Art InstituteBuilt on rubble from the 1871 Chicago fire, the Art Institute of Chicago had a visionary purpose: to acquire and exhibit art of all kinds and to conduct programs of education. Now the collection encompasses more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world. Artists represented by its masterpieces include Picasso, Renoir, Goya, Monet and others too numerous to mention. Included in its principal masterpieces are such definitive works as:

During the MLA conference, the Art institute will have special exhibits on subjects as diverse as Contemporary Chinese Woodblock Prints and Animal Images on Ancient Coins. A complete list of exhibitions is available to help you plan your visit. The museum also offers tours and programs. The calendar page will provide details on upcoming events as May draws near.

The Museum is truly a highlight of Chicago. Located just a few blocks from the Hyatt, it is a great place to visit during your free time. To walk to the museum . . . From the conference hotel, head West along Wacker Drive to Michigan Avenue. Turn left and walk South on Michigan to Adams. The Museum is on the left hand side of the street; you enter between the two lion statues. It is also just a short cab ride away.

Further visitor information is available on the museum website. Admission is $12.00 for adults.

Insider Tip: Looking for a fun introduction to the Art Institute? Want to see how works in the collection connect to each other, and to the world around us? Take a quick tour of the collection with a themed self-guide. Each one features six works of art with brief, entertaining descriptions.

-Andrea Garren