David & Alfred Smart Museum Of Art

A Chicago Gem

Strongly suggest if you are visiting Chicago to add this wonderful gem to your itinerary.
Speaking from the perspective of a person who has enjoyed European art/ museum
focused tours. Located in lovely Hyde Park on the University of Chicago Campus.
 I have visited twice in the last month and enjoyed  several exciting new works the second tour. Great collection.
Lighting is really the only issue there. Very poor in some areas.
  Nice espresso station and relaxing cafe sitting area.
 Staffed by students the 'guards' can be a tad overambitious and distracting at times.
My January visit was a tad troublemsome when a very educated friend I took along pulled out
a pocket camera and snapped a few shots before I could stop him. He was reprimanded by a student guard. Guess I am marked now because I on my second visit my  well behaved second friend and I were followed at close clip and watched. I was ill that weekend and needed to leve fast near the exit. while my two friend were almost out. Dizzy and with a swirling stomach I doubted I could make it to the restroom and sat near a large piece of art on the edge of the stairs. A large flat stone surface. I was concentrating on recovering my balance when one of the guards.RAN up to me and in an urgent tone reprimanded me for sitting there.  It is a very inviting place to lean along the stairs there. Who knew!.I left that moment and made it to the street where I became ill.
 Looks like I won't be enjoying that museum for awhile unless I wear a disguise but I urge others too. Don't get  near the art, don't say a word, behave as if you were in a high security area and you'll do fine.