Art Institute of Chicago - Modern Wing - Fast Facts

Modern Wing Overview:

When the Art Institute of Chicago unveiled its new Modern Wing in May 2009, their modern art collection received a striking architectural home befitting of its world-class reputation. The city also saw the transformation of one of its most popular outdoor spaces, Millennium Park, and it witnessed the arrival of a "flying carpet" roofline to its architectural landscape.

Related: 10 Great Things to See in the Modern Wing

The expansion, the largest in the museum's history, also renovated a bit of Millennium Park by connecting the park to the museum via a new pedestrian bridge. It is hoped that this structural connection will foster an unprecedented flow between the two civic favorites.

Modern Wing - Opening Date:

The official opening to the public was on May 16, 2009.

Art Institute of Chicago Schedule of Free Days

Modern Wing - Architect:

Renzo Piano, of the firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop, designed the new wing. The interior design and reconfiguration was realized in conjunction with the architectural firms Vinci Hamp and wHY.

Extended Modern Wing Project Credits

More About Renzo Piano:

• Renzo Piano Statement on the Modern Wing
• Renzo Piano Profile
• Renzo Piano Gallery of Projects & Buildings

Modern Wing - Overview of Layout:

First Floor:

• Entrance from Monroe Street
• Visitor Services (admissions, coat room, member info center)
• Photography and Electronic Media Collections & Galleries
• Special Exhibit Galleries
• Education Space (gallery space, studios, classrooms)
• Museum Shop

Second Floor:

• Contemporary Art and Architecture & Design Galleries

Third Floor:

• European painting and sculpture since approximately 1900 (including works by Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky, Brancusi, and Giacometti)
• Sculpture Terrace
• Restaurant
• Entrance via the Nichols Bridgeway (from Millennium Park)

Modern Wing - Key Features:

• "Flying carpet" Roofline
• Nichols Bridgeway will connect the museum and Millennium Park. More About the Nichols Bridgeway | More About Millennium Park
• The Terzo Piano Restaurant led by chef Tony Mantuano
• The Balcony Cafe and coffee bar
• A sculpture terrace called the Bluhm Family Terrace with view of Millennium Park.
• The Ryan Educational Center, which includes The Kids Shop
• The Modern Wing Shop
• The Crown Family Educator Resource Center

Modern Wing - Building Materials:

Glass, steel, and Indiana limestone.

• The Indiana limestone, used on the wing's east and west facades, matches the materials used in the museum's original building, and it was sourced from the same quarry.
• The north side entrance facade is constructed with a "window-wall system of double glass intersected by steel mullions," according to the museum.
• Within the flying carpet roofline, the white, extruding sunscreen uses cantilevered blades to shade and reflect sunlight into the galleries. Photovoltaic cells within the window shades will help control light and conserve energy.

Modern Wing - Location, Hours, Admission :

The Modern Wing sits at the Art Institute of Chicago's northeast end. It is bounded by Monroe Street on the north and Columbus to the east.

Learn more about the location, hours, admission and more at

The Art Institute of Chicago - Fast Facts

Modern Wing - By the Numbers:

• Size: 264,000 square feet. This represents a 35% increase in total museum gallery space and an increase to the educational space of 100%.
• Cost: $300 million
• Groundbreaking Date: May 31, 2005
• Nichols Bridgeway Groundbreaking Date: September 20, 2007