Two popular tourist attractions in Chicago Review: Millennium Park & Art Institute of Chicago

In my most recent trip to Illinois this year, I had an opportunity to stop by two of the most popular downtown Chicago tourist attractions: Millennium Park (The bean) and The Art Institute of Chicago. I will now share my experiences so that it could help you plan the itinerary for your next Chicago visit!

Millennium Park

When you think of where you are visiting Chicago, the most iconic place is “The Bean”. Truth be told I have been to the Bean once before but I went during the day. Let me tell you the experience between at night and during the day is VERY DIFFERENT. I would highly recommend that you go at NIGHT if you are looking to take a picture with the bean. It is much prettier! However, if you are looking to also stroll around the park, the day would be a nicer option.

What is the importance of the Bean?? “The Bean” AKA The Cloud Gate was designed by artist Anish Kapoor. Cloud gate was his first permanent outdoor and most well known art. The exterior was made entirely by stainless steel. The bean reflective surface was inspired by liquid mercury. So in summary, a super famous art that is now associated with Chicago!

A few extra things to see in the area includes the Millennium Monument, iconic ice skating rink, Christmas tree and Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Please note that it probably feels very different during the day and at night and also the activities that most likely offer in summer and winter. The day that I went, it was a very cold day in the middle of winter…. so not much outdoor activities.

Art Institute of Chicago

First, full disclosure I am not much of an artist… Therefore, I may not have as much knowledge on the paintings but I do appreciate learning about this topic. That being said, I absolutely enjoyed my time at the Art Institute of Chicago museum. The varieties and the collections that they have are fantastic. On most day, it opens at 11AM and closes at 5PM. We spent our entire afternoon there and did not feel like we have covered the entire museum. The price is not necessary “cheap” ($32USD for adult and $26USD for student) but I would recommend you come relatively early so that you can spend your entire time here. I think its well worth it in my opinion.

Here are some of my favorites:

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte — 1884 by George Seurat

This picture depicts different social classes of people relaxing at a park in Paris. Personally I liked it because it reminds me a lot of when I traveled to Japan where people hang out by the river. Despite their circumstances, its free so its the place that everybody can co-exist.

The Drinkers – 1890 by Vincent van Gogh

This picture depicts the horror of alcoholism. According to the description, the greenish color represents Absinthe. I think that the color scheme chosen really stood out to me.

Self-Portrait – 1887 by Vincent van Gogh.

Not much explanation needed here. My first time seeing Van Gogh’s self portrait!

Hang Up – 1966 by Eva Hesse

As Im walking around the museum, I was struck by this piece of art. I am unsure of the original message but it speaks to me that in many instances, the artists in their own way are trying to bring their perspectives to life.

Man with a pipe – 1915 by Pablo Picasso

The more I stare at it, the more unsure I am what Im looking at. I still dont quite get it, but I feel it. Didnt think that was possible. Pretty cool!

Insect Cage Incense Burner

I just thought how come something so crude such as a killing insect device can be so elegant.

Mr. Pointy – 2011 by Takashi Murakami

There is a lot of happening here. I see some Japanese and Buddhist influence in this art. An anime/mythical creature rising above the lotus. Resonates a lot with my Buddhist background with its own twist.

Untitled (Dream of Venus) – 1939 by Salvador Dalí

I feel slightly sad when I look at this picture. Makes me question the purpose of life.

Under the Wave off Kanagawa – 1830 by Katsushika Hokusai

Super iconic picture associated with Japan with Mount Fuji in the background. Went to Japan this year and missed it already. Check out my Japan post 🙂

Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room

Personally have never been to a trading room before and was pleasantly surprise to get a chance to see what it looked like in the past at this museum!

Overall I would say if you are staying in downtown Chicago it is worth a visit to both. If to prioritize, I would say that the art institute of Chicago is slightly higher on my list but will require more time especially for those who are more interested in the art. The “bean” could be somewhat overrated but it could be a quick in and out and I would recommend to go at night!

Here are some other pictures of downtown Chicago!