Page 50 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Chicago

48  CHIC A GO AREA B Y AREA

9 The Art Institute of Chicago

The extensive collections at the Art Institute of Chicago
represent nearly 5,000 years of human creativity through
paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs, cultural
objects, and decorative artifacts from around the world.
The museum was founded by civic leaders and art
collectors in 1879 as the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, Kartikeya sculpture,
changing its name to The Art Institute of Chicago in 1882. 12th century
Outgrowing two homes as wealthy patrons donated This gray granite sculpture of
collections, it finally settled in a Neo-Classical structure Kartikeya, Ganesha’s brother, is
built for the 1893 World’s Fair. The Modern Wing devoted to the Hindu God of War.
modern and contemporary art, designed by Renzo Piano,
opened in 2009, increasing gallery space by one third.

Key
American Art McKinlock
Eastern & Islamic Art Court
Architecture & Design First floor
Modern Art 1900–1950
African Art
Greek, Roman & Byzantine Art
Photography
Indian Art of the Americas
Prints and Drawings
Contemporary Art after 1945
European Art before 1900

Indra Statue (16th century)
Originating from Kathmandu
Valley, this gilded bronze statue McKinlock
is a fine example of Nepalese Court
handicraft. Indra, the Hindu
god of warriors and thunder,
was said to ride Airavat,
a four-tusked
white elephant.
Traditionally,
followers of Indra
would honor him
by sacrificing
animals. Lower level

Main Entrance

048-049_EW_Chicago.indd 48 13/07/16 2:59 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm