Art Institute of Chicago - Chicago, IL
Posted by: 
Hikenutty
N 41° 52.780 W 087° 37.482
16T E 448166 N 4636604
The AIC can be found in Grant Park near the shores of Lake Michigan. It was originally built in 1893 as the World's Congress Auxiliary Building for the 1893 World's Fair.
Waymark Code: WM1VNJ
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 07/14/2007
Views: 63
The following excerpt is from "The WPA Guide to Illinois" from the Chicago section:
The ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAG0 faces Michigan Ave., at the foot of Adams Street. This building, with its warm smoky-toned patina, has long been the mecca of artists in the Middle West. Designed by Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge in the Italian Renaissance style, it is notable for its delicate and fine proportions. Broad steps guarded by Edward Kemeys' bronze lions lead from the avenue to the main entrance, above which is a deep loggia sheltering statues of Minerva, Mercury, and Augustus Caesar. The bareness of the second story gallery walls is relieved by sections of the Parthenon frieze and on the north and south facades by a fine Palladian arcade.
The museum is known for its large collection of Impressionist and American art. Some of the well known pieces in the collection: American Gothic by Grant Wood, Nighthawks by Edward Hopper, Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges-Pierre Seurat, the America Windows by Marc Chagall, and many, many other impressive works.
It is still guarded by Kemeys' lions. Currently a large addition that will greatly expand gallery space is under construction. Admission $12 for adults and $7 for children and seniors.