What Is the History of the Art Institute of Chicago?

Art|Art History

The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned art museum located in the heart of Chicago’s Loop. Established in 1879, it is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 300,000 works spanning five thousand years of human creativity, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces.

The beginnings of the Art Institute of Chicago can be traced back to 1866, when a group of 35 prominent Chicago citizens founded the Chicago Academy of Design with the goal of promoting “high standards in the fine arts.” The Academy soon became home to a renowned collection of artworks and quickly outgrew its space.

In 1879, the Academy was reorganized into the Art Institute of Chicago. The following year, it moved into its current home on South Michigan Avenue.

The original building was designed by architect Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge and featured a grand Beaux-Arts style rotunda with a sweeping staircase at its center. Over time, additional buildings were added to accommodate the growing collection and today, the Art Institute boasts seven buildings on its campus. Of particular note are two iconic modern additions: a Modern Wing designed by Renzo Piano and a sculpture garden designed by Dan Kiley.

Since its inception, the Art Institute has been committed to collecting works from across centuries and cultures. Today, it holds an impressive collection ranging from Renaissance paintings to Japanese prints and American modernism. It also features several famous works such as Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks (1942) and Grant Wood’s American Gothic (1930).

In addition to its expansive collection, the Art Institute also offers educational programs for students ranging from preschool age to college level. It also hosts numerous special exhibitions throughout the year as well as lectures, films screenings and other events.

Conclusion:

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of America’s longest running museums boasting an impressive collection spanning five thousand years worth of human creativity. Established in 1879, it is renowned for its iconic collections ranging from Renaissance paintings to Japanese prints as well as for hosting numerous educational programs and special exhibitions throughout the year.