The Art Institute holds one of the most impressive permanent collections in any American museum. The Impressionist and Post-Impressionist galleries are world-class -- Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte" is here, as is Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks." The medieval armor collection is a surprise favorite. The Modern Wing, added in 2009 and designed by Renzo Piano, doubles as an architectural statement.
The two bronze lions flanking the Michigan Avenue entrance have been Chicago landmarks since 1893. Plan for at least three hours. On the first Friday of the month, the Modern Wing hosts a social evening with live music and a cash bar.