Chicago is known around the world as a great architectural city, with special attention being given to public art for Chicagoans to see and experience. Throughout Chicago you can see works of art on public display, and then enjoy private museums and historical houses. Everything for docent tour guided to self guided tours to tours that focus on including children in the art scene can be found throughout the city of Chicago. Even if you have already seen some of the art Chicago has to offer, there is always more art, and new exhibits displaying art in a different way.
For an art filled Chicago adventure, use this guide to lead you to the best that the city has to offer.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago houses many great works of art, including paintings, sculpture, ancient relics, photography, textiles, and ceramics. If you enjoy modern art, or contemporary works, the new Modern Art wing puts together rotating exhibits that feature some of the best work from around the country and world. As a world renowned institution, the AIC is able to bring several traveling exhibits to Chicago each year, so patrons can see works from other great art houses around the world.
The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows
The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows is located on Chicago’s famous Navy Pier. The Smith Museum is dedicated solely to stained glass in the United States and includes secular and religious windows. The museum includes works by famous artists Louis Comfort Tiffany and John LaFarge and the beautiful displays are lit up for guests to enjoy. There are no entrance fees or even an established gallery hall, but the windows are worth checking out if you are at the Pier for other attractions.
The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago
Located in beautiful Hyde Park, the Oriental Institute of Chicago is situated on the University of Chicago campus. Archeological treasures from the Near East that have been excavated by the University of Chicago’s archeological team constitute a significant portion of the museum. Sculptures and textiles from the ancient worlds of Mesopatamia, Egypt, Syria, Nubia are all on display for guests that travel out. The famous archaeological department is also rumored to be where fictional character Indiana Jones was created.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago is where you want to go if you want to see something new, something provocative or something entirely different. You never know what exhibits will feature from one month to the next, but those exhibits are always the talk of the town.
Where will your art filled journey begin?
