‘Hamilton: The Exhibition’ digs in at Northerly Island ahead of April debut

The world premiere of Hamilton: The Exhibition, a new traveling attraction from the creators of the hit broadway musical depicting the life of U.S. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, has broken ground at Chicago’s Northerly Island, just south of Adler Planetarium.

Although the exhibit’s opening date has been pushed back from November 17 to April 6, the 27,000-square-foot temporary structure that will house the attraction is pressing ahead thanks to a newly issued building permit. It covers foundation work and utility connections for the football field-sized pop-up museum.

The upcoming exhibition is a collaboration between Hamilton composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda, producer Jeffrey Seller, set designer David Korins, and musical director Thomas Kail.

The immersive experience will re-create pivotal events featured in the play like the Revolutionary Army’s decisive victory at Battle of Yorktown as a well as lesser known points in Alexander Hamilton’s life such as his time as trader in St. Croix.

Ticket pricing has yet to be announced, but Hamilton fans can sign up for email alerts for when the first batch go on sale. So far, organizers have remained tight-lipped as to when Hamilton: The Exhibition plans to leave Chicago and embark on a national tour, according to the Tribune.

David Korins

• New construction permit at 1535 S. Linn White Drive [Chicago Cityscape]
• ‘Hamilton: The Exhibition’ postpones Chicago debut [Chicago Tribune]
• Northerly Island to host debut of ‘Hamilton’ exhibition [Curbed Chicago]