Chicago : Art Institute's New Wing
Art Institute's New Wing

Winging It

05.11.2009

Submitted by dsimmons on Sun, 05/10/2009 - 11:00pm.
Photo by James Iska, the Art Institute of Chicago
The Bite:
Feeling spontaneous? Keep your clothes on (unless there's a good reason not to) and hit the free, week-long opening of the Art Institute's new Modern Wing. Soon to get LEED cert, the sun-soaked wing - thanks to its gorgeous glass roof - is home to 20th and 21st century photos on the first floor, art from Andy Warhol plus newbies like Charles Ray on two, and mod-euro works on three. Architect honcho Renzo Piano designed the wing with locally sourced limestone (read: not imported). Also: AI recycled much of its building waste and the spot rocks a green roof and sculpture garden. Off the cuff.
Why Care?: 
The Modern Wing cuts its energy costs in half by using insulating glass and smart lighting, and ups the institute's green space by 21% with low-water plants like Gingkos.
We'll be crossing the Nichols Bridgeway to the free sculpture garden to sit on Scott Burton's bronze chair and then munch Mediterranean-style food on the café patio.
Wanna Try: 
Art Institute of Chicago's new Modern Wing; opens May 16; 159 E. Monroe St. (312-443-3600). Regular admission (free opening week), $18/adults; $12/students and seniors; free, kids under 12.

Map It

Cocktail Fact

South American hoatzin birds are born with claws at the end of their wings.

Small Changes Add Up

If 10,000 Chicago Biters enjoy a day at a local institution with LEED cred, we'll help support public spaces making the effort to go green.

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