Art Institute of Chicago

Main Museum Store

Remodeling the Original Shop

The main existing museum shop had not been remodeled in almost 15 years and it was decided to undergo a substantial updating of this 6,000-square-foot sales area to coincide with the grand opening of the new Modern Wing. Sparks recommended opening the shop up to reduce the many broken sight lines created by walls and bulky floor fixtures that occupied the main aisle. The opening up of the shop has created a perception that it had been expanded which was not the case. Part of the enhancements included increasing the height and width of an opening between separate rooms to books, a structurally complicated undertaking in this 1890s World’s Columbian Exposition building. The renovation enhanced and restored ornamental plaster work, retained original high ceilings, and exposed more of the original windows to Chicago’s renowned Michigan Avenue.