Monet and Chicago at the Art Institute of Chicago
Sept. 5, 2020 – Jan. 18, 2021
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The Art Institute of Chicago has long been home to the largest collection of work by Claude Monet outside of Paris. Beginning this September, that collection will nearly double in size with the opening of a new special exhibit — Monet and Chicago.
Spanning more than 70 pieces, Monet and Chicago features some of the Impressionist’s most famous paintings, alongside sketches and drawings that reveal the craft behind the legendary artist’s works.
Monet and Chicago will be the first exhibit to trace the artist’s connection to the city, a place that was an early champion of the founding father of the Impressionist movement.
Claude Monet. Water Lily Pond, 1900. The Art Institute of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Larned Coburn Memorial Collection.
Monet’s introduction to Chicago came in 1888, when he presented his work in a local gallery alongside his peers. In 1895, the Art Institute hosted Monet’s first solo show in the U.S. Shortly after, it became the first American museum to purchase one of his paintings.
The temporary exhibition also offers an opportunity to view Monet’s paintings in a new light. Recent advancements in research and scientific analysis provide visitors a deeper insight into how Monet created some of the most revered works of art of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Along with the 33 paintings and 13 drawings in the Art Institute’s own collection, the exhibit will also feature some of Monet’s more rarely seen pieces, such as seascapes, still lifes, and landscapes. The featured art will span Monet’s entire career, from his famous water lilies to his most early caricatures.
Claude Monet. Arrival of the Normandy Train, Gare Saint-Lazare, 1877. The Art Institute of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson Collection.
Monet and Chicago opens its doors for member previews Sept. 3 – 4, and welcomes the public Sept. 5 – Jan. 18, 2021.
Access to the exhibit requires a $7 ticket on top of general admission. The exhibition will have a virtual line to enable physical distancing while waiting to enter and limit the number of people in the galleries at any given point.
Visitors to the Art Institute must wear a face mask, purchase tickets in advance online, and maintain six feet of social distance from others while exploring the museum.
Learn more about the Art Institute safety measures and plan your visit.
Monet-inspired events and specials around Chicago:
Hotel packages
- Uniquely Chicago Monet Experience Package at Best Western River North Hotel: This package is inspired by Chicago’s love for the Impressionist artist. It includes items unique to Chicago — like the city’s signature pizza — along with tickets to Monet and Chicago at the Art Institute.
- The Artist and the Master Package at Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park: Located just across from Millennium Park, the Fairmont Chicago offers a special package including a suite upgrade and $50 food and beverage credit
- Impressions of Chicago Package at Kimpton Gray: The Impressions of Chicago package includes two tickets to Monet and Chicago and two Monet-inspired cocktails from Boleo.
- The Art of Monet in Chicago at The Langham, Chicago: Enjoy an art-filled weekend getaway at The Langham, just a 15-minute walk to the Art Institute. This package includes two VIP tickets to the museum and admission to Monet and Chicago.
- Monet in Chicago Package at The Whitehall Hotel: This package of getaway essentials includes two tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago and Monet and Chicago, plus overnight parking.
Events and exhibits
- The Flowers of Monet at Garfield Park Conservatory: Inspired by Monet’s most famous paintings, the free Garfield Park Conservatory will bring his works to life with a variety of blooms, including a living wall inspired by the Water Lilies series. The exhibit will run from Sept. 5 – Nov. 30.
Claude Monet. Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer), 1890:91. The Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Arthur M. Wood, Sr. in memory of Pauline Palmer Wood.
Monet-inspired drinks and dishes
- Monet-themed cocktails at Travelle at The Langham: Sip on a new series of Claude Monet-inspired cocktails at the elegant Travelle at The Langham. The mixologist-crafted drinks are inspired by some of the artist’s most iconic works, including Arrival of the Normandy Train, Water Lily Pond, and Stacks of Wheat.
- Monet-inspired cocktails at Boleo: This rooftop bar at the Kimpton Gray hotel in the Loop has created cocktails featuring clashing flavors to showcase Monet’s mastery of color while still staying true to Boleo’s South & central American flavors.
- Impressions cocktail at Geja’s Cafe: Try Geja’s new specialty cocktail, Impressions, inspired by Monet’s Water Lilies.
- Monet Tea Collection at TeaGschwendner: Enjoy TeaGschwendner’s three specialty teas inspired by the paintings of Claude Monet: Earl Grey Lavender, Marani Green, and Fruit Paradise, all available at TeaGschwendner’s Gold Coast and Lakeview locations.
- Monet Truffle Collection at Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland: Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland is offering Monet-inspired truffle collections in champagne, lavender, and rose. Show your Monet exhibition ticket to receive a complimentary truffle when you visit the store.
- Monet at Giverny at The Gage: The Gage presents the specialty cocktail Monet at Giverny, featuring Glendalough Wild Rose Gin, Lillet Blanc, caraway, citrus cordial, and peach bitters.
Discounts
- Grant Park Bistro: Show your Monet and Chicago exhibit ticket for 15% off your meal.
- Land & Lake Kitchen: Show your Monet and Chicago exhibit ticket for 15% off your meal.
- Russian Tea Time: Show your Monet and Chicago exhibit ticket for 15% off your meal.
