Simon's mural project

A Chicago Institution

Preserve a piece of Andersonville history

Since 1956, the mural inside Simon's Tavern, one of Chicago's most beloved gathering places, has been more than just a painting — it's a vibrant chronicle of the Swedish-American heritage that shaped the Andersonville community. But time has taken its toll on this priceless piece of history, and the mural — as anyone who has visited the tavern knows — is significantly chipping and peeling away. Restoring the mural is not just about preserving history. It will help sustain a vital piece of Chicago neighborhood infrastructure that offers connection, live music, and holiday cheer in a world where "third spaces" like Simon's are increasingly struggling to keep their doors open.That’s why we need your help to restore Simon's iconic mural and help ensure that future generations can continue to experience this rich history — over Glögg and Schlitz, of course.

Board

Scott Martin
Gene Pool
Zena Burns
Pete Frederick
Pete Malloy
Thomas Martin
Elaine Meyer
Gretchen Susi
Andy Talley

Join us

It's Glögg season at Simon's! Stop by this winter for the tavern's special mulled wine, a Nordic tradition.
📍5210 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL, USA

About the mural

Created from 1950 to 1956 by artist, writer, and preservationist Sigurd F. Olson, originally from Smolen, Sweden, The Deer Hunter's Ball mural at Simon's Tavern brings to life an annual celebration held by the neighborhood's Swedish immigrants that commemorated the end of hunting season in Michigan. Over the years, the neighborhood pub has earned accolades and landed on Condé Nast Traveler's Chicago shortlist. Simon's iconic mural is part of what makes the bar a Chicago Preservation Society Legacy Business, and some even think it's connected to a ghost that haunts the bar. Learn more:Haunting of Simon’s Tavern / Block Club & DNA InfoSimon’s Tavern Chicago Dive Bar / Scoundrels Field GuideGhosts and Glögg: The mystery of Simon's Tavern in Chicago / WGN NewsSimon’s Tavern Turns 90: The Neighborhood May Change, But the Community Is the Same / WTTW ChicagoSimon's Tavern / Chicago Bar ProjectAll it Takes is Five Cents / Nordstjernan

Help our effort

We have identified a skilled mural restorationist to lead this effort and are seeking grant funding to help make this project possible. If you'd like to help with identifying grant and other fundraising opportunities, please reach out.

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