The Top 10 Things to Do

#1 Hear from Artists on Cezanne

On July 21, Rodney McMillian and Julia Fish join Cezanne co-curator Caitlin Haskell, Gary C. and Frances Comer Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, to discuss the exhibition, Cezanne’s art-making practice, and the continuing resonance of his work—among artists in particular.

#2 Look Up
Nancy Rubins's colorful, gravity-defying accumulations of children’s equipment from playgrounds and amusement parks take icons of summer recreation and literally upend them. Check out her installation on the Bluhm Family Terrace, featuring two works from the series "My Friend Fluid Metal," and let your imagination soar. (Photo by Erich Koyama)
#3 Open Your Mind
On July 9 at 2:00, hear from designer Jonathan Muecke, Art Institute curator Irene Sunwoo, and Zoë Ryan of the Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania, as they discuss his "open objects"—curious, enigmatic, but also familiar—featured in the exhibition "Jonathan Muecke: Objects in Sculpture," on view May 26–October 10.
#4 Explore Stories in Art
As part of Chicago Public Library's 2022 Summer Learning Challenge, "City of Stories" (June 27–August 14), kids 13 and under can pick up an activity guide at their local CPL branch and discover tales told by three special objects in the Art Institute's collection: an Acoma vessel, a contemporary work by artist Delores Juanito, and Paul Cezanne's "The Plate of Apples."

An iPad painting of the edge of a pond. A lily pad sits in the water while the grasses and ferns at the water's edge reflect in the water.

#5 Experience Hockney’s Garden

Hear from associate curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Robyn Farrell as she discusses David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020—featuring 116 works the artist created on his iPad of his own four-acre garden in France—and stop by the exhibition in Gallery 289.

Photograph looking down at the top of a small table set on cracked concrete, a large tray of watercolor paints, painting supplies, and various small paintings on top of it

#6 Make Some Art of Your Own

Drop in for Saturday Studio between 12:00 and 2:00 on selected Saturdays and channel your inner Cezanne by painting en plein air—or create a unique self-portrait in text inspired by the works of Mel Bochner. For more art-making fun this summer, stop by the Artist’s Studio from 11:00 to 3:00 on selected days.

#7 Shop and Save
Swing by the museum's shops, in person or online, for new Cezanne-inspired products—and don't forget Member Double Discount Days, June 18, July 16, and August 20.
#8 Take in a Chicago Waterfall
Relax in the Andо̄ Gallery among Senju's "Waterfall," a pair of folding screens painted in a stream of fluorescent pigment and acrylic that evoke the force and motion of falling water. But hurry! These works are only on view through Sunday, June 26.
#9 Gather Outdoors
Soak up some sun or bask in the shade the next time you're nearby. The museum's gardens are yours to enjoy all summer long.

#10 Examine Identity

Join arts educator and cultural worker Onyx Montes June 24, July 22, or August 5, and explore the ways artists of color reflect on themes of identity through their work, challenging notions of what a portrait can be.