Architectural Observations: A New Perspective from The Art Institute of Chicago

Memorial Day Monday gave me a perfect first opportunity to visit the recently opened Modern Wing of The Art Institute of Chicago. How lucky are Chicagoans to live in a city with a rich civic awareness supported by its citizens who share that vision and benevolently contributed to the contribution of this new wing.

As incredible as is Renzo Piano’s design, the ability he has afforded all visitors to this masterpiece of contemporary museums so is the view from the galleries that face north in capturing a vision of architecture that spans from Michigan Avenue to the Lakefront. It is filled with gems such as One and Two Prudential Plaza, The Aon Center, the Smurfit-Stone Building all serving as a backdrop to Millennium Park and Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Perhaps this is the final surprise that is not mentioned in the museum guide but certainly is the grandest “architectural gallery” of modern architecture to be found anywhere on the globe.

For this reason, people will continue to be drawn to live in Chicago and work in these architectural masterpieces. The future of commercial real estate in Chicago lies within the walls of these buildings as job creation will result in re-stimulation of Chicago’s real estate economy.

Hopefully, some members of the Olympic selection committee will see this spectacular “architectural gallery” and understand why this culturally diverse, world class city deserves their nod of approval in October.