
βLife moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss itβ – Ferris Bueller

A spot on quote from one of my favorite movies! Ferris inspired me while I was visiting Chicago this year. In the movie he and his friends spent a memorable day bouncing around all the famous Chicago landmarks. Although I was visiting Chicago solo, I was there doing the same. Typically I do not visit art museums as I am admirer of architecture over paintings, so I had not planned on visiting The Art Institute of Chicago. I had just over an hour to spare, which was a rarity, and decided to pop in to the museum. I had a fast pass ticket thanks to previously buying the Chicago City Pass so I did not feel I was wasting any additional money by breezing through the museum.
As I perused the museum map I decided that due to my time limit I would hit up the spots that would be most important to me: architecture, the medieval exhibit, the Chinese, Japanese and Korean art exhibit and a quick walk through some of the famous the paintings.




I first found the architecture exhibit, which held several cast iron plates from the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, who Wright had worked for early in his careerΒ in Chicago. There was also a small collection of Wright’s art glass as well, which is what I appreciate most about Wright’s work. His homes may have a lot of details but his art glass details can put the homes to shame.

I moved on to the medieval exhibit where I found a presentation of several suits of armor as well as swords and jousting sticks. I am fascinated by armor. Β Perhaps it’s the mystery of who is behind the mask or one too many knight in shining armor stories from my childhood. Either way I am intrigued by armor and much like architecture, I enjoy the details of the armor.

I stopped in next at the Chinese, Japanese and Korean exhibits. There was lots to see here but of course I gravitated to what I know best… dogs. He looks like a good watch dog right? This Mastiff tomb figure dates back to AD 25-220 from the Eastern Han dynasty.

My last exhibit was the paintings. I did not spend much time here other than to find the Warhol, because I am a fan of him and to catch a glimpse of a few of the famous ones. Although I am positive I missed a few as my time was short. I did wedge myself in for a photo of the A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, unlike Ferris and his crew, I was not able to stand and appreciate the painting for long as there were herds of people waiting in line to get a closer look.
I am glad I took the time to visit the museum but I would recommend spending a longer time than just over an hour, like I did. I know that I missed a lot just looking back at the visitor guide.
20 replies on “Tracking Ferris Bueller at The Art Institute of Chicago”
I love places like this – I would have gravitated towards the paintings, I think! One to keep in mind if I ever make it to Chicago π
They do have quite the collection of paintings. Hope you make it to Chicago to see them!
Love the Seurat painting and the Japanese dog especially! Sounds like a great place to visit! π
It was a great museum – and I wish I would have had more time to explore it.
Ferris Beuller was playing at the salon the other day…great post, Brittany!
Thank you! I haven’t watched Ferris Bueller in awhile – it might be time to pull out the o’DVD!
Sounds like a great day out in the windy city. I’d like me some that Wright glass in my house π Thanks for linking up with us for #SundayTraveler again.
I’d love some of the Wright art glass too!
I’ve always wanted to visit that museum, thanks for the tour. Hope you can also link up your post for this Mondays Travel Photo Mondays
Can do – thanks for the invite!
I love the art institute – in fact, as I was driving back from the airport the other day I saw signs and it reminded me that I haven’t been in almost a year. I think it’s time for another visit. Also, I love the Chasing Ferris Bueller title. Lol
Keep an eye out for Ferris’ crew on your visit π
I have yet to visit Chicago!! It looks like the art institute has a diverse collection, and I love art museums! Must be that art major background coming out. π
I hope you make it to Chicago – it’s amazing!
I’m a Ferris Bueller fan, too. That City Pass sounds like a good deal. Since you didn’t have to pay extra, just spending an hour at the Art Institute seems better than missing it entirely.
that is what I thought too! The City Pass was a great deal and saved me quite a bit of money and time – both things I love to save on!
Lots to do and learn there. I’ve only been in Chicago once, and the activities available were positively dizzying!
Please come link up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2014/09/shell-game-linky.html
Chicago does have a lot of fun things to do!
I like visiting museums, but I think you need to really limit your time or else you can get totally sucked in and keep wandering for hours. Paintings is where you can find me! And I love Warhol too. Have you been to his museum in Pittsburgh? So awesome!
I have been to the Warhol museum in Pittsburgh – LOVE!