Art Institute of Chicago - Chicago, IL Review

Background 

The Art Institute of Chicago is a second home for me. Having gone since a small child, I know most of the collections inside and out. In addition, I have taken classes at the museum and even interned there while in college-- one of my majors in college was Art History (Journalism was my primary one). I have visited art museums all over the world and even studied art in Italy. That all added to the fact that my mom is an artist makes me an absolute art lover!

The Permanent Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago

French Impressionism is my passion. So, that is what I will focus on in my review. Short of going to France and the Louvre, you really cant find a better French Impressionism collection than the one at the Art Institute of Chicago. They have an outstanding collection of Monet, Cassat, Morisot, Manet, Renior and Degas-- all the leaders of the impressionist movement. They also have two very large paintings that adorn many impressionist books- Paris, A Rainy Day by Caillebotte and Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Seurat (the large painting of people sitting on the Sienne made out of all dots). Those two paintings alone are worth a visit to the museum. They are the signature works.

The post impressionist collection is also quite strong with a nice collection of Van Gogh, Rousseau, Picasso (some blue period), Cezanne and others. It is also located on the same level as the Impressionist work, so you can run through very easily. 

While the Impressionist collection is the hallmark of the museum (in my opinion) the Asian, Armour, African and Furniture exhibits are all good too. If you are looking for contemporary art, you will find a solid collection here. (though, if you want to get really modern, I would recommend that you walk through the Art Institute collection and then head to the museum of contemporary art located about a mile away.) You should be certain to check out Grant Woods' American Gothic, Edward Hoppers' Nighthawks, and several of the Kandinksy's and Pollacks. They also have a good collection of Dali, O'Keefe and Warhol's.

The Special Exhibits
The Art Institute of Chicago generally has some outstanding special exhibits. Often times, they are linked to Impressionism-- so check before coming.

Tip
Did you know that the Art Institute of Chicago is donation based entry? It is one of the only art museums in the world that will take any donation and let you in. So, you can pay $1 and still get in and enjoy all the benefits of entry.  They of course recommend that you pay more (and I am a big believer of supporting the arts), but if you cant afford it, they dont want to turn you down.

Personal Story
I once took a group of women from a homeless shelter to the museum and gave them a private tour and history lesson. I was able to make a $20 donation and get everyone in. Once we were inside I walked them around and gave them history on all the paintings. They felt so special and so cultured. I realized that anyone can love art... its not what you know, it's how it makes you feel. And, the AIC makes you feel really great when you visit.

Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_Afternoon_on_the_Island_of_La_Grande_Jatte

http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/eurptg/index.php