Chicago isn't all sunshine and mild weather as I have been enjoying the past few days. We have days where the clouds don't go away and the rain (or snow) seems to be an endless drizzle. These days could make the toughest person just want to stay in their bed. I say we fight back! Chicago has some of the greatest indoor activities in the world. From world class art to an indoor oasis and an never ending parade of live entertainment, there is something to do on sunny and cloudy days in the city.
One of the greatest indoor activities is the Art Institute of Chicago. This expansive museum has grown over the years, but it is set to open it's newest wing this weekend. The Modern Wing, designed by famed architect Renzo Piano, will add 264,000 sqft of space to the Art Institute, adding nearly 30 percent more space to the facilities. This weekend is free! go stand in line and see it, I plan on stopping by myself to gawk at the art and the new building. What makes this an exciting addition is that it departs from traditional art museum structures in that it is drenched in glass allowing patrons to enjoy art in natural light as well as taking advantage of some spectacular views of the City of Chicago and Lake Michigan.
Traditionally art museums have become these caves of collections, forbidding any natural light into their spaces for fear of ruining artwork. UV Rays are not friendly to art over time and to prevent any of this, architects have created solid fortresses banning any light at all entering the building save for some small spaces here and there. Piano solves this problem by creating a "flying carpet" structure seperate and floating above the glass box that now houses the modern collection of the Art Institute. This structure will shield direct rays of light from entering the building, thus protecting the millions upon millions of dollars of collectable art from being damaged.
I am excited to see this new wing, it will be a great departure from the traditional museum approach in that I wont feel like I am exiting a casino after an all night bender at the blackjack tables, squinting my eyes at the light, even on a cloudy day. I look forward to experiencing this new addition myself, and catching other parts of the museum that I have yet to get to.
Other rainy day activities:
Catch the new Oceanarium at Shedd Aquarium! Reopening May 23, the Oceanarium at Shedd is an amazing collection of dolphins, penguins, sea otters and beluga whales overlooking Lake Michigan. There is also an amazing collection of water creatures from around the world.
Head to the Field Museum. In their timely fashion, the Field Museum is showcasing Pirates right now...
One of the most popular museums in Chicago is the Science and Industry Museum I enjoy this building because it is the ONLY structure left from the 1893 Columbian Exposition, the great planning and design experiment that jumpstarted the City Beautiful Movement in the United States. Highlights to this museum include the only German U boat captured during WWII and the Coal Mine.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago is a great collection. The Building is tucked behind the Water Tower on the Mag Mile, one of the oldest structures in the City of Chicago that survived the Great Chicago Fire.
It's Wednesday today, so all of the shows in the Theater District are having Matinees. Visit Broadway in Chicago to get your tickets!
Lots to do, lots to choose from, lots to enjoy on days that are rainy and aren't the best for enjoying the outdoor Chicago. So even if you don't live in the city and happen to be visiting and it's raining, you now know there is a wealth of experiences out there that dont involve walking the streets and seeing the sights... just have to make it from your hotel to the cab to the entry of any of the indoor activities I have listed.
Enjoy today!
With you,
C
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