Undiscovered Chicago: The Loyola University Museum of Art

The Loyola University Museum of Art is tucked into one of the most visited and popular districts of Chicago, Water Tower Place, but remains largely unknown to most of Chicago. Located in the historic Lewis Towers that make up part of the downtown campus of Loyola University of Chicago, the Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) is a relatively new addition to the sights of the downtown area.

LUMA is located at 820 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, directly across the street from the historic Water Tower and the best shopping Chicago has to offer. Established to display the University's growing collections of Medieval and Renaissance artwork, the new location also allows for visiting exhibitions from local and global artists.

The Martin D'Arcy Collection is the museum's permanent collection and includes Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque pieces from 1150 to 1750. Pieces of interest include works by Tintoretto, Bassano, and Guercino but the gems of the collection are the pieces of furniture, sculpture, and liturgical vessels. At the time of publishing the D'Arcy Collection was not opened for viewing in LUMA, it is still being moved from it's current home on the Loyola Campus, but will be open to the public in November of 2007.

Also on display is the Dr. May Weber Collection of Ethnographic Art, a collection that is on loan to the museum from Chicagoan May Weber, who has spent fifty years putting the collection together. Artifacts from several ethnic groups and cultures throughout the world are used to display the common ties within all the groups displayed. Items displayed include ceremonial masks, instruments, and everyday items unique to each group.

In addition to the permanent collections the museum holds rotating exhibits are hosted and displayed at LUMA year round. Every featured exhibit at LUMA has a unifying theme, LUMA is dedicated to exploring and exposing art that looks at the spiritual questions we face in life. The pieces are not limited to a particular type of art form, current and future exhibits include stained glass collections, video, photographs and text documenting a period of Pope John Paul II's life, and Nativity creches from around the world. The exhibits and goal of the museum is not to focus on a particular Creed, but to highlight our common need to explore and examine faith and spirituality.

If you are already in Chicago, especially shopping along the Magnificent Mile a quick stop in the museum is a nice change of pace. At just six dollars for general admission it is very affordable. If you are around on Tuesday admission is free to the general public. To schedule your own visit to Loyola University Museum of Art visit their website for specific hours and holidays observed.