Despite the fact that I love Renzo Piano, this is his first work I have ever experienced personally. There are some elements which I really enjoyed about The Modern Wing, but my biggest gripe with this space is that its not actually that great for viewing the art itself. Perhaps this is a result of the curation of the art, but I think that the 2nd level of exhibition space- especially the room with the Rothkos- was hurting pretty badly.
I hear that the Terzo Piano, the cafe and restaurant on the top floor, is really something. I didn’t get a chance to enjoy it but from a quick glace I can see why it would be a great place to sit for a coffee.
In the old modern section, I used to sit on a bench and contemplate one of the magnificent Rothkos. In this new Modern Wing, I think I would instead find a bench and contemplate the great view of Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion.
Despite the fact that I was left wanting the space to be something more that what it was, still, it was subtle and refined and trademark Piano. I couldn’t not share it.
Website: NYTimes review
Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60603
ofallthespaces 