I was looking for something special to do over the mini holiday in Chicago. A friend suggested the Art Institute of Chicago. It provided me with a contrast against the bustling night life. The pieces are unique and you get to learn a lot about the place and the people who patronize it. I like the fact that the collection is not so big that you have to spend days trying to cover all the items. It is just right for a short break. Some guys simply stroll around while others are intent on taking notes. It really is a place where you can choose the model for your entertainment. There is nothing “staged” about the Art Institute of Chicago. Instead you get a feeling of casual enjoyment. If you are under stress then this is the perfect place to be.

I recommend Chagall’s stain glass window as the centerpiece of your visit. The only thing that I might worry about is the parking at the Millennium center which comes in at about $25. Interestingly this is a good $7 more than the entry price at the Art Institute of Chicago. You can save a whole day to visit the exhibition if you want to spread the money around. There are plenty of pieces that will keep you happily occupied throughout the sojourn. The water in the café is at an astonishing $3 for just 8 oz! Perhaps you can come with your own water to save those precious dollars.

If you can handle the Thursday long day, then you will get treats right up to 8pm.  I understand that they rotate the days on which they can open for longer. You should also watch out for the sponsorship days where you might just get a free ticket. You can introduce the kids to culture through the Art Institute of Chicago.

This is a great place to see art and culture in Chicago. Often such places are pretentious but I cannot say that for this venue. I give them 3 out of 5 stars for giving us a wonderful taste of art.