Categories: Museums Art Galleries
Chicago Public Art Guide
Author: Jody Robbins
Public art has come a long way from its cave painting days. Internationally-renowned artists are creating some of the most innovative installations in Chicago for the benefit of the public that's paying for them. There are a slew of new sculptures, like Anish Kapoor's “Cloud Gate” and Magdalena Abakanowicz's “Agora,” in nearby Millennium Park and Grant Park, that are receiving well-deserved attention.
Chicago Public Art: Past and Present
From Picasso to Chagall, Chicago has it all
The city of Chicago is rife with public art installations that have set the bar high when it comes to giving the public what they want—whether they like it or not! From early on, Chicago 's elected officials and arts-appreciating crowds used money from the public trust to give the city a growing collection of public art. Today, the city is riding a wave of popularly- and critically-acclaimed installations at Millennium Park and elsewhere.
- Kapoor's “Cloud Gate”
The first public outdoor work in the United States for British artist Anish Kapoor, “Cloud Gate” is a 110-ton elliptical sculpture that is made of highly polished stainless steel plates. It reflects the Chicago skyline in its liquid mercury-like surface, and it reflects you, so smile!
- Abakanowicz's “Agora”
One of the most recent major installations, “Agora” features 106 headless cast-iron figures, each nine feet tall and weighing 1,500 pounds. Located at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road , it is seen by the artist, Magdalena Abakanowicz, as a meditation on the human condition and a metaphor for the gathering of ideas in a public forum. In this representation of a living system, art-goers walk amongst the varying statues with their elongated legs taking huge strides across the urban landscape.
- Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain, dedicated in 1927 and one of the largest fountains in the world, sits at Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway in Grant Park, and many of the city's festivals and outdoor events revolve around it. You'll see it in action April through October, and hang out ‘til the changing hour, when the water display kicks up.
- Picasso's…“Untitled”
Known to aficionados as just “The Picasso,” it was erected in 1967 and resembles different things to different people, though most at least notice the outline of a certain monkey. The design was donated by the artist, and was the first modern sculpture in the Loop . The installation was criticized early on, but has become a defining piece of public art in the city of Chicago , and a prime example of cubism.
- Chagall's “The Four Seasons”
French surrealist Marc Chagall donated the design for this mosaic work of hand-chipped stone and glass, which is composed of inlaid chips in more than 250 colors. It features six scenes of Chicago , and is located at Bank One Plaza at Dearborn Avenue and Monroe Street . The images contained within this colorful piece include birds, fish, flowers, suns, and lovers.
Public Art Tours
Almost by definition, public art is dispersed around the city so all the public can enjoy it. There are concentrations in the Loop and on Lake Michigan , but it's easier to let a professional get you there and put it all into perspective.
- The Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company
This is the number-one tour for both individuals and families, and has been acclaimed as one of Chicago 's best tours. The trolleys and the double-decker buses are awesome mobile viewing platforms, and professional guides keep the information coming. The entire tour is approximately two hours, if you want to see it all the way through. The 13-mile tour operates daily, and there is normally a vehicle at each stop every 25-35 minutes, with the last loops beginning at 5 p.m. Stop at Millennium Park and see “Cloud Gate” and “Aurora.”
- Chicago Architecture Foundation
See sculptures both famous and obscure in the heart of Chicago 's business district with on the Chicago Architecture Foundation's ‘Sculpture In the Loop' tour. You'll hear about how these larger-than-life pieces become a part of the skyscrapers that surround them. Available the first and third Saturdays of each month at 1:30 p.m., April through December, 2007.
- Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows at Navy Pier
Open-to-the-public tours at this unique venue are available most Thursdays at 2 p.m., and the striking colors and artistry on display here stand out in the 150 stained glass windows on display. A wide range of styles and designers are represented here, and most were originally set in Chicago-area structures.
Check out places of interest near Chicago Public Art Guide:
Elephant & Castle
111 W. Adams St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw
Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.
P.J. Clarke's
1141 W. Armitage Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60614
This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.
Park Grill
11 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60602
Specializing in classic American cuisine with a hint of sophistication, Park Grill is versatile venue with an equally broad menu.
Tavern at the Park
130 E. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL 60601
Trying to give off that neighborhood tavern feel, while serving up fine dining dishes right across from Millennium Park.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
ZED451
739 N Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
ZED451 offers a guest-focused, intimate dining experience. Chefs not only prepare the meal, but present it as well.
Macy's
835 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Part of Water Tower Place, this is a second downtown location of this famed department store.
Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.
P.J. Clarke's
1141 W. Armitage Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60614
This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.
Potter's
17 E Monroe St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
Located inside the Palmer House Hilton, Potter's offers unique retro cocktails and delicious small plates in a classically elegant setting.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60602
The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) offers a 88 different tours in total. You can explore the city by bus, boat, bike on foot or even via a segway.
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St,
Chicago, IL 60610
Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. ,
Chicago, IL 60605
Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!
The Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Highway 53,
Lisle, IL 60532
A top Chicago nature site, The Morton Arboretum boasts more than 3,000 trees, shrubs, and other vegetation across its 1,700-acre site.
Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
2900 N. Sheffield Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Stop in at the many Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations if you need a Chicago rental car; they will even pick you up.
