The Art Institute
Published On: Oct 26, 2006
Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago was originally named the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. The name change came about in 1882 and the newly named school and museum began looking for a new location. It had been located on the corner of Monroe and State streets. In 1893 the Institute acquired the property located on Michigan and Adams street.
Now housing a collection of more than 3,500 pieces of art, the Art Institute officially opened in December 1893. Within the first year, it received a gift of French paintings from the Fielding family.
In 1913, the Art Institute of Chicago hosted the Armory Show, a sprawling display of modern art. The museum made a few special purchases from that collection giving birth to its world famous collection of modern art.
The Institute outgrew its collection of works between 1916 and 1939. Rather than relocate, the plan was to bridge the rail way on the museum's east side. Over the years, a steady expansion to the museum and its holdings has continued.
Today, the museum houses a vast collection art. With much more than just the initial painting acquired in its early life, it houses sculptures, textile exhibits and much more. From African to the Thorne Miniatures there is something for everyone to enjoy. With paintings, prints, photographs and drawings you are sure to find the exhibit that is right for your visit.
The museum provides many audio tour formats as well as self guided paper print tours. Audio guides are available in the museum lobbies for a fee. The Art Institute of Chicago also offers a full range of lectures, symposiums, and courses for the public. With the auditoriums, they also provide a wide variety of slide shows and readings from the art world.
With a vast collection of resource material, the Ryerson Library and Burnham Library of Architecture form a library that is not rivaled anywhere in the world. With a reading room, the original Ryerson Library has been restored to its original finishes and layout. Just walking through is a lesson in history. While there, you are able to browse some of the most extensive exhibition catalogs to be found. Having received separate bequests from its namesakes, the museum built the libraries separately and later merged them to be the Ryerson & Burnham Libraries.
A joint effort of the early citizens of Chicago and the city of Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago has grown from a small art school to a fine world-class museum and fine arts academy. Fully accredited, the Institute turns out fine artists, some of which have attained world acclaim. Past students have included Walt Disney, Georgia O'Keefe, Bill Maudlin and Hugh Hefner.
The museum has hours that allow for visits during the week and on weekends as well as some evening hours. Closed only three days of every year - Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day - they are sure to welcome your visit. The next time you are visiting Chicago, be sure to check out the exhibits at the Art Institute. Who knows? You may meet the next Vincent Van Gogh.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
Print This Page
Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago was originally named the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. The name change came about in 1882 and the newly named school and museum began looking for a new location. It had been located on the corner of Monroe and State streets. In 1893 the Institute acquired the property located on Michigan and Adams street.
Now housing a collection of more than 3,500 pieces of art, the Art Institute officially opened in December 1893. Within the first year, it received a gift of French paintings from the Fielding family.
In 1913, the Art Institute of Chicago hosted the Armory Show, a sprawling display of modern art. The museum made a few special purchases from that collection giving birth to its world famous collection of modern art.
The Institute outgrew its collection of works between 1916 and 1939. Rather than relocate, the plan was to bridge the rail way on the museum's east side. Over the years, a steady expansion to the museum and its holdings has continued.
Today, the museum houses a vast collection art. With much more than just the initial painting acquired in its early life, it houses sculptures, textile exhibits and much more. From African to the Thorne Miniatures there is something for everyone to enjoy. With paintings, prints, photographs and drawings you are sure to find the exhibit that is right for your visit.
The museum provides many audio tour formats as well as self guided paper print tours. Audio guides are available in the museum lobbies for a fee. The Art Institute of Chicago also offers a full range of lectures, symposiums, and courses for the public. With the auditoriums, they also provide a wide variety of slide shows and readings from the art world.
With a vast collection of resource material, the Ryerson Library and Burnham Library of Architecture form a library that is not rivaled anywhere in the world. With a reading room, the original Ryerson Library has been restored to its original finishes and layout. Just walking through is a lesson in history. While there, you are able to browse some of the most extensive exhibition catalogs to be found. Having received separate bequests from its namesakes, the museum built the libraries separately and later merged them to be the Ryerson & Burnham Libraries.
A joint effort of the early citizens of Chicago and the city of Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago has grown from a small art school to a fine world-class museum and fine arts academy. Fully accredited, the Institute turns out fine artists, some of which have attained world acclaim. Past students have included Walt Disney, Georgia O'Keefe, Bill Maudlin and Hugh Hefner.
The museum has hours that allow for visits during the week and on weekends as well as some evening hours. Closed only three days of every year - Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day - they are sure to welcome your visit. The next time you are visiting Chicago, be sure to check out the exhibits at the Art Institute. Who knows? You may meet the next Vincent Van Gogh.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
Print This Page
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