Top 5 Artsy Places to Visit While in Chicago for the CAA Conference
In a couple of weeks, you may be traveling to Chicago for the CAA conference (and we really hope you do); while you’re there, I highly recommend making some time to visit many of Chicago’s fine art institutions and communities.
Don’t know where do start, you say? Or not sure what may interest you? Then take in my Top 5 Art Centers in Chicago list.
5. Intuit: Center for Intuitive and Outside Art
Intuit is dedicated to the promotion of intuitive and outsider art, and remains currently the only non-profit organization solely dedicated to outsider art. Intuit has a large education program and permanent collection of over a 1,000 works of art.
4. River North Gallery District
With over a dozen galleries in a three-block radius off the El, the River North Gallery district is a favorite area for art collectors and appreciators. With a large variety of work, from prints to sculpture, folk art to modern masters there will be a gallery for everyone to enjoy.
The West Loop Art District has an extremely dense collection of emerging artists in the Chicago land area. Along with galleries, the area has many educational institutions and also some of Chicago’s favorite and nationally known restaurants. Do consider making reservations ahead of time.
The MCA is a premier art lover’s destination in Chicago. With three floors and eight different exhibitions during the month of February, you definitely have to visit! As one of the nation’s largest museums dedicated to modern art it also contains a theater and outdoor sculpture garden.
1. The Art Institute of Chicago / Millennium Park
The Art Institute of Chicago holds one of the largest collections of art pieces in the United States. With about 300,000 pieces as part of the permanent collection, eight buildings, a separate Modern Art Wing, a research library the Art Institute requires at the very least a full day’s visit.
Right across the museum is Millennium Park, home of the iconic “Cloud Gate,” Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Crown Fountain and rotating outdoor sculpture installations. The park is free to the public and is a favorite family and couples area.
This is hardly all of the art communities and institutions Chicago has to offer. So, if you needed any more convincing to make flight plans for the CAA Conference, come to experience the city’s art and culture.
