The Chicago Academy of Design was born on Dearborn Street in 1863. The
intention of the 35 artists who founded it was to run a free school
with it's own gallery. The Academy was granted a charter in 1867 and
classes commenced in 1868 meeting daily at a cost of ten dollars a
month.
Initially the Academy was successful enough to build
it's own five story building. Made of stone and located at 66 West
Adams Street the new location opened on November 22, 1870. Sadly, in
1871 the Great Fire of Chicago destroyed the Academy building and threw
the endeavor into financial crisis.
The Academy struggled on
in rented quarters but failed in spite of best efforts. Bankruptcy
occurred in 1879 and the members then formed the Chicago Academy of
Fine arts and bought the assets of the Academy at auction. In 1882 the
name was changed to the Art Institute of Chicago.
Today the
Art Institute is a world recognized school of fine arts and museum. The
offerings include one of the world's best collections of impressionist
and post impressionist paintings. American classic works such as Grant
Wood's American Gothic are on display here.
Many exhibits will
appeal to children's fertile imaginations. There is an impressive
collection of masks, shields, and spears. Miniature homes from modern
architecture and examples dating to the 13th century. Games and other
hands on activities for children are found at the Kraft Education
Center and there is even a nursing area in the women's room on the
lower level.
There is a cafe, aptly named The Cafe, and The
Garden Restaurant on site. The Cafe is self service with a grill,
carving station, salad, and pizza. The Garden Restaurant offers a full
menu and bar with a wine list. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day The
Garden Restaurant offers free live music from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
The exhibits begin outside with the famous Bronze Lions guarding the
West Entrance on Michigan Avenue. In the event that a Chicago sports
team makes the playoffs the lions may be festooned with the team's
uniform. Inside the East Entrance is a reconstruction of the trading
room from the old Chicago Stock Exchange made using salvage from the
original.
Normal admission fees are twelve dollars for adults
and seven for seniors and students. During the summer season Thursday
and Friday evenings offer free admission. Discount packages are
available at local hotels. With over 40 centuries of art and artifacts
on display, a superb downtown location. and exhibits and amenities for
all the The Art Institute of Chicago Museum needs to be on every art
lovers list of places to see.
About the Author:
Mark Traston is an associate with Portrait Painting. A portrait artist will turn your photo into an oil painting. Our artists specializes in a specific area including wedding paintings, pet portraits, and house portraits.
This author of this Article has choosen to make this article available with free reprint rights. Click here to copy this article.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
