United States of America

Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, and it sits right in the middle of the city, flanking the south end of Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue.

The museum was founded in 1879, just eight years after the Great Chicago Fire, and moved into its current Beaux-Arts building in 1893, constructed for the World's Columbian Exposition. The building itself, with its iconic bronze lion statues guarding the entrance, has become one of Chicago's most photographed landmarks.

Inside, the collection spans 5,000 years and includes more than 300,000 works. Some of the most famous pieces in Western art live here: Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," Grant Wood's "American Gothic," and Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks." The Impressionist gallery is one of the finest outside of Paris.

One lesser-known fact: the entire building straddles active railroad tracks. If you're standing in certain galleries, trains are passing directly beneath your feet.

Picasso's "The Old Guitarist" has another secret. X-ray analysis revealed three hidden figures beneath the visible painting: a woman, a child, and a cow, painted over when Picasso reused the canvas during his Blue Period.

If you're on a Questo quest through Chicago's cultural mile, the Art Institute is a stop where you could spend five minutes or five hours and still feel like you missed something.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Buckingham Fountain

The Untitled Picasso

 The Miró's Chicago Sculpture

Wooden Alley

Children's Fountain

N Lincoln Park W

Chinatown Square Plaza

Chicago Historical Society

Second City Main Stage

Chinatown Gateway

Midwest Buddhist Temple

Farm in the Zoo

Hans Christian Andersen Monument

Grandmother's Garden

Oz Park

Wrigley Field

Metro Theater

The Riviera Theatre

Davis Theater, Chicago

Waters Garden

Berlin Wall Monument

The BP Pedestrian Bridge curves gracefully above Columbus Drive, serving as both functional infrastructure and sculptural artwork in the heart of Millennium Park. Designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this 925-foot-long stainless steel bridge connects Millennium Park to Maggie Daley Park with an arching form that echoes the movement of a sailboat catching wind. The bridge's sleek, modern aesthetic complements the surrounding architectural landmarks while maintaining its own distinct identity. Walking across the bridge offers stunning views in all directions: the park below, the Chicago River in the distance, and the glass towers of downtown Chicago towering overhead. At night, the bridge's lighting system transforms it into a glowing ribbon of light, creating magical views from both above and below. The engineering is equally impressive as the design; Calatrava's signature cable-stayed structure provides both support and visual drama. With Questo, you can discover how Chicago's public spaces weave together art, engineering, and urban design into an unforgettable walking experience.

<ul><li>Architectural Elegance: Designed with Gehry’s signature style, the bridge features a winding path and shiny metallic exterior that reflects the city’s skyline.</li><li>Acoustic Design: The bridge's design also serves to dampen the noise from the bustling Columbus Drive below, making the walk a peaceful experience.</li><li>Strategic Connectivity: It not only connects two major parts of Millennium Park but also offers views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, enhancing pedestrian access and enjoyment.</li></ul>

A Walk Through Art: BP Pedestrian Bridge

Eastside Chicago: The Art Heist Walking Tour & Escape Game

Walk the iconic BP Pedestrian Bridge in Millennium Park. Santiago Calatrava's 925-foot curved stainless steel masterpiece. Free to cross, stunning views day and night.

BP Pedestrian Bridge: Calatrava's Stunning 925-Foot Curved Span