The Art institute of Chicago

Chicago is a magnificent city, and it is a tourist's paradise. I have lived in the surburbs for the past few years, and I can still find novel places to visit on a sunny weekend in Chicago.

Yesterday, we took advantage of one of the last few summer weekends of the year and visited the Art institute of Chicago's museum. It is a fabulous destination for art lovers and even interests the easily bored!

Getting there...

Driving is not a bad option, the trick is finding parking. The millenium park and other garages are close by, but pricey (about $25) We got lucky, and managed to find parking on the side of a parallel road (Columbus), for $3 an hour. The metra (you need to catch a trolley from union station) and CTA are other good options.

Make it a day trip...

The beautiful Buckingham fountain and the Millenium park are very close by. You can also take a walk down the Magnificent mile for some heavy duty window shopping and see the beautiful Chicago river. The big bean at the Millenium park (officially known as Cloud gate) is a must-see. It was created by Anish Kapoor (a british indian).

At the museum...

Check out the museum's website at this link. I spent the most time, in the gallery showcasing scupltures from India. The displayed idols encompassed the Hindu trinity. I really enjoyed the detailed descriptions posted next to each diety. The write-up for the Nataraja idol was profound, condensing major Hindu beliefs in one simple paragraph. Another beautiful sculpture was a Varaha avatar depiction from Rajasthan, with a delicate Bhoomadevi gently resting her hand on Vishnu's (as the boar) snout.

Check out my photo blog for some pictures.

The museum also has a fantastic collection of impressionist era paintings by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. I have always loved the water lilies by Monet, and I couldnt believe i was standing simply two feet away! The most spectacular painting is "Paris street, Rainy day" by Gustave Caillebot. The effect of rain on the Paris cobblestones of Paris is unbelievably realistic.