins other airport displays, including “Icons of Chicago,” which highlights Willis Tower and Marina City, and a T3 Hall of Flags project that explores identity, place and culture.
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