Art Institute of Chicago Announces Holiday Schedule of Events

The Art Institute of Chicago heralds the start of the holiday season by offering visitors from near and far extraordinary new additions to the museum, art-filled events and programs, music, miniatures, mistletoe, and more. Sponsored by Bank of America, the festivities begin with the museum's 24th annual Wreathing of the Lions on November 27, 2014 and continue through Wednesday, January 3.

"Bank of America is proud to sponsor "Home for the Holidays" which includes the traditional 'Wreathing of the Lions' as part of the Art Institute of Chicago's Gifts to the City," said Tim Maloney, Illinois president, Bank of America. "Our partnership with organizations such as the Art Institute of Chicago is a way for us to bring people together to celebrate great Chicago institutions as well as seasonal traditions."

Douglas Druick, President and Eloise W. Martin Director of the Art Institute of Chicago shares, "Because the Art Institute of Chicago is home to 5,000 years of art that celebrates and illuminates the human spirit, we are doing everything possible to make our visitors feel at home here, during the holiday season. We look forward to welcoming Chicagoans and our visitors from all around the world to our wonderful line-up of holiday events." This season, the Art Institute offers joy, inspiration, creativity, and contemplation-one-of-a-kind experiences for all ages.

For the fourth year, the Art Institute will be showcasing its "Gifts to the City"-a selection of the year's acquisitions and loans that continue to build the museum's collection for residents of and visitors to Chicago. Of particular note is the unveiling of The New Contemporary, a collection of 44 masterpieces from the Edlis-Neeson collection. The "Gifts to the City" will be featured in a special tour that includes a scavenger hunt for the family, complete with a prize from the Museum Shop.

Continuing the Art Institute's newest annual tradition, the spectacular mid-18th-century Neapolitan crèche will return to Gallery 209 . The crèche, one of very few outside of Naples, is an intricate Nativity scene that reflects the vitality and artisanship that the city is still known for. The Art Institute's crèche features over 200 figures-including no less than 50 animals and 41 items of food and drink-all staged in a spectacular Baroque cabinet with a painted backdrop. This year will also include a performance by members of the Lyric Opera of Chicago's Ryan Opera Center, playing music inspired by the Neapolitan crèche

The season begins with a roar at the 24th Annual Wreathing of the Lions, a cherished Chicago tradition, on November 27, 2014. Immense evergreen wreaths will adorn the necks of the majestic lion statues that stand guard at the entrance to the Art Institute. Wreathing festivities commence at 10:00 a.m. and will include a live performance by Funkadesi, complimentary hot chocolate, and an appearance by the Art Institute's mascot, Artie the Lion . The first 50 people in line after the event will receive free admission to the museum at 10:30 a.m. After exploring the galleries, families can visit the Ryan Education Center, where they can create wreaths of their own.

Another decorating tradition is back with 12 Thorne Miniature Rooms dressed in holiday finery! Members will have a chance to go Behind-the-Scenes this year with Lindsay Mican Morgan, keeper of the Thorne Rooms, as she decorates them for the holidays.

With a full roster of joyous performances, enlightening gallery tours, and engaging activities for young visitors, the Art Institute is the place to spend the holidays with friends and family. Children under 14 always receive free admission to the Art Institute.

More Art Institute holiday events this season:
Visit the Art Institute's website at www.artic.edu for the latest information.

• Steal a kiss from your sweetheart or snap a picture with your family under the Great Mistletoe Ball on the Woman's Board Grand Staircase.

• Listen to the sounds of the season performed by Chicagoland high school choirs, December 7 through 11. All performances will be held at noon at the festively decorated Woman's Board Grand Staircase. Free with museum admission.

• Hear from members of the Lyric Opera of Chicago's Ryan Opera Center as they perform on December 9 at 6:00 p.m.in Fullerton Hall to celebrate the return of the Neapolitan crèche. The event is free for members and $10 for nonmembers.

• Celebrate the story of Christmas through paintings, etchings, and illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages and beyond in The Christmas Story in Art lecture, December 10 at 12:00 p.m. in Fullerton Hall. Free with museum admission.

• Go on an expedition to learn about the museum's artworks, and collect stickers and stamps, followed by a tea party that includes live entertainment and refreshments at the wildly popular 34th Annual Treasure Hunt and Tea Party on December 13 at 10:45 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 1:30 p.m. Call (877) 307-4242 or visit www.artic.edu/treasurehunt to purchase tickets.

• Gather the whole crew and construct an edible dream home with the Build Your Own Gingerbread House workshop in the Stock Exchange Trading Room, December 12, 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. The cost is $70 per family of four; $55 per Art Institute member with a family of four. Gingerbread kits, frosting, and decorating candy are included. Additional kits and discounted dining vouchers for the Museum Café will be available for purchase. Tax and gratuity not included. Please call (312) 553-9675 for reservations or register online.

• Masterpiece of the Day returns this holiday season where visitors can learn more about the fine works in the collection. Each day at noon from December 21 through 31, take a 30-minute guided gallery tour that focuses on a different jewel in the Art Institute's collection. These engaging, brief talks give viewers the chance to learn more about their favorite works-and the objects that make the Art Institute's collection world-renowned.

• Family Programs for the holidays include workshops and gallery walks on Saturdays and Sundays in December. The popular Holly Days program begins Sunday, December 27, and continues through Wednesday, December 30. Holly Days includes a variety of activities daily from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Ryan Education Center. Create a diorama of your family's favorite holiday traditions; visit our Neapolitan crèche and holiday-decorated Thorne Rooms for inspiration.

• Find unique, inspired gifts this holiday season. Art Institute gift memberships are available in both the Michigan Avenue and the Modern Wing entrance lobbies. Or stop by the Museum Shop or the Modern Shop and find a wide array of gifts, including jewelry, home décor, clothing, stationery, gift books, and much more. Then, after enjoying art, entertainment, and shopping at the Art Institute, take a break at Terzo Piano in the Modern Wing or at the Museum Café, located in the lower level of the Rubloff Building.