Discover Chicago through its museums, architecture, and a major new chapter in contemporary art.

At the heart of this four-day journey is a full day at the Obama Presidential Center, home to one of the most ambitious contemporary art programs created for a presidential institution. Across its 19.3-acre campus, more than 28 commissioned works bring together an exceptional group of contemporary artists.

Encounter major site-specific commissions by Theaster Gates, Maya Lin, Julie Mehretu, Mark Bradford, Carrie Mae Weems, Jeffrey Gibson, Martin Puryear, Jenny Holzer, Kiki Smith, Rashid Johnson, and many others. The collection includes monumental sculpture, architectural-scale installations, murals, and immersive works. With Riva, explore how these commissions came to be, why these artists were selected, and how the works respond to the architecture, landscape, and ambitions of this remarkable new setting. It is a chance to experience the work at a scale and in a context fundamentally different from encountering it on a museum wall.

The trip also includes guided visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, offering an intimate way to experience two of the city’s essential collections. The journey also explores Chicago’s celebrated architectural legacy, from a visit to the beautifully preserved Driehaus Museum to a final architecture river cruise through the heart of the city.

A welcome reception and dinner and a farewell brunch aboard the architecture cruise offer time to relax, talk about the day’s experiences, and enjoy Chicago together.

Throughout the trip, Riva Blumenfeld draws connections among artists, movements, museums, architecture, and the city itself, bringing context and conversation to each visit.

Tour highlights include:

• A full day at the Obama Presidential Center, including its major site-specific contemporary art commissions.
• Guided visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
• A visit to the Driehaus Museum and a farewell Chicago architecture river cruise, a quintessential Chicago experience offering a striking view of the city and the architecture that made it famous.
• Three nights at a 4-star hotel in downtown Chicago.
• A welcome reception and dinner, two breakfasts, one lunch, and farewell brunch cruise.

Download the in-depth brochure. Register by January 2027.

Fees:

Starting from: $4,995

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