The new wing of the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago has opened its' new modern wing. Designed by Renzo Piano, the $300 million, limestone-and-glass structure adds 264,000 sq. ft. to the existing 1893 beaux arts building, increasing gallery space by 35 percent and doubling education space.

"Renzo Piano is renowned for elegant galleries that defer to their contents. He has quietly become the most prolific designer of art museums around the globe-signaling a decisive shift in taste among museum patrons from the bold to the more decorous."

You can read a great article on the new wing of the Art Institute of Chicago and on Renzo Piano's architecture in the summer 2009 issue of ARTFORUM Magazine.

http://artforum.com/inprint/