Where to View Vincent van Gogh’s Artworks in Chicago, Illinois

There is only one place in Chicago to view artworks by Vincent van Gogh, and that is the Art Institute of Chicago. However, the Art Institute of Chicago has one of the largest collections of Vincent van Gogh artworks in the United States.

The Art Institute of Chicago is located at 111 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603. It is easily accessible by public transportation, being close to Adams/Wabash and Monroe stations, with several bus routes close by.

The Bedroom, 1889

The Art Institute of Chicago’ Vincent van Gogh Collection  

The Art Institute of Chicago has an impressive collection of Vincent van Gogh's works, including paintings and drawings. In total they have 18 artworks in their collection, of which during 2023, 9 were on display.

These works include:

  • Weeping Women, 1883: This painting depicts two women sitting and weeping. It showcases Van Gogh’s early style and emotional expression.

  • Avenue of Pollard Birches and Poplars, 1884: This artwork features a rural scene with a road lined by pollard birch and poplar trees. It reflects Van Gogh’s interest in depicting the countryside.

  • The Carrot Puller, 1885: This painting portrays a woman pulling carrots from the ground. It is a study of rural life and labor.

  • Peasant Woman Digging in Front of Her Cottage, 1885: This artwork shows a peasant woman digging in front of her cottage. It captures the daily life and work of rural peasants. On Display

  • Montmartre, Paris, 1886: This painting showcases the Montmartre district of Paris during the fall season. It captures the bustling atmosphere of the city.

  • Terrace and Observation Deck at the Moulin de Blute-Fin, Monmartre, 1887: This artwork depicts a terrace and observation deck at a famous windmill in Montmartre. It showcases Van Gogh’s interest in urban scenes. On Display

  • Fishing in Spring, Paris: Spring, 1887: This painting shows people fishing on the banks of the River Seine in Paris during the spring season. It reflects Van Gogh’s fascination with capturing everyday life. On Display

  • Self-Portrait, Paris: 1887: This is a self-portrait of Van Gogh created during his time in Paris. It reflects his exploration of self-expression and experimentation with different styles. On Display

  • Apples, Pears, Lemons and Grapes, Paris, 1887: This still life painting features a composition of various fruits. It demonstrates Van Gogh’s use of vibrant colors and his interest in capturing the beauty of nature. On Display

  • Tetards (Pollards), 1888: This artwork portrays a group of pollard trees in a landscape. It showcases Van Gogh’s distinctive brushwork and use of bold colors.

  • Landscape at Arles, 1888: This painting captures the landscape of Arles in the south of France. It reflects Van Gogh’s fascination with the vibrant colors and light of the region.

  • Poet’s Garden, The, Arles, 1888: This artwork depicts a garden in Arles with flowers and trees. It reflects Van Gogh’s interest in capturing the beauty of nature. On Display

  • The Bedroom, 1889: This iconic painting portrays Van Gogh’s bedroom in the Yellow House in Arles. It is known for its vibrant colors and unique perspective. On Display

  • Madame Roulin Rocking the Cradle (La Berceuse), 1889: This artwork depicts Augustine Roulin, the wife of Van Gogh’s friend Joseph Roulin, rocking a cradle. It showcases Van Gogh’s ability to capture human subjects. On Display

  • Weeping Tree, 1889: This painting portrays a tree with its branches reaching out and bending downward. It reflects Van Gogh’s emotional and expressive style.

  • Portrait of Dr. Gachet, 1890: This famous portrait is of Dr. Paul Gachet, Van Gogh’s physician in Auvers-sur-Oise. It is known for its psychological depth and intensity.

  • The Drinkers, 1890: This artwork depicts a group of figures gathered around a table, engaged in drinking. It is an exploration of social interactions and the human condition. On Display

  • Cottages with a Woman Working in the Middle Ground, 1890:  This sketch depicts female workers in the field with a village in the background.

The Drinkers, 1890

Vincent van Gogh Exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago has celebrated Vincent van Gogh’s work in several exhibitions, including Van Gogh and Gauguin: The Studio of the South (2001–2002) and more recently in 2023, Van Gogh and the Avant-Garde: The Modern Landscape.

The exhibition Van Gogh and the Avant-Garde: The Modern Landscape is on display at The Art Institute of Chicago between 14th May and 4th September 2023.

The exhibition explores the creativity and innovative techniques developed by Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries during their time in the evolving suburbs of Paris. The exhibition showcases more than 75 paintings and drawings by Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Paul Signac, Emile Bernard, and Charles Angrand.

The exhibition features works from private collections, including 25 paintings by Van Gogh, such as all three triptychs executed in the suburbs. The exhibition sheds light on the boundary-pushing techniques developed by Van Gogh and his contemporaries.

More About the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and most renowned art museums in the United States. It was founded in 1879 and is associated with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC).

The Art Institute of Chicago is known for its extensive collection of artworks that span various periods and cultures, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, textiles, and decorative arts. Alongside the artworks by Van Gogh, the collection includes Grant Wood’s “American Gothic”, Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte”, and Pablo Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist”.

The museum also houses a comprehensive collection of African, American, Ancient, Asian, European, and Modern art, spanning several centuries. The museum also holds the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artwork outside of Europe.

In addition to the famous works, there are many lesser-known but still noteworthy artworks on display at the museum. Here are some of them:

  • The Old Man’s Cloth: a textile from Nigeria made by the Yoruba people.

  • The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya: a Tibetan Buddhist shrine.

  • The Japanese Prints Collection: a collection of prints from the Edo period.

  • The Armor Collection: a collection of armor from around the world.

  • The Aztec Stone of the Five Suns: a stone sculpture from ancient Mexico

I hope you have found this blog post useful. I would love to hear your thoughts, please feel free to email me at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.

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