Chicago located in the state of Illinois is the third most populous city of United States. It is a great place for vacation. Chicago is filled with numerous attractions, events, tours, adventure activities and other recreational activities. So, whether you are a business traveler or a pleasure traveler, you have lot to enjoy here.

Chicago is filled with numerous art schools, colleges and Art museums. Some of the art schools to explore at Chicago are Illinois Institute of Art, Harrington College of Design, ITT Technical Institute - School of Drafting and Design etc. These art schools are stepping stone for the students who would like to pursue their carrier in arts.

Best art schools in Chicago

http://www.artschools.com/cities/chicago-art-schools-colleges.html

There are plenty of places to explore in Chicago. The best of all is museums and art centers. Museum of Science & Industry, The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago History Museum, Dusable Museum of African American History, Loyola University Museum of Art, Swedish American Museum etc. are some of the worthy and attracting art museum that should not be missed while traveling Chicago.

Art museums in Chicago

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/events___special_events/special_events/tourism/Museum_Free_Days.html

Chicago museums offers stunning view and one should not miss the opportunity to visit them. There are numerous museums here, which can be explored at free of cost on certain days. Free admission days in Chicago museums are listed in most of the sites. You can also collect discount coupons for exploring museums in Chicago.

List of days to explore Chicago museums at free of cost

http://chicago.about.com/od/artsculture/a/ChicagoFreeDays.htm

When visiting Chicago, one should look for a Chicago hotel package that allows a visit to one of the Chicago art galleries. There are various modes of entertainment when in Chicago and visiting art galleries is one of them. For the connoisseurs of art, Chicago art galleries offer an array of exhibits that will leave them speechless with wonder and amazement.

There are hundreds of art galleries in Chicago. They house paintings and other art work of old masters and contemporary artists. Most of the art galleries in Chicago hold exhibitions from time to time and they exhibit some fine work of known and unknown artists. Lovers of paintings and other works of art can actually get to buy some of the finest works from artists not only from Chicago but from all over the country.

Chicago has always been rich in culture and heritage. This city in Illinois has been a haven for art lovers. As a result, art galleries have spawned in this city and they have come up all over Chicago. One of the best ways to spend time in Chicago is to visit some of the art galleries in the city and admire great pieces of art work.

There are various websites on the Internet that offer a comprehensive guide to the art galleries of Chicago. Some guided tours of the city also include some of the art galleries in their itinerary. When in Chicago, a visit to some of the art galleries is a great way to unwind and get refreshed.

List of recommended websites for finding information about Chicago art galleries:

- Hammer Carl Gallery-http://www.hammergallery.com

- Stephen Daiter Gallery-http://www.stephendaitergallery.com

- Habatat Galleries-http://www.habatat.com

- Museum of Contemporary Art-http://www.mcachicago.org

- Ann Nathan Gallery-http://www.annnathangallery.com

- Aldo Castillo Gallery Inc-http://www.artaldo.com

- Lillstreet Art Center-http://www.lillstreet.com

- NIU Art Gallery Chicago-http://www.niu.edu

- Nicole Gallery the Art-Haiti-http://www.nicolegallery.com

- The School of the Art Institute Chicago: The Betty Rymer Gallery-http://www.artic.edu

The art Institute of Chicago is a form of fine art museum situated in Chicago's Illinois Grant Park. It is at 111 South Michigan Avenue in the district of Chicago landmark historic Michigan Boulevard. While staying at one of the Chicago IL hotels, one would do with some treat by visiting this museum.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2824871-art_institute_of_chicago_the_chicago-i

1. Collections

Art Institute Of Chicago holds the highly recognized collections of Post-impressionist and impressionist art. It also has got elaborate American paintings. Other than the paintings, the institute exhibits other works which are, European, Asian and American furniture and architectural styles. In addition, there is a touch gallery for the visually impaired persons as well as American decorative arts galleries.

2. Building

The building was designed using the Beaux style so that it would take part in the World's Columbian exposition as a congress auxiliary building for the world. It has remarkable entrance features at both the western and eastern sides. On the Western entrance are two bronze lion statues that are dressed differently each time an event is taking place. For instance they are dressed in a certain Chicago's sports team uniform if that team makes playoffs.

3. Library

The library is highly recognized due to its broad array of art collections and architectural designs and especially in relation to the period between the 18th and 20th centuries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Institute_of_Chicago