Chicago is a city that’s always evolving — and The Magnificent Mile is no exception.
Located along North Michigan Avenue, The Magnificent Mile is an iconic 13-block stretch of shopping and entertainment in the heart of downtown Chicago.
This legendary retail district, known for its soaring architecture and high-end brands, is introducing a slate of new experiences and destinations that are bringing fresh excitement to the historic area.
Here’s a preview of new attractions, event spaces, and things to do along The Magnificent Mile in 2026 and beyond.
Candy Hall of Fame Museum
Once known as the “candy capital of the world,” Chicago is famous for being the home of beloved sweets like Red Hots, Lemonheads, Juicy Fruit, Tootsie Rolls, and more.
This long history makes Chicago the perfect destination for the National Confectionery Sales Association’s highly anticipatedCandy Hall of Fame Museum, which will open just across from Water Tower Place in 2027.
Chicago beat out several destinations to host this multilevel space at 830 N. Michigan Ave. The experiential attraction will include a museum that spotlights iconic candies, innovators, and confectionery history.
There will also be an on-site candy store where attendees can go on a sweet shopping spree.
The creative minds designing the museum supported brands such as Nestlé, Wonka, Disney, and Marvel, as well as Broadway productions like Hamilton and Beetlejuice.
Keep an eye out for future details on group outings, private events, and rentable spaces.
F1 Arcade Chicago
It’s hard to think of a sports organization firing on all cylinders quite like Formula 1. And now, the racing outfit is bringing the experience to the masses through the immersive F1 Arcade Chicago, opening this summer in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
The centerpiece of the arcade will be the state-of-the-art Formula 1 simulators, where guests can go head-to-head in exhilarating virtual races.
Participants can race in groups and cheer on their teammates while enjoying a menu of food, cocktails, and mocktails. It’s the perfect setting for a social outing that attendees won’t soon forget.
Reserve the Briefing Room, a private venue for up to 90 people that comes with its own bar. With a full venue buyout, get access to space for 500 attendees to enjoy 70 racing simulators, The Briefing Room, and a rooftop terrace.
The Cube Chicago
Welcome to The Cube, an adrenaline-fueled, immersive experience coming to Michigan Avenue this year. Inspired by the hit TV show, The Cube will be making its U.S. debut with the new Chicago location.
The Cube will feature 21 glass game cubes where teams will complete different tasks and challenges. Each cube will require a new skill, and the pressure mounts as spectators watch your every move — creating an addicting, fast-paced experience that’s perfect for unique team-building events.
Outside the cubes, mixologists serve signature cocktails, mocktails, wine, and beer. The space can accommodate large groups and offers full-venue buyouts of the 25,000 sq. ft. space.
Water Tower Place
One of Chicago’s most iconic shopping destinations is getting a makeover. Water Tower Place, the landmark shopping mall on The Magnificent Mile, will undergo a $170 million redevelopment.
The transformative renovations are designed to modernize the country’s first vertical shopping center, as part of the mall’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
A vibrant new atrium filled with natural light will welcome guests, ushering them into a more intuitive and dynamic experience. Shoppers can enjoy three floors of dining and retail options, from flagship anchor spaces to smaller boutique-style shops.
Construction is set to begin in 2027, and most work is scheduled to be completed in 2028.
360 CHICAGO
The view from inside this famous observation deck is already noteworthy, but planners should be watching for what’s ahead inside the venue.
Located on the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan Ave. (the former John Hancock Center),360 CHICAGO is in the midst of a historic expansion.
The popular attraction is expanding onto two additional floors, becoming the city’s first multi-story observation deck.
The 95th floor will expand the existing experience, which includes the public observation deck and the iconic TILT experience. The 96th floor will become a premium event venue with 14,000-square-feet for corporate events, weddings, and celebrations.
The new spaces, which will be connected by a dramatic three-story glass atrium and staircase, are expected to open in 2027.
The Hand & The Eye
The Hand & The Eye is a magical new experience — literally — located within a historic mansion just a few blocks from Michigan Avenue.
The unique, ultra-immersive space is a labyrinth of secret passageways and hidden chambers where world-class magicians perform mind-bending tricks and illusions, which a special emphasis on Chicago-style close-up magic.
There are 37 rooms to explore, ranging from intimate spaces to ornate theatres. No two rooms are alike, and guests will leave spellbound visit after visit.
Top-tier hospitality is just as integral to the experience as magic, with a menu of elevated food and drink options available throughout the evening.
The Hand & The Eye is a truly high-end experience ideal for VIPs, incentive winners, and corporate groups. The space is now open and taking reservations.
More exciting experiences and recent openings near The Magnificent Mile:
- Route 66 at Navy Pier: Just a few blocks from The Mag Mile, Navy Pier is the location of the new Route 66 centennial start point.
- Sports Illustrated Resorts: Steps from Michigan Avenue, this hotel conversion will be the perfect getaway for sports fans and athletic events.
- Uniqlo flagship store: From Tokyo to Michigan Avenue, this new location stocks exclusive items designed by Chicago designers and artists.
- Museum of Ice Cream: Indulge attendees at this sweet interactive experience dedicated to the frozen treat.
- Harry Potter Shop:Experience the magic of Hogwarts at this immersive retail experience, only the second location of its kind in the U.S.
