️ We Interrupt This Program… Broadcast Museum Private Tour!

🎙️📺 We Interrupt This Program… Broadcast Museum Private Tour! 📻🎬

EXCLUSIVE GUIDED TOUR OF THE MUSEUM OF BROADCAST COMMUNICATIONS!

Lights, camera, Chicago! 🎬✨ Step behind the mic and into broadcasting history at the Museum of Broadcast Communications — one of the earliest broadcast museums in America and the only one dedicated to both radio AND television! From vintage radio consoles to iconic TV moments, this is a fascinating deep dive into the stories, voices, and faces that shaped American media culture. A guided private tour exclusively for our group! 🌟

⚠️ NOTE: This event works a little differently than my usual tours!

Instead of paying me directly, you’ll purchase your own ticket — either:

• 💻 Discounted online (recommended)

• 🚪 Regular price at the door

See full details below ⬇️

📍 LOGISTICS

📅 Sunday, April 19, 2026

⏰ 1:00 PM to 3: 00 PM

📍 Museum of Broadcast Communications — 440 W. Randolph St, Chicago

💰 $19-$24 per person (see details on tickets below)

💵Credit card only

🎟️ TICKETS — BUY AHEAD & SAVE!

⚠️ You purchase directly from the museum (not through me)

👉 BEST DEAL — Purchase online in advance using our group link: 🔗 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mbc-group-trip

• General Admission: $20
• Seniors: $19

🚪 Prefer to pay at the door on the day of the tour? No problem — but it costs more:

• General Admission: $24
• Seniors: $21
• Students: $19
• Children 6 & under: FREE

💳 Credit cards only accepted at the museum

💡 Save money + guarantee your spot — buy online!

🌟 WHAT WE’LL EXPERIENCE:

📺 Johnny Carson: The Centennial

A rare, in-depth celebration of the legendary Tonight Show host who defined late-night TV for decades.

🌙 The Evolution of Late Night Television

An interactive journey from early pioneers to today’s biggest names.

📻 Five Decades of The Loop

A tribute to Chicago’s iconic rock & talk radio station 🎸

🤡 Chicago TV Gallery

Bozo’s Circus (yes—the buckets!), Garfield Goose, Svengoolie & more!

🎙️ National Radio Hall of Fame

Honoring legends of American radio with memorabilia and vintage tech

📖 ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF BROADCAST COMMUNICATIONS

Founded in Chicago in 1982 with a $250 seed contribution from the Chicago Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the MBC was the brainchild of journalist and broadcaster Bruce DuMont — whose uncle Allen B. DuMont founded the legendary DuMont Television Network. 📺 Early supporters included The MacArthur Foundation, Arthur C. Nielsen Jr., Paul and Angel Harvey, Betty White, Bob Newhart, Jane Pauley, and Mike Wallace — a true who's who of broadcasting royalty! 🌟

The museum officially opened in June 1987 at River City on the Near South Side, featuring thousands of hours of TV and radio programming in its A.C. Nielsen Research Center. It later moved to the Chicago Cultural Center in 1992, drawing nearly 200,000 visitors annually and ranking among Chicago's top tourist attractions. In 2012 it reopened at 360 N. State St. — with a ribbon-cutting attended by Chicago-born actors John Mahoney and Betty White — showcasing beloved artifacts like the WGN Bozo's Circus set, stage doors from The Oprah Winfrey Show, and the original Charlie McCarthy puppet by Edgar Bergen. 🎭

After navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a building sale in 2023, the MBC triumphantly reopened in October 2025 at its stunning new home at 440 W. Randolph St — featuring brand new exhibits, familiar collection highlights presented in fresh interactive ways, and a grand celebration of Johnny Carson's centennial and 75 years of late-night television. A true Chicago comeback story! 🎉

🍽️ OPTIONAL LUNCH OR DRINKS AFTER

Those interested are welcome to join for a bite nearby! 🍴

📍 Location shared closer to the date

💵 Please bring cash — some places may not split checks

👟 WHAT TO BRING

💳 Credit card or payment method for ticket purchase

📷 Camera

📓 Optional notebook for notes & highlights

🚗 PARKING

🅿️ Recommended garage: 165 N. Clinton — SpotHero discounts available!

🔗 More parking info: https://www.museum.tv/visit 🚘 Additional street & garage options nearby

🚇 PUBLIC TRANSIT 🚇 CTA accessible — multiple L lines & buses within walking distance

🗺️ CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

📱 Lost or running late? Call/text 312.835.4259

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES

• ✅ Please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend!
• 🎟️ Buying online in advance saves you money AND guarantees your spot — use the group link above!
• 👋 Check in with Giovina upon arrival

⚠️ NO-SHOW POLICY

• 😬 3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month event ban
• ⏰ Update your RSVP before the event start time; after that, message the host directly
• 👋 Check in with the host upon arrival
• 🚫 Continual no-shows = removal from the group

📍 How to Find Us – Ticketed Meet inside the main entrance of the museum by welcome area (440 W. Randolph St., Chicago). Look for the large group gathered - we are hard to miss! We will wait for our docent for the tour. Tour starts promptly at 1:00 pm.

🛑 Note: This is an indoor only guided tour.

📞 Lost or running late? Call or text me at (312) 835-4259.

Want to Learn More About the Group? Check out our Meetup page here:🔗 1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to-see-in-chicago-before-you-die/

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