Arts Preview: The Modern Wing

The Art Institute of Chicago (located at 111 South Michigan Avenue, at the intersection of Michigan and Adams) is completing the final touches to a $300 million major expansion: The Modern Wing, located on the corner of Columbus Avenue and Monroe Street.

At 264,000 square feet, The Modern Wing will bring the total area of the museum to approximately 1 million square feet—making it the second largest art museum in the United States. The Modern Wing will house the Art Institute’s galleries for modern European painting and sculpture; contemporary art; photography; and architecture and design, allowing for an ambitious reinstallation of the whole museum. The Family Education Center will also be located in the Modern Wing.

The Modern Wing will offer visitors stunning skyline views, an outdoor sculpture terrace and the opportunity to experience a work of landmark architecture.

Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, The Modern Wing opens in May 2009, but you can have a sneak peek right now.

Further information about exhibitions, calendars, accessibility, amenities, hours and the collection are available on the Art Institute’s web site, www.artic.edu/aic.