The Art Institue of Chicago

 

The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago

 When we were in Chicago on Oct 1 and 2, we had a little free time late Friday afternoon so we whipped over to the Art Institute.  



Eames chair/Nelson clock

I’m afraid I wasn’t in the best frame of mind to enjoy art.  Having left home at 8 am, driven to Chicago, and spent the afternoon walking all over the University of Chicago campus, I was badly in need of a cup of tea, some ibuprofen, (I injured my knee last summer and whenever I do a lot of walking it still bothers me) and a short rest. 

Glass child’s wardrobe

Unfortunately, my plan to send the girls off by themselves and find a cafe before exploring the Modern Wing didn’t work out.  As we were in line paying admission, a museum employee announced that the Modern Wing would close at 5 for a private party – it was 4:40.  So I rushed through trying to see what I could.  Apparently, the only cafe open in the museum on a Friday evening is also part of the Modern Wing!

Noguchi table

Luckily, there are lots of wonderful other sections of the museum to visit.  My first stop was the Decorative Arts section.  Beautiful everyday objects just make me smile. I took some pictures of the midcentury modern area and filled myself with inspiration for my turn in the Mid Mod Bee next month.  It is fascinating how some of these designs are so iconic and wonderful, yet so familiar and “every day.”

 

Nelson bench

Among many other exhibits, there was still some American modern art to see and the Impressionists to re-visit.  The girls spent time looking at photography, the miniature exhibit and reading the new installation on the staircase called “Public Notice 3” by Jitish Kallat.

We finished with a good long time in the gift shop!

3 Comments
  • Rebekah
    Posted at 13:39h, 26 October Reply

    I can't wait to see what you come up with for your month in the Mid Mod group. This is a lot of great inspiration. My husband wants a bench that looks like that coffee table in our backyard.

  • Cheryl Arkison
    Posted at 13:39h, 15 October Reply

    One day I will have that coffee table in my living room. Simple goals in life.

  • Liz in Ypsilanti
    Posted at 10:03h, 15 October Reply

    I am looking forward to the George Washington Carver exhibit starting November 6 at the Henry Ford. Your pictures, though, are reminding me it's been a while since I've been to the DIA. Must get downtown!!

Leave a Reply