The Art Institute of Chicago's New Modern Wing

click thumbnails for larger pics

The eagerly anticipated new modern wing of the AIC is set to hold its grand opening this Saturday, May 16. Featuring the museum's modern collections of Modern European, Contemporary, Architecture & Design, and Photography in a new setting overlooking Millennium Park, the light-filled space with windows galore is definitely a departure from the old AIC. Time Out Chicago captured some images of the space this week, and the virtual tour has us looking forward to a real visit soon. Anyone going on opening weekend?

The summer exhibits include:

Cy Twombly: The Natural World, Selected Works 2000–2007

Judith Turner: Framing the Modern

Beyond Golden Clouds: Japanese Screens from the Art Institute of Chicago and the St. Louis Art Museum

A Case for Wine: From King Tut to Today

Click here for all info on the new modern wing and opening weekend events.

Images: Kara Verkennis for Time Out Chicago

Comments (6)

Pic #2 reminds me of what a one trick pony Gehry is. God it's awful.

Looking forward to a visit next time I'm there.

posted by SPHH on May 14th 2009 at 4:20pm
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Glad I'm not responsible for keeping all the glass clean and without streaks.

posted by baileyb on May 14th 2009 at 6:56pm
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i thought lots of windows was bad for the art...the sunshine deteriorates the pieces. i remember reading that about some museum they had to modify the design of the building in order to properly use the space because of this problem. i'm not sure though!

posted by niche on May 14th 2009 at 8:31pm
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I've been counting down the days for over a year, and I'm missing the grand opening! Damn college graduation! Oh, well. I'll be back to Chicago soon enough, and I can't wait.

posted by artgal987 on May 14th 2009 at 10:50pm
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Also, the windows use a special UV-blocking glass that protects the artwork.

posted by artgal987 on May 14th 2009 at 10:52pm
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I went to a special members preview earlier this week, and it is a stunning space. Great for modern art, though we mostly spent time in the early 20th century Europe galleries on the third floor.

However, all the blinds were closed in the galleries. You could still see out, but it's not like in the pictures. It was a very sunny day, so perhaps it would be different on cloudy days. The coolest thing about the third floor in my opinion is the the ceiling-- it's all skylights (though again with methods to block the sun). I really enjoyed looking up into the blue sky above the art.

I'm looking forward to going back and taking the pedestrian bridge to Millennium Park.

posted by nessie1013 on May 15th 2009 at 1:55pm
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