One of the world's great art museums — the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue, with the largest Impressionist collection outside the Louvre (Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Grant Wood's American Gothic, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, Van Gogh's The Bedroom, Monet's haystacks). The Modern Wing (2009, Renzo Piano) is extraordinary. The basement-level Thorne Miniature Rooms are the most delightful unexpected room in any American museum. Budget 3–4 hours minimum; serious art visitors need a full day.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
One of the world’s great art museums — Sunday on La Grande Jatte, American Gothic, Nighthawks, and one of the finest Impressionist collections outside Paris. Allow 3–4 hours minimum.
What Stands Out
- Largest Impressionist collection outside Paris — this is not an exaggeration
- Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte: the most important painting in America, full stop
- Hopper's Nighthawks: more striking in person than in any reproduction
- Modern Wing (Renzo Piano, 2009): among the finest purpose-built modern art spaces anywhere
- Thorne Miniature Rooms (lower level): 68 rooms in 1:12 scale, insanely detailed, completely unexpected
- Combine with Millennium Park directly adjacent: The Bean is 200 meters from the front door