Timeline
14:59
Arrive at the Art Institute of Chicago before the late afternoon rush. Spend the next hour and a half soaking in the iconic collections, including "American Gothic" and "Nighthawks," while the natural light is still good for photography inside the galleries.
15:59
Step outside to the Chicago Stock Exchange Arch. At this time, the low winter sun casts long shadows across the historic archway, providing a striking photo opportunity against the museum facade.
16:44
Stay at the arch to watch the sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW, aligning perfectly with the view from the Art Institute's east-facing entrance, bathing the architecture in warm golden light.
17:14
Walk two minutes to Russian Tea Time for dinner. The inventive Russian menu and elegant atmosphere make it a perfect spot to warm up after the cold evening air. Ask to be seated in the front section if possible.
18:14
End the night at Buddy Guy's Legends, a 12-minute walk away. This famous blues club offers a Cajun/soul food menu and frequent big-name acts, providing a vibrant end to an evening of art and architecture.
Local tip
The Art Institute is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. On January 15th, the sun sets at 16:44, so arriving early ensures you see the building in daylight before the sunset moment.
Check before you go
- The Art Institute of Chicago is open 10:30AM-5PM (Thu to 8PM).
- Russian Tea Time is open Mo-Th and Su 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-24:00.
- Buddy Guy's Legends is open Mo-Tu 17:00-02:00; We-Fr 11:00-02:00; Sa 12:00-03:00; Su 12:00-02:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Chicago (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).