The Traveler's Guide to Art in Chicago

Chicago is home to many things. Good food, fun people, windy streets, entertainment and the like. But some of us, me included, go to big cities to see art. What would this world be without art? And I have to admit, Chicago has a lot of amazing art-related attractions!

The first I would recommend you visiting is the Art Institute of Chicago, and make sure you go during the week! The weekends there get HECTIC. The Art Institute of Chicago has an extremely good collection of Impressionist Artists as well as a good collection of American contemporary art. The Remington pieces are some of the best!

I was speechless (and breathless!) seeing the Hopper, Monet and Picasso originals, but the park outside was a very beautiful and exquisite place to come outside for a picnic or a rest.

The Museum of Contemporary Art, on Chicago Ave., is amazing. The theme and focus is on the art and the art alone, instead of trying to jazz up the building. It's only $10 for full access, and the photographic tour as well as the regular art tour are way worth the ten bucks.

The MCA also has a fun, cute little restaurant called Puck's with good coffee and delicious snacks and treats. The gift store is a must, as well. It's not as expensive as you would believe!

I am a big fan of Hispanic art, so the National Museum of Mexican Art, of course, is going to be the next thing I'd recommend. It's kind of small, a definite hole-in-the-wall, but it is really cool!

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. I went to their Day of the Dead exhibit, and I was amazed beyond belief. One of my favorite things in Mexican culture, and I got to experience it at a Mexican Art museum? And for such a small place, with free admission, this place was extremely clean!

The Smart Museum of Art is located inside the University of Chicago campus in the Hyde Park Neighborhood. I have to say, I didn't think this would be that great, but I love how diverse it is! They have a rotating art collection, I got to see a Chinese artwork exhibit and a French exhibit while I was there.

It's very small, but a big thing definitely comes in this small package!

Last but not least, the National Vietnam Veteran's Art Museum on Indiana Ave. is awesome! I didn't think this would be that great either, but I found it very interesting and unique!

For people growing up in the late 60s-early 70s, the artwork is especially fascinating. But anyone who likes art and history would love this museum!