The Ship of Tolerance

Location: Polk Bros Park, Navy Pier

Presented by the Ilya and Emilia Kabakov Foundation, The Ship of Tolerance includes a large-scale installation and program as part of the IN/SITU Outside program, located in Polk Bros. Park at Navy Pier’s entrance. The Ship of Tolerance has been installed in twelve cites internationally to date, connecting communities through art and music to address issues surrounding intolerance. The Chicago Ship is an extension of an international program initiated in 2005 to overcome societal divisions through a three-part approach, including educational initiatives held throughout Chicago schools, the building of a scale model ship, and the presentation of children’s musical performances. 

The alignment will also feature the exhibition of the Kabakov’s artwork in EXPO CHICAGO’s 2019 Special Exhibitions program and their participation in the /Dialogues program presented in partnership with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The Chicago Ship will be fabricated locally and consist of a sail made with 139 children’s drawings and a hull built by a professional shipwright from Manchester, UK, supported by local carpenters and shipbuilders. The public is invited to view the building process, which will begin two weeks before the opening ceremony. 

Image: Zug Tourismus Fotografie Daniel, Ship of Tolerance