Established:
The Art Institute of Chicago was established in 1879 as both an art museum and an art school. The huge and prestigious collection includes approximately 260,000 works of art which span 5,000 years of human history.
History:
The Art Institute of Chicago was established in 1879 and was known as the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts; its name changed in 1882. When the city of Chicago prepared to host the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, museum trustees worked with the city and got a new building designed and built. The classical Beaux-Arts style building officially opened on December 8, 1893.
In 1913, the scandalous Armory Show, showcasing the latest avant-garde European painting and sculpture took place and some of the exhibited pieces which shocked audiences back then were acquired, and which strengthened the Museum’s collection of Modern Art.
Mission:
"The Art Institute of Chicago collects, preserves, and interprets works of art of the highest quality, representing the world's diverse artistic traditions, for the inspiration and education of the public and in accordance with our profession's highest ethical standards and practices."
Location:
The Art Institute of Chicago is located near Lake Michigan on Michigan Avenue and Adams Street. It is easy to access via bicycle, bus, car, and taxi.
Museum's Conservation Department:
The Department of Conservation was founded in 1956 as the long-term preservation of the collection is part of the Museum’s mission. With a staff of 20 conservators, scientists, and specialists, the team oversees the restoration and conservation of objects such as works on paper, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, photographs and books.
The department has the latest technological equipment which includes radiography of two- and three-dimensional objects, and infrared imaging.
Famed Artworks in Collection:
The collection of over 260,000 works that span 5,000 years include Ancient art, African art, American art, Asian art and Modern and contemporary art. The European Painting and Sculpture department contains more than 3,500 works. The Museum is renowned for its selection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings with favorite works by artists such as Renoir, Cezanne, and Manet.
The Contemporary section includes works by Bacon, de Kooning, Hesse, Golub and Gonzalez-Torres.
Famous iconic works include Grant Wood's American Gothic, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks and Georges-Pierre Seurat's Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
Noteworthy Facts:
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)is one of the oldest accredited art schools in the US and also has the largest school-museum campus. "Since 1976, SAIC has occupied its own cutting-edge facilities adjoining the Museum and the heralded Modern Wing overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan with additional buildings throughout an urban campus at the heart of the Chicago Loop."
Employment Information:
The Art Institute posts job openings on their website, so be sure to check regularly. There are various departments to work in such as "accounting, fundraising, facilities management, human resources, information systems, marketing, library science, retail, safety, security, and other highly technical areas."
According to their website: "We strive to attract, select, and develop people who are talented, passionate, and can help fulfill our missions. We are looking for individuals who not only want to become part of something special but who also want to play a part in helping the museum and school continue their exceptional status into the future."
How to Apply for a Job:
The Art Institute advises job applicants to apply online on their website.
Museum's Contact Info:
Visitor information:
The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60603-6404, Tel:(312) 443-3600
The Art Institute of Chicago website
Museum Hours:
- Monday–Wednesday, 10:30–5:00
- Thursday, 10:30–8:00
- Friday–Sunday, 10:30–5:00
