Kristen and I enjoyed (thanks to help from the Williams family) a little "alone time" today, and we chose to spend it taking a trip into Chicago to visit the new Modern Wing of Chicago's famed Art Institute. This wing opened just two months ago, and has been getting tremendous reviews. Now I personally understand why. The art was amazing - but I think as important is the environment that has been created to showcase the art. The galleries on the third floor (the top floor) were especially beautiful. As you might see from one of these pictures, they have used sweeping skylights, combined with track lighting, for a very warm and appealing environment. And the vertical lines in the tall windows seem to compliment the skyline of Chicago perfectly. I read that the curators recently added the canvas coverings on the windows, as to visually 'mute' the views of the city (see picture). Apparently people were spending more time staring at the city than the art in front of the windows!
This is really a special addition to what was already an amazing art museum. Kristen and I look forward to returning - hopefully with family and friends - in the years to come.
