Art and Architecture Chicago 7-25

 This the classic 'Wood' painting that I always love to see at the Chicago Institute of Art

 This is the view from in front of the museum... William was SO excited!!!

 Maybe you can see why better here.  It is the beginning of Route 66.  William loves maps, roads, etc.  And this is the CARS movie one.  William is slightly obsessed.  :)

 And this is the front of the museum.

 After we finished with the museum, we met up with two of my friends and went on an architecture tour.

 About a week earlier, the river was still too high for this boat to do this tour.

 Mary Jo.

 Christy (former co-worker and friend).  She flew in to see me.  And there was her work, as well...   :)

 Willis Tower (former Sears Tower) in a reflection.

 And from the south.

 At one time, the Merchandise Mart (on the left) was the largest in the world, and had its own zip code.

 The Hard Rock hotel helped save one of Burnham's buildings.  He was one of the 'fathers of architecture' of Chicago.  Chicago really upped the ante for large, upward buildings.  Burnham was also instrumental in the 'City of White,' the World's Fair of 1893.  He was the master architect of it.  I read "Devil in the White City" and it was very fascinating.  It juxtaposes a serial killer in Chicago and the building and running of the World's Fair.  Interesting.

And my favorite, the Wrigley building.  Loe that it's split.   So fun.

We had an excellent dinner and drinks with Christy and Mary Jo.  Old friends are the best!