Art institute of Chicago

 art institute of chicago

 art institute of chicago

 art institute of chicago

 art institute of chicago

The current building of the Art Institute of Chicago is the institute’s third and was completed in 1893 in time with the World Columbian Exhibition. The grand Beaux-Art building was designed by experts from a Boston architectural firm and has become one of the most photographed façade in the windy city. Perhaps, other than the priceless art treasures, the Art Institute of Chicago is famous for the two bronze lion statues that are seemingly guiding the building’s entrance. Designed and created by Edward Kemeys, these bronze statues actually have unofficial names: the south lion is dubbed as “stands in an attitude of defiance” while the north lion is described as “on the prowl.” Interestingly, every time a Chicago sports team competes in the championships of their respective league such as the NBA or the Super Bowl, the lions are dressed in the team’s uniform. They are also made to wear evergreen wreaths on their necks during Yuletide.