Picasso influenced Chicago despite never having actually visited-the Midwestern city was first to feature his pieces in its art galleries, where the artist first gained notoriety.
In 1913, an Armory Show at the Art Institute of Chicago included his works, and created a stir of interest for his work. Picasso also held his first solo exhibit in Chicago. With a history like this, it's easy to see how Picasso could be felt at every corner of the Midwestern city.
Here are three places Fodors suggests you'll find Picasso in Chicago-they might not be where you expect.
Here's one place you know you'll find him for sure: an art exhibit. Running through May 12, the Art Institute of Chicago will hold "Picasso and Chicago," celebrating the 100 year-anniversary of when the white-haired artist first featured his work in America. Pieces featured include, "The Old Guitarist," "The Weeping Woman," "The Red Armchair," and "Mother and Child."
"Picasso and Chicago not only charts the full gamut of Picasso's artistic career but also chronicles the growth of Chicago as a place for modern art, and the storied moments of overlap that have contributed to the vibrant interest in Picasso from 1913 to today," the Art Institute's site reads.
In A Picasso-Themed Hotel Package
Art-themed Hotels have increased in popularity lately-see: this article about art hotels in Philadelphia-and, knowing this, owners of the swanky Hotels Palomar, Burnham and Blackstone Renaissance have created Picasso packages that includes two VIP tickets to the art exhibit and breakfast for two guests at the hotel's Sable Kitchen & Bar. They've got plans to make being an art fan worth it.
The Chicago Picasso, located in Daley Plaza, stands 50-feet tall and weighs over 160 tons. Commissioned in 1963 by architects of the Richard J. Daley Center, the enormous sculpture was a visual echo of the cultural changes going on during the 1960s making the piece a sociological wonder, not only just a work of art done by one of the most famous Spanish artists.
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