Chicago

What’s happening in the next few weeks:

* Art 1998 Chicago, an international art exposition of modern and contemporary art, above, will be held May 8-12 at Festival Hall, Navy Pier. Outside, on the southern concourse of the pier, there will be an accompanying exhibition of 100 large-scale sculptures. 600 E. Grand Ave. (312) 595-PIER or (312) 587-3300.

* Steppenwolf Theater presents “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” April 26-June 14. The classic comedy of errors is directed by James Burrows, creator of TV’s “Cheers.” 1650 N. Halsted St. (312) 335-1650.

* Continuing through May 3 at the Art Institute of Chicago is “Japan 2000,” the first exhibition in a three-part exploration of the role played by the Japanese government in shaping contemporary architecture and industrial design for public use. 111 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 443-3600.

* The Chicago Children’s Museum’s “Brave Little Girls” opens April 15 with children’s books and original illustrations that celebrate fictional and real heroines. Through September. Designed for children ages 8-12. 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier. (312) 527-1000.

* The newest exhibition at the American Bar Assn.’s Museum of Law, “Famous Trials in American History: Cases That Shaped and Shocked the Nation,” opens April 21. American Bar Center, 750 N. Lake Shore Drive. (312) 988-6222.