If you’re looking for a quiet afternoon to check out something amazing to wind down your Summertime Chicago antics, I have just the place for you to go – The Art Institute of Chicago which is housing a special exhibit dedicated to impressionist Paul Cezanne. You need to hurry! Cezanne at The Art Institute of Chicago closes on September 5!

About Cezanne at The Art Institute of Chicago

Cezanne is the first major retrospective of Paul Cezanne’s work in the United States in more than 25 years, and the first exhibition on Cezanne organized by the Art Institute of Chicago in more than 70 years. On view at the Art Institute of Chicago from May 15 through September 5, the exhibit explores Cezanne’s work across media and genres with 80 oil paintings, 40 watercolors and drawings, and two complete sketchbooks.

Planned in coordination with Tate Modern, the ambitious project explores Cezanne’s work across media and genres with 80 oil paintings, 40 watercolors and drawings, and two complete sketchbooks. This outstanding array encompasses the range of Cezanne’s signature subjects and series—little-known early allegorical paintings, Impressionist landscapes, paintings of Montagne Sainte Victoire, portraits, and bather scenes—and includes both well-known works and rarely seen compositions from public and private collections in North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

Lil Miss – who’s not so little any longer, and I had the chance to take a private tour of The Art Institute of Chicago to get one of the first glimpses of this amazing exhibit. The museum is so beautiful when it’s empty. I know that the employees don’t necessarily think so, but we felt so important being the only folks there to take the beauty of Cezzane in for ourselves.

As part of her homeschool curriculum choices, Lil’ Miss has been focused on the arts. Fiber, drawing, and painting, so this field trip for just her was right up her alley. Watching her take in the paintings made my heart happy.

Now, for the details – tickets to The Art Institute must be purchased before your visit. The museum is open Thursday from 11 am – 8 pm and Friday through Monday from 11 am – 5 pm. Museum members can enjoy entering the museum at 10 am on open days – one hour before it opens to the public.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $19 for seniors, students, and teens 14 and up. Discounted rates are available for Illinois and Chicago residents as well. Children 13 and under are free.

If you’ve gone or plan on going, share your experience in the comments below!