The Art Institute of Chicago: Greatness Up Close
A day at the Art Institute of Chicago will bring you up close to some of the greatest paintings in history, from Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" to examples of Claude Monet's "Water Lilies." The Art Institute of Chicago is considered one of the premier museums in the world, know for its famous collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and American paintings. There’s something for every artistic taste under the sun.
Two large bronze lions guard the limestone Beaux-arts structure on Michigan Avenue. Built for the Columbian Exposition on the rubble of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the institute opened its doors in 1893.
The museum's main atrium is spacious and filled with light from overhead skylights. Although its collection is vast, the Art Institute is easily navigated and features a restaurant and popular outdoor courtyard café.
A new $300 million, 264,000-square-foot modern wing designed by Renzo Piano opens on May 16. The three-floor wing of limestone and glass will feature a fine-dining restaurant, gardens and an outdoor sculpture terrace.
Extending from the wing is a 600-foot pedestrian bridge, also by Piano, that links to Chicago’s Millennium Park adjacent to the Art Institute. The wing, with its famed “flying carpet” canopy will include works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Roy Lichtenstein, Gerhard Richter and Robert Gober.
On any given day, the museum is a bustling hub alive with activity. During warm summer days, both tourists and city workers sit on its front steps or adjacent gardens to people watch or eat their lunch.
It's also a popular location for street entertainment. A great day to visit is on Thursday when general admission is free.
Where else could you possibly go to be face-to-face with a Van Gogh or Winslow Homer without having to open your wallet!
Posted on Mar 1, 2011 by Lori Rotenberk
