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Chicago, otherwise known as the 'Windy City', is ranked only behind New York and Los Angeles in size, and is a vast and vibrant metropolis. It has a population of approximately 2.9 million, all of which contribute to the constant buzz and almost electric atmosphere. There is so much to see and do in this wonderful city, and to make the most of it, you should make a detailed plan in advance if possible. Inventor of the Twinkies and house music, Chicago's spirit and vibe is one of unlikely improvisations and fabulous discoveries. The unmistakable 19th century skyscrapers dominate the city's skyline. One of its many fantastic characteristics is the utter friendliness that the locals show to tourists and other visitors. It makes a refreshing change from other large impersonal concrete jungles. The only possible exception to this warmth is the honking taxi drivers. The city's more adventuresome impulses are kept in check by the cheerful, hard-working and slightly conservative natives, giving it a wonderful and unique blend. The Chicagoans love to, and indeed know how to party. One of the best times to visit is when the myriad of city-sponsored music and food festivals transform the lakefront Grant Park into a boogying, carousing mass of humanity. June, September and October tend to be the most popular months. The summer months tend to be very warm and humid, so be prepared. Although these months tend to be thronged with visitors, there is more than enough activity, entertainment, sightseeing and just about every visitor attraction imaginable to cater for everyone, all year round. Wherever your particular tastes and interests lie, Chicago won't let you down. From pubbing and clubbing, to monuments and museums, to fabulous theatres and dance venues, to some of the world's finest restaurants, it's all here. Art Institute of Chicago Located at 11 S Michigan Avenue, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world's premier museums, with the kind of celebrity collection that amazes patrons. Some of the works on show include Grant Wood's American Gothic, George Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon, the legendary Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Edward Hooper's lonely Nighthawks. Many of the works that live in the institute have become part and parcel of our culture, through spoofs in movies, cartoons and advertising. The outstanding collection of impressionist and postimpressionist paintings is bettered only by the French collections. The surrealist works, notably Joseph Cornell's pieces, are also fantastic, and prove extremely popular. The galleries boast African and ancient American art, ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, architecture, Chinese, Japanese and Korean art from five thousand years back, European decorative art starting from the 12th century, European sculpture and painting from 1400 to 1800, photography, prints and drawings, furniture, textiles and 20th century sculpture and paintings. This museum really does deserve your undivided attention, and it would be a travesty if when visiting Chicago, you didn't pay a visit. It opens from 10:30am to 4:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:30am to 8pm on Tuesday and 10:30am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Facilities are excellent, and include a good café and restaurant. |