Here are some more details on my visit to the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, which opens this Saturday. Enjoy! As before, this was originally published on Gals' Guide.
OK, so the results are in. The Art Institute's new Modern Wing is GORGEOUS. In addition to being internally and externally beautiful (lots of suspension staircases, light and open air), the new wing allows for much more of the Art Institute's massive collection to be showcased at any one time. This true of the European Modern collection, housed on the third floor (this will be where many enter the wing when the big Renzo Piano ramp is opened on Saturday; the third-floor café will open then as well), but it's particularly big for the Contemporary Art (post 1960 stuff). I spoke with an Art Institute employee who informed me that AIC has the 3rd largest Contemporary collection in the world; the relatively tiny former Contemporary space could only display 2% of their collection at any one time! So while there are a few new pieces, much of the second-floor will feel new, as a lot of it was formerly under wraps for most of the year.
Anyway, I had a grand time – over 3 hours! – at the Preview, and was able to snap some photos. You can check it out for yourself starting this Saturday!
A view of the new north entrance from the west.
The lovely main lobby on the first floor, with a view to the second.
A large Matisse greets you on floor three; note how the entire ceiling lets light in from above!
The next three shots give you a sense of some of the architectural details. I know the shades are down and it's rainy, but the view to the north is really exquisite.
Hope you enjoyed these! Click on any of the images to enlarge, and don't forget to check this out yourself starting this Saturday.
