Chicago has a diverse array of exhibits, galleries and museums that are sure to impress even the biggest art enthusiasts. Whether you're in the mood to admire world-class collections at the Art Institute or looking to immerse yourself in the latest cutting-edge digital art at Lighthouse ArtSpace, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some of the top museums and galleries in Chicago’s Gold Coast and surrounding neighborhoods.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Located in the heart of the city's Loop, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world's largest and most comprehensive art museums. Its collection includes more than 300,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces. Visitors can explore the museum's galleries, which include exhibits of European paintings, American art, modern and contemporary art, and much more. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works from around the world.
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
The Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-visit for anyone interested in modern and contemporary art. Located just outside of the Gold Coast, this museum boasts a collection of more than 2,500 works by artists from around the world. Its galleries feature a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and performance art.
Richard Gray Gallery
875 N Michigan Ave, Ste 3800. Chicago, IL
Founded in 1963, the Richard Gray Gallery is one of Chicago's oldest and most respected art galleries. The gallery specializes in modern and contemporary art, with a focus on works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning. Its stunning 18,000 square-foot space in the Gold Coast features rotating exhibitions of works by both established and emerging artists.
Zolla/Lieberman Gallery
325 W Huron St #1e, Chicago, IL
The Zolla/Lieberman Gallery is a contemporary art space showcasing a diverse range of work by both emerging talents and established masters. The gallery's exhibitions often focus on themes such as social justice, environmentalism, and identity, making it a thought-provoking destination for visitors interested in art that challenges the status quo.
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
40 E Erie St, Chicago, IL
Housed in the former mansion of Chicago banker Samuel Mayo Nickerson, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum is dedicated to the decorative arts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum features a stunning collection of Gilded Age furnishings, decorative arts, and architectural elements, as well as rotating exhibitions that showcase the work of contemporary artists and designers.
Lighthouse ArtSpace
108 W Germania Pl, Chicago, IL
Lighthouse ArtSpace is a digital art museum located just outside of the Gold Coast in Old Town. This museum features different themed, immersive, and interactive exhibits that offer stunning visual and sensory experiences. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibitions, which include works by artists from around the world, and even create their own digital art using the museum's interactive tools.
Museum of Contemporary Photography
600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
This museum is dedicated to the medium of photography and its evolving role in contemporary art and culture. Its exhibitions feature works by established and emerging photographers, covering a broad range of themes and genres, from documentary photography to conceptual art.
The City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower
806 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Located in one of Chicago's most iconic landmarks, the City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower is a small but dynamic exhibition space dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists and photographers. The gallery's rotating exhibitions cover a broad range of themes and mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and video.
Chicago Design Museum
72 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL
The Chicago Design Museum promotes the understanding and appreciation of design as a profession and a force for positive change in society. Its exhibitions cover a broad range of topics and mediums, from graphic design and product design to architecture and urban planning. The museum also hosts a variety of workshops, lectures, and events throughout the year.
Carl Hammer Gallery
740 N Wells St, Chicago, IL
Founded in 1979, the Carl Hammer Gallery features outsider, self-taught, and visionary art. The gallery's exhibitions showcase works by artists who have had little or no formal artistic training but possess a powerful and distinctive vision that sets them apart from the mainstream art world.
Catherine Edelman Gallery
1637 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
A leading contemporary photography gallery in Chicago, the Catherine Edelman Gallery features works by both emerging and established photographers from around the world. Browsing this gallery, you will see a wide range of styles and themes, from documentary photography to conceptual art.
Summary
These are just a few of the many museums and galleries that make the Gold Coast and its surrounding neighborhoods such vibrant and exciting cultural destinations. Whether you're interested in photography, design or contemporary art, there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy in these dynamic Chicago areas.
