Revel in the Stunning Galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago
Published by Veronica Litt, Writer
Country: United States 
The Experience
Although it began as a school-museum combination, today the 1893 building stands solely as a place to exhibit beautiful, compelling, and grand pieces of art. The Art Institute of Chicago houses such famous works as Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom,” Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” and Pablo Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist,” to name only a few. The first floor of the spacious museum also contains ancient artifacts like a mummy head cover, a large seated Buddha statue, and a Chinese tripod food container. It also displays the Sculpture Court, which features several stunning structures pictured in the photo gallery above. Always changing and expanding, the Art Institute of Chicago also houses a new Modern Wing. The wing provides quite the change of setting from the ancient artworks with over eight hundred pieces of innovative artwork from the present day.
The Art Institute of Chicago also features several distinctive exhibits, such as the Thorne Miniature Rooms (a labyrinth of miniscule house recreations featuring Georgian, French, Classic American, or basically any architectural style) on the bottom floor. There’s also a kids space where children or playful adults can enjoy tracing medieval brass rubbings, and an ever-changing special exhibition space in Regenstein Hall.
Other features of the Art Institute include a serene abbey where patrons can enjoy lunch from one of the in-house eateries, and the gift shop. The shop is an impressive feat filled with reprints of various artworks, such as the Georgia O’Keefe “Yello Hickory Leaves with Daisy” coffee mug, or an umbrella featuring George Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte - 1884.”
With all this, the Art Institute of Chicago just has to be a spot on any traveller’s Chicago bucket list. The entrance fee is minimal at around $12, and the treasures within will be sure to engage all patrons.
When to Go to Art Institute Chicago
Odds n' Ends
Want a Guide?
- The Museum's Audio Tour
- By renting an audio guide, patrons can explore the museum at their own pace while still enjoying a comprehensive overview of the works housed within. You can pick one up at the admission counter of the Institute for a small price.
Places to Eat
- Terzo Piano
- This is an in house restaurant, making it convenient eating indeed! The restaurant is spacious and delicious. The 160 seat eatery serves Italian cuisine like pastas and pizzas made with fresh, local, organic food. This is a great place to eat even if you don't plan on spending the day perusing the museum as it is open to the public as well. If you eat on the patio, you can enjoy a stunning view of Chicago's Millennium Park.
Recommended Places to Stay
- The Hyatt
- This is a clean, centrally located hotel that will provide convenience to its patrons. The Hyatt features a lobby with free wireless internet and a Starbucks for convenience, an in house restaurant, and fine rooms with great views. This particular Hyatt is close to several Chicago landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Millennium Mile.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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More Experiences Nearby
- Enjoy Belly Laughs at Chicago's Foremost Comedy Club: The Second City!
- Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Mike Myers, Jane Lynch, Steve Carrell, and Stephen Colbert: aside from all being hilarious and talented actors and personalities—what do they have in common? Their careers were all birthed at that hot rock of comedy: The Second City in Chicago. If you've never heard of The Second City Chicago, you're in for a treat as this comedy club is the pinnacle of onstage laughs. The cast performs improvisation, sketches, musical numbers, and more; and if you visit Chicago as a huge fan of the show 30 Rock, you will not be disappointed. ...2 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Starting from $59.99 per person.
Video
Video Wall
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
- Art Institute of Chicago (newspaper)
- A collection of news and information related to Art Institute of Chicago published by this site and its partners.
- Art Institute of Chicago’s massive extension opens (newspaper)
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