Essential Guide

The Essential Guide presents the diverse holdings of the Art Institute’s collections. Featuring more than three hundred objects, it provides a journey through time—from ancient Egypt until the present day—and across the globe. Beautifully illustrated with short texts about each work, the publication includes beloved icons such as Georges Seurat’s Sunday on La Grande Jatte—1884 and Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, as well as exciting recent acquisitions like a Teotihuacan shell mask, Marcel Duchamp’s readymade Bottle Rack, and Thomas Hart Benton’s Cotton Pickers. Read about objects currently on view in the galleries as well as exquisite textiles and works on paper that, because of the fragility of their materials, are less frequently shown. Use it as a guide to the museum or a souvenir of your visit Four distinctive covers— one great book! Choose your favorite cover image by Katsushika Hokusai, Archibald Motley, Georgia O’Keeffe, or Georges Seurat.

352 pages with 335 illustrations

Softcover: 6" X 9" X 1"