Chicago Art for the People

by Jennifer Olvera - Citysearch Contributor - 3,380 Reviews - 26 Lists

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Updated: September 18, 2009

Calling all average Joes: You don't have to be an art snob to appreciate the many works of art found around Chicago and its suburbs, both in museums and galleries and right out in public in parks and plazas. While some are priceless (and others just plain pricey), there's sure to be something that sparks your interest, no matter what your level of expertise. (Photo of "The Haymarket Memorial" courtesy of the Chicago Cultural Center)

On this page:Museums & Galleries, Public Art.

Museums & Galleries

  1. 1 Block Museum Of Art
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    40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208 (map)

    Located on the Northwestern University campus, this museum once followed Germany's kunsthalle tradition by housing no works of its own. But times have changed: In addition to its rotating exhibitions, the museum's ever-expanding permanent collection has, among other things, a wealth of works on paper.

  2. 2 Center For Intuitive And Outsider Art
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    756 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    Intuitive and outsider art are the focus at this nonprofit gallery with permanent and temporary exhibitions. But if you're expecting child's play, guess again. The paintings and sculptures--heck, even the flea circus it once housed--might not come from trained artists, but they're nothing short of entertaining and inspiring.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Museum of Contemporary Art
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    220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

    Works from 1945 to present day, including pieces from Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol and Bruce Nauman, comprise the collection at this Streeterville museum in the former National Guard Armory building. Sure, you can check out Warhol's iconic soup cans, but do also view the temporary shows, which range from photographic exhibits to themed works from world-acclaimed artists.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended The Art Institute of Chicago
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    111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

    With the addition of the Renzo Piano-designed Modern Wing, art lovers can ogle far more than paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and Seurat: There is a massive collection of art--including Pablo Picasso's "The Old Guitarist"--from the early 20th century. Make a day of it and visit the rooftop sculpture garden before grabbing a bite at Terzo Piano, the contemporary Italian restaurant from star chef Tony Mantuano.

Public Art

  1. 5 "Amor" by Christopher Tavares Silva
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    2011 S California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608 (map)

    This colorful mosaic, part of the Douglas Branch Art Project, will leave you feeling the love (or at least help pass the time while waiting for the Pink Line El). Located on the southeast diagonal wall, adjacent to the elevator, it incorporates everything hearts and flowers and brightens otherwise grim environs.

  2. 6 "Build Your Ship" by Thomas McDonald
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    1613-35 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    A metaphor for the journey of life, this sculpture, located in the parking lot of the historic Goldblatt's building in West Town, incorporates modes of transportation as a way to encourage a journey of exploration and emotional and intellectual awareness.

  3. 7 "Fountain of Time" by Lorado Taft
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    Cottage Grove Avenue and 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637 (map)

    It took 4,500 molds to create this 100-foot-long, 100-figure-strong sculpture in Washington Park, which depicts Father Time overseeing still-timely matters of love and war.

  4. 8 "The Haymarket Memorial" by Mary Brogger
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    Desplaines & Randolph Streets, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

    Inspired by the wagon-turned-speaker-platforms used during the historic Haymarket labor rights meeting in 1886, this work marks where the fateful protest took place and turned violent. It also honors those who were arrested, unfairly tried and sentenced to death for the unsolved events.

  5. 9 "The Pansies" by Jo Hormuth
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    6907 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626 (map)

    Large flowers constructed of wool felt, fiberglass, epoxy and aluminum are suspended from the second-floor atrium of the Rogers Park branch of the Chicago Public Library. The blooms, a symbol of growth, nod to its location, a place where ideas are cultivated.

  6. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Skokie Sculpture Park
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    3300 Dempster Street, Skokie, IL 60076 (map)

    More than 60 modern, large-scale pieces dot the landscape of this picturesque suburban park. Coax your inner Zen at Yoshitada Ihara's four contemplative granite, titanium and steel "Japanese Garden" sculptures. Next, wonder at "Potential," a stainless steel, anthropomorphized work from Colorado artist Michal Gutzwiller.