Our City Expert's Tips

The museum is free on Tuesdays, but it tends to get crowded that day, so come early. If there's a line at the main entrance on Michigan Avenue, there's another entrance on Columbus Drive, which tends to be less popular. The don't-miss collections at the Art Institute are the French Impressionist paintings and the collection of American contemporary art (many famous pictures, including Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" and Grant Woods' "American Gothic"). The museum's gift shop is a good place to find artsy gifts and souvenirs.

Hotel Sax Tip
The Art Institute is one of the world's most famous art museums, particularly known for its collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by artists like Monet, Renoir, Seurat and Caillebotte. Galleries housing this collection were renovated in 2008.
Favorite works (aside from the stone lions at the front entrance) include "A Sunday Afternoon on La Grand Jatte--1884" by Seurat, "American Gothic" by Grant Wood and "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper.
Other galleries take visitors through the art of ancient, medieval and Renaissance Europe; decorative arts like the popular Thorne Miniature Rooms; textiles of the world; prints and drawings; architecture and photography. The contemporary art exhibit features a Warhol portrait of Mao as its centerpiece.
The museum's new Modern Wing designed by Renzo Piano opens in May 2009.
Big temporary shows attract audiences from around the world. Free public lectures and tours are offered throughout the week. admission $12.00 *Free evening Thursdays 5-8pm
111 S. Michigan Ave.

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