Ah, The Art Institute of Chicago’s new Modern Wing. Opening this weekend! I think everyone is holding their breath waiting for the big public reveal. With increased admission fees, $12 to $16, to help pay for the $238 million dollar addition, I can’t say that everyone will be happy. But, time will tell. UnBeige has been going back and forth for the past week.

The wing’s windows will be a major draw since they frame Millennium Park, Frank Gehry music pavilion and the city’s skyline. The wing’s third floor connects to the park through a cantilevered bridge, which stretches across Monroe Street.

The first floor houses a grand entrance, new photography and temporary exhibition galleries, an educational center, offices, a high-end restaurant, and a new gift shop. Despite the amenities, some critics have pointed out that only 65,000 square feet of the Modern Wing has been devoted to new gallery space.

Luckily AIGA Chicago has already booked the space for our Annual Member’s Meeting in June. Details to come.

I have been a Renzo Piano fan for a long time. I love the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas. The ceiling is the most intriguing aspect of this building with light pockets revealing light moving throughout the space (image on the left). According to the New York Times, the Modern Wing’s ceiling has a similar effect. Can’t wait to see!
Images courtesy of the New York Times.
F. N. D’Alessio of the AP wrote a detailed article about it, you can see here.