Theresa's Mixed Nuts: Don't Pass Up The Art Institute of Chicago

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Don't Pass Up The Art Institute of Chicago

Living a few short hours from Chicago, I couldn't even tell you how many times we've been to the city. We make leisure day trips there 3 or 4 times a year, usually opting to do kid friendly activities like bike Lake Shore Drive or visit the free Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago offers an endless amount of activities, you definitely need multiple trips to squeeze everything in. We have toured the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and Shedd Aquarium which are all family friendly, but now that the girls are a bit older, we thought they might enjoy a trip the The Art Institute of Chicago. I'm sure we've walked by the museum hundreds of times over the years, but never took the time to go in and explore. We decided that on our last trip that we'd go in to see what it had to offer.

Art Institute of Chicago

We received a program guide of what exhibitions were on display and what floor we could find each on as soon as we bought our tickets. There are 4 floors to explore, so I would suggest giving yourself at least 4 hours to get through all of the exhibits. The Indian and Asian statues and artifacts are quite impressive to see in person, and I would have loved to have had more time to browse through them all, but we only had about 2 hours open in our schedule and had to rush through this section.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago

The girls were thrilled to get an up close look at famous paintings from well known artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh.

American Gothic

The Old Guitarist

Monet Water Lillies

Vincent van Gogh Self Portrait


Georgia O'Keeffe


 
While the kids liked the paintings, I liked the pieces that were a bit on the odd side. 




I always find a trip through any museum interesting because art is so subjective. There were some pieces that made us question what made something so special to earn a spot in such a prestigious museum, like rolled up carpet, blurry photographs, and this very plain piece...


I had to remind myself that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what may seem ordinary to me is fascinating to another.



The admission is right around $25 for adults, and it is included as an option in the Chicago City Pass for reduced rates. Whether you are new to visiting Chicago or a returning tourist, make sure you schedule a trip to the The Art Institute. You won't be disappointed!


What's is your favorite form of art? Paintings, sculptures, photography, ancient jewelry? Let me know in the comment section below!








24 comments:

  1. Just depends, statues often reach out to me more.

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  2. I soo need me that turquoise lion in my garden!
    'tis true that art is subjective, most of the famous paintings especially from the impressionist look like children's drawings to me, but I do love me classic and realistic paintings indeed especially with mythological and historical topics! It goes without saying that I also love seeing me nude acts :)

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  3. We went there too! It's so amazing. I love that we went when a Roy Lichtenstein special exhibit was going on.

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  4. We love, love, love going to art museums. If I am ever in Chicago, I will definitely go here.

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  5. Very subjective indeed, like that abstract stuff. Looks like some 2 year old makes it. What is with the statue with the hair? Neat what many come up with though, even if I'm left thinking wtf.

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  6. The Art Institute is one of my favorite places to go when I'm in Chicago. There are so many wonderful pieces there. It's an amazing experience.

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  7. We have never been to Chicago but the Art Institute looks like a special place not to be missed. So many of the pieces in that museum are world famous.

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  8. I've only been to Chicago once, and passed by the museum in walking around - I would love to make it back for another visit, and have time to tour the museum. There is so much I want to see if I make it back.

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  9. I have been to Chicago a few times but I have never been to the Art Institute. I enjoy visiting art museums.

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  10. I know my husband and I would both love to visit the Art Institute of Chcago. He's a big lover of Picasso, I love Monet, and we both adore Van Gogh.

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  11. I would love to visit. I am pretty sure I would spend all day with Van Gogh though.

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  12. It's awesome that you were able so many impressive works of art! I kind of like seeing some of the abstract artwork!

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  13. I also love visiting museums. There is some feeling you just can't explain when looking at the works of art. Some really make you think deep and hard about what the artist was thinking when they created the sculpture or painting.

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  14. These are so impressive! I totally love those artwork and I'm sure you had fun there too.

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  15. My family and I travel to Chicago frequently, and the Art Institute is one of our favorite places to visit! Definitely lots of gems in there!

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  16. I love going to museums! These pieces are very artisitc! Would love to visit it some time.

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  17. I love art and I have never been to a museum before. This looks like it would be amazing to see and explore. Lots of gorgeous things to look at and enjoy. - Jeanine

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  18. We have never gotten to stop and visit this city but we've passed through a few times. This looks like a must see spot!

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  19. Oh wow, what an amazing place to visit. I would love to take my daughter there one day!

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  20. I would so love to visit! It is one of those places on my list to visit

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  21. I love to visit museums like this. I have been to Chicago but it has been a long time since I was there. I didn't get the chance to see this museum, but I would have loved to. American Gothic is one of my favorite paintings.

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  22. Wow! That looks like a fabulous place to visit! I would love to check it out someday!

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  23. One of my most favorite places to visit in Chicago. I wanted to spend more time when we went, but the kids were getting antsy. I'd love to return to see it again.

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  24. I will definitely come there! Chicago is on our list and fingers crossed, we'll come and stop by here :)

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