EXPLORE CHICAGO THROUGH ITS RENOWNED PUBLIC ART COLLECTION

04-30-2008

 

New Public Art Tours Visit Sculptures, Murals, Statues and Monuments In Neighborhoods Throughout the City

 

Four new Public Art Tours are being launched this summer to highlight Chicago’s renowned collection of sculptures, murals, paintings and other artwork located in neighborhoods throughout the city. Led by a Chicago Public Art Program staff member, the tours explore the role that public art plays in enhancing each community. Tours visit a broad range of work representing a variety of styles, time periods, media, and subject matter, with many pieces created by Chicago artists.

 

From contemporary sculpture and mosaics to statues and monuments, the work featured on the tours illustrates why Chicago is considered a free “open-air” museum of art. Three tours cover the south, west, and north areas of the city and include work exhibited in public spaces such as transit stations, parks, libraries, senior centers, and police and fire stations.

 

The fourth tour, in celebration of the Terra Foundation for American Art initiative, the American Art American City tour, examines Chicago’s rich legacy of primarily pre -1980 American public art and its patronage. Participants view work in the Loop, South and West Loop, Hyde Park, and Near North areas to learn about its historical and contemporary contexts.

 

“Like its architecture, Chicago’s public art collection is world-class,” said Dorothy Coyle, Director, Chicago Office of Tourism. “These new tours invite visitors and residents to discover the city’s wonderful public art treasures located downtown and throughout the neighborhoods.”

 

Chicago Public Art Tours are offered through Chicago Neighborhood Tours, half-day bus excursions that highlight the history, traditions, and people of Chicago’s diverse communities. Chicago Public Art Tours are on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout the summer. Highlights of artwork on each tour are attached.

 

June 4, July 30 

Public Art in Communities – South                                                   

 

June 18, August 13

Public Art in Communities – West                                                   

 

July 2, August 27        

Public Art in Communities – North                                       

 

July 16 

American Art America City Public Art Tour                                                  

 

All tours depart by motorcoach from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street at Michigan Avenue, at 10 a.m. (check-in at 9:30 a.m.) and return at 1 p.m. Tours include several stops and some walking. Each tour is $20 and includes a copy of The Chicago Public Art Guide. Group rates are available. Reservations are strongly recommended as tours commonly sell out. For more information or reservations, call 312.742.1190 or visit [Back to Press Releases Main]