Best of 20 Art galleries in Chicago
Chicago is a vibrant city that offers a rich cultural experience, and its art galleries are no exception. Art galleries in Chicago showcase a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, from contemporary installations to traditional paintings. These galleries not only provide a space for artists to display their work but also serve as hubs for artistic exchange and exploration. Whether you're a seasoned art collector or simply an admirer, a visit to one of Chicago's art galleries is a must-do experience. From River North's bustling gallery district to the emerging art scene in Pilsen, Art galleries in Chicago cater to all tastes and preferences, making it a fantastic destination for art enthusiasts.
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- 1. The Art Institute of Chicago
- 2. The Renaissance Society
- 3. Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
- 4. The Glass Gallery - L H Selman Ltd
- 5. Museum of Contemporary Photography
- 6. The Arts Club of Chicago
- 7. Lillstreet Art Center
- 8. Design Museum of Chicago
- 9. National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
- 10. Hyde Park Art Center
- 11. Wrightwood 659
- 12. Smart Museum of Art
- 13. National Museum of Mexican Art
- 14. WNDR Museum
- 15. The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- 16. Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
- 17. Kavi Gupta Gallery | Washington Blvd
- 18. South Side Community Art Center
- 19. DePaul Art Museum
- 20. Heritage Museum of Asian Art
1. The Art Institute of Chicago
Houses famous American art pieces
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The Institute is home to an extensive and awe-inspiring collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. This collection includes works from some of the most renowned artists in these artistic movements, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
America's top-tier museums include The Institute, which offers a variety of incredible collections that are easy to navigate. The European paintings, in particular, have received high praise for their quality and depth. As a result, The Institute is recognized as one of the best museums in the country, providing visitors with a unique and enriching cultural experience.
The Institute is home to an extensive and awe-inspiring collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. This collection includes works from some of the most renowned artists in these artistic movements, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
America's top-tier museums include The Institute, which offers a variety of incredible collections that are easy to navigate. The European paintings, in particular, have received high praise for their quality and depth. As a result, The Institute is recognized as one of the best museums in the country, providing visitors with a unique and enriching cultural experience.
2. The Renaissance Society
September 19 at 6 p.m. Expect to see: Dawoud Bey (pictured), Solveig Øvstebø, Peter Wächtler Live it up with food, music and dance in celebration of the boundary-pushing contemporary art museum. $100 ($25 for artists and students). Wright, 1440 W. Hubbard St. renaissancesociety.org Photo: Allison Ziemba
3. Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
Highly acclaimed and internationally recognized
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The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago is a place where art and audiences connect, allowing visitors to experience and contemplate the significance of contemporary art and culture. I was fortunate to visit this establishment recently, as I wanted to see the Murakami exhibit before it closed.
Takashi Murakami is a renowned Japanese artist known for his distinctive, vibrant art style that blends traditional Japanese motifs with contemporary aesthetics. The MCA exhibit showcased a comprehensive collection of Murakami's work, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, highlighting the breadth and depth of his creative vision. By visiting this exhibit, I was able to appreciate Murakami's unique artistic style and better understand his cultural influence.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago is a place where art and audiences connect, allowing visitors to experience and contemplate the significance of contemporary art and culture. I was fortunate to visit this establishment recently, as I wanted to see the Murakami exhibit before it closed.
Takashi Murakami is a renowned Japanese artist known for his distinctive, vibrant art style that blends traditional Japanese motifs with contemporary aesthetics. The MCA exhibit showcased a comprehensive collection of Murakami's work, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, highlighting the breadth and depth of his creative vision. By visiting this exhibit, I was able to appreciate Murakami's unique artistic style and better understand his cultural influence.
4. The Glass Gallery - L H Selman Ltd
5. Museum of Contemporary Photography
Highlighting social and political issues through powerful images
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The Museum of Contemporary Photography is a hidden gem in the city, offering visitors an alternative to the tourist traps and shopping on Michigan Ave. The exhibits are interesting and provide a unique experience, especially when there aren't too many people around to interrupt the flow of viewing the displays placed in major walkways and stairways.
As a photographer, I found the museum to be a nice break from the usual activities, and I was glad I visited. However, I felt a bit underwhelmed by the exhibits that were on display during my visit. Nonetheless, the museum is free and offers the opportunity to view some contemporary photography that might be more compelling than what I encountered. The museum's offerings may vary at different times, so it is worth visiting again to see if there are more interesting exhibits in the future.
The Museum of Contemporary Photography is a hidden gem in the city, offering visitors an alternative to the tourist traps and shopping on Michigan Ave. The exhibits are interesting and provide a unique experience, especially when there aren't too many people around to interrupt the flow of viewing the displays placed in major walkways and stairways.
As a photographer, I found the museum to be a nice break from the usual activities, and I was glad I visited. However, I felt a bit underwhelmed by the exhibits that were on display during my visit. Nonetheless, the museum is free and offers the opportunity to view some contemporary photography that might be more compelling than what I encountered. The museum's offerings may vary at different times, so it is worth visiting again to see if there are more interesting exhibits in the future.
6. The Arts Club of Chicago
Rich in cultural heritage and contemporary art scene.
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The Arts Club of Chicago is a must-visit destination for any art enthusiast. This hidden gem in Chicago features a fantastic collection of modern art and frequently hosts intriguing exhibitions. The gallery showcases a unique blend of contemporary and classic art, providing a fascinating experience for all visitors.
The Arts Club's gallery space is well-curated, offering a great atmosphere for art lovers. The museum's modern art collection is particularly impressive, with pieces by well-known artists as well as up-and-coming talent. In addition to its permanent collection, the Arts Club frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, providing a fresh and dynamic experience for visitors.
The Arts Club of Chicago is a must-visit destination for any art enthusiast. This hidden gem in Chicago features a fantastic collection of modern art and frequently hosts intriguing exhibitions. The gallery showcases a unique blend of contemporary and classic art, providing a fascinating experience for all visitors.
The Arts Club's gallery space is well-curated, offering a great atmosphere for art lovers. The museum's modern art collection is particularly impressive, with pieces by well-known artists as well as up-and-coming talent. In addition to its permanent collection, the Arts Club frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, providing a fresh and dynamic experience for visitors.
7. Lillstreet Art Center
Community-focused art center
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A friend and I were looking for a silkscreening class, and we found a affordable one that lasts for 5 weeks, meeting for 3 hours per session. The class emphasizes students' creativity and allows them to use the materials and space during open studio hours. I have enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere and the teacher's helpfulness during my time in the class, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning silkscreening basics. The place also offers many other classes, such as sculpture, pottery, jewelry making, painting, drawing, knitting, sewing, and textiles. Additionally, they have studio spaces for rent and a gallery.
It was delightful to discover a place that offers artistic opportunities for people of all ages, including young children. During a visit to the center, I saw that they offer summer workshops for children as young as 3 years old. Pursuing creative hobbies, such as ceramics, can assist in the development of a well-rounded personality for young children, making this center a great resource for families.
A friend and I were looking for a silkscreening class, and we found a affordable one that lasts for 5 weeks, meeting for 3 hours per session. The class emphasizes students' creativity and allows them to use the materials and space during open studio hours. I have enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere and the teacher's helpfulness during my time in the class, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning silkscreening basics. The place also offers many other classes, such as sculpture, pottery, jewelry making, painting, drawing, knitting, sewing, and textiles. Additionally, they have studio spaces for rent and a gallery.
It was delightful to discover a place that offers artistic opportunities for people of all ages, including young children. During a visit to the center, I saw that they offer summer workshops for children as young as 3 years old. Pursuing creative hobbies, such as ceramics, can assist in the development of a well-rounded personality for young children, making this center a great resource for families.
8. Design Museum of Chicago
Located in the historic EXPO '72 building
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The Design Museum of Chicago is home to a variety of engaging art galleries that regularly feature new and exciting exhibits. Visitors to the museum can enjoy a constantly changing array of artwork and design, making it a great place to return to again and again.
Art lovers will appreciate the fresh and intriguing exhibitions at the Design Museum of Chicago. With a constant rotation of installations, the museum offers a diverse range of artistic styles and perspectives that are sure to inspire and delight.
The Design Museum of Chicago is home to a variety of engaging art galleries that regularly feature new and exciting exhibits. Visitors to the museum can enjoy a constantly changing array of artwork and design, making it a great place to return to again and again.
Art lovers will appreciate the fresh and intriguing exhibitions at the Design Museum of Chicago. With a constant rotation of installations, the museum offers a diverse range of artistic styles and perspectives that are sure to inspire and delight.
9. National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
Rich cultural history and community engagement
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Exhibits at a venue are often engaging and informative, and this visit was no exception. The docent leading the tour was incredibly knowledgeable and added depth to the experience. One particular area that stood out was the second floor, where the art on display was specific to programs created in Puerto Rico by Puerto Ricans. This collection highlighted the unique culture and perspective of the region, with works inspired by local traditions and issues.
The second floor art was particularly noteworthy because it showcased programs developed in Puerto Rico by Puerto Ricans to inspire and educate the community. The pieces were specific to the region and reflected the culture and traditions of the area. The docent's insights and knowledge added depth to the experience, making it possible to fully appreciate the significance of the art. Overall, the second floor was a highlight of the visit, with its focus on local art and programs.
Exhibits at a venue are often engaging and informative, and this visit was no exception. The docent leading the tour was incredibly knowledgeable and added depth to the experience. One particular area that stood out was the second floor, where the art on display was specific to programs created in Puerto Rico by Puerto Ricans. This collection highlighted the unique culture and perspective of the region, with works inspired by local traditions and issues.
The second floor art was particularly noteworthy because it showcased programs developed in Puerto Rico by Puerto Ricans to inspire and educate the community. The pieces were specific to the region and reflected the culture and traditions of the area. The docent's insights and knowledge added depth to the experience, making it possible to fully appreciate the significance of the art. Overall, the second floor was a highlight of the visit, with its focus on local art and programs.
10. Hyde Park Art Center
Active role in fostering local artists' careers
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The Hyde Park Art Center is a versatile and dynamic institution that serves as a contemporary art gallery, learning center, community resource, and social hub for art enthusiasts and professionals. It has recently relocated to a new building in Hyde Park, designed by local architect Douglas Garofalo. This new location, once a printing plant, now boasts the largest exterior digital facade on its east wall along Cornell Avenue. This unique feature allows experimental artists, such as Inigo Manglano-Ovalle, to use the building as a canvas for their artistic expressions.
The Hyde Park Art Center offers a variety of programs and resources for the community, including classes and workshops for all ages, exhibitions, and artist residencies. The digital facade on the building's east wall provides a platform for experimental artists to showcase their work and push the boundaries of their creative practice. The integration of art and technology in this way is a testament to the center's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in the arts. The Hyde Park Art Center's new home is not just a building, but a living, breathing hub for the art community in Hyde Park.
The Hyde Park Art Center is a versatile and dynamic institution that serves as a contemporary art gallery, learning center, community resource, and social hub for art enthusiasts and professionals. It has recently relocated to a new building in Hyde Park, designed by local architect Douglas Garofalo. This new location, once a printing plant, now boasts the largest exterior digital facade on its east wall along Cornell Avenue. This unique feature allows experimental artists, such as Inigo Manglano-Ovalle, to use the building as a canvas for their artistic expressions.
The Hyde Park Art Center offers a variety of programs and resources for the community, including classes and workshops for all ages, exhibitions, and artist residencies. The digital facade on the building's east wall provides a platform for experimental artists to showcase their work and push the boundaries of their creative practice. The integration of art and technology in this way is a testament to the center's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in the arts. The Hyde Park Art Center's new home is not just a building, but a living, breathing hub for the art community in Hyde Park.
11. Wrightwood 659
John H. Buck Company's former tower reimagined as a contemporary art hub
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Wrightwood 659 is a unique art gallery located in Chicago, known for its integration of historic architecture and contemporary art. Tadao Ando, a renowned Japanese architect, designed the building, which features a combination of concrete, steel, and glass, creating a visually stunning space. The gallery hosts socially engaging art exhibitions that encourage visitors to think critically and engage in important conversations.
Wrightwood 659 is a hidden gem in Chicago, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind art experience. The architecture alone is worth the visit, with its combination of raw materials and sleek design creating a modern and welcoming atmosphere. The art exhibitions showcased at Wrightwood 659 are always thought-provoking and well-curated, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers in Chicago.
Wrightwood 659 is a unique art gallery located in Chicago, known for its integration of historic architecture and contemporary art. Tadao Ando, a renowned Japanese architect, designed the building, which features a combination of concrete, steel, and glass, creating a visually stunning space. The gallery hosts socially engaging art exhibitions that encourage visitors to think critically and engage in important conversations.
Wrightwood 659 is a hidden gem in Chicago, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind art experience. The architecture alone is worth the visit, with its combination of raw materials and sleek design creating a modern and welcoming atmosphere. The art exhibitions showcased at Wrightwood 659 are always thought-provoking and well-curated, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers in Chicago.
12. Smart Museum of Art
Interactive and educational exhibits
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The Smart Museum of Art in Chicago is known for its impressive art galleries and ever-changing exhibitions. This museum is a true gem, offering a wide range of diverse exhibits that are sure to interest any visitor. One of the best things about the Smart Museum is that admission is free, making it an affordable and accessible option for art lovers.
The Smart Museum of Art's curation is top-notch, guaranteeing a memorable experience for every visitor. Its collections are always being updated, ensuring that there is always something new to see and explore. The museum's commitment to offering free admission means that everyone can enjoy the beauty and creativity of its exhibits, making it a truly inclusive and welcoming space.
The Smart Museum of Art in Chicago is known for its impressive art galleries and ever-changing exhibitions. This museum is a true gem, offering a wide range of diverse exhibits that are sure to interest any visitor. One of the best things about the Smart Museum is that admission is free, making it an affordable and accessible option for art lovers.
The Smart Museum of Art's curation is top-notch, guaranteeing a memorable experience for every visitor. Its collections are always being updated, ensuring that there is always something new to see and explore. The museum's commitment to offering free admission means that everyone can enjoy the beauty and creativity of its exhibits, making it a truly inclusive and welcoming space.
13. National Museum of Mexican Art
Showcases Mexican culture in a vibrant and inclusive way
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The National Museum of Mexican Art, located in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, is a small but fascinating cultural institution. Its collection spans a wide range of media and styles, from pre-Columbian artifacts to modern photography, with a particular emphasis on folk art and block prints. The art on display is both beautiful and thought-provoking, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich and diverse history of Mexican culture.
The museum is situated in a primarily Mexican neighborhood, making it a natural stop for anyone interested in exploring the area's vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or simply looking to learn more about Mexican heritage, the National Museum of Mexican Art is a must-see destination. With its engaging and informative exhibits, it's easy to see why this hidden gem is such a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The National Museum of Mexican Art, located in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, is a small but fascinating cultural institution. Its collection spans a wide range of media and styles, from pre-Columbian artifacts to modern photography, with a particular emphasis on folk art and block prints. The art on display is both beautiful and thought-provoking, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich and diverse history of Mexican culture.
The museum is situated in a primarily Mexican neighborhood, making it a natural stop for anyone interested in exploring the area's vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or simply looking to learn more about Mexican heritage, the National Museum of Mexican Art is a must-see destination. With its engaging and informative exhibits, it's easy to see why this hidden gem is such a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
14. WNDR Museum
Known for its interactive and experiential exhibits, WNDR Museum features work from local, national, and international artists.
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WNDR Museum is a place where guests are taken on a unique, multi-dimensional journey as they interact with various installations, serving as an extension of each creator. The museum offers a constantly changing experience, ensuring that no two visits are alike. It is an interactive space that showcases art and technology in a multi-sensory way, designed to engage visitors and encourage them to participate in the creation of art.
The overarching message of WNDR Museum is that everyone is an artist. The museum challenges the traditional notion of visitors being passive onlookers, instead encouraging them to actively engage with the art and technology on display. Any action taken by visitors in the museum is considered art, making the museum a space where everyone can express themselves creatively.
WNDR Museum is a place where guests are taken on a unique, multi-dimensional journey as they interact with various installations, serving as an extension of each creator. The museum offers a constantly changing experience, ensuring that no two visits are alike. It is an interactive space that showcases art and technology in a multi-sensory way, designed to engage visitors and encourage them to participate in the creation of art.
The overarching message of WNDR Museum is that everyone is an artist. The museum challenges the traditional notion of visitors being passive onlookers, instead encouraging them to actively engage with the art and technology on display. Any action taken by visitors in the museum is considered art, making the museum a space where everyone can express themselves creatively.
15. The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Houses the impressive Gilded Age mansion of Chicago
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The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is a hidden gem in Chicago, showcasing a mix of decorative arts and fine art from the Gilded Age in a meticulously restored historic home. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, architecture, or design from the late 19th and early 20th century.
The art galleries are a highlight of the museum, featuring a wide range of works from the Gilded Age. Visitors can expect to see beautifully curated collections of decorative arts, paintings, and sculptures that provide a unique glimpse into the past. The museum's focus on this time period offers insight into the opulence and elegance of the Gilded Age, making it a fascinating destination for art and history enthusiasts alike.
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is a hidden gem in Chicago, showcasing a mix of decorative arts and fine art from the Gilded Age in a meticulously restored historic home. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, architecture, or design from the late 19th and early 20th century.
The art galleries are a highlight of the museum, featuring a wide range of works from the Gilded Age. Visitors can expect to see beautifully curated collections of decorative arts, paintings, and sculptures that provide a unique glimpse into the past. The museum's focus on this time period offers insight into the opulence and elegance of the Gilded Age, making it a fascinating destination for art and history enthusiasts alike.
16. Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
Houses a significant collection of religious art
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The gallery at Loyola University features a notable collection of medieval, Renaissance, and baroque art with a distinct Catholic focus. This religious emphasis is particularly evident on the top floor, which showcases an excellent array of religious art and artifacts.
Loyola University's gallery houses a significant collection of medieval, Renaissance, and baroque art that primarily reflects Catholic themes. Among its various offerings, the top floor is dedicated to religious pieces, providing visitors with a compelling experience of artistic and religious history.
The gallery at Loyola University features a notable collection of medieval, Renaissance, and baroque art with a distinct Catholic focus. This religious emphasis is particularly evident on the top floor, which showcases an excellent array of religious art and artifacts.
Loyola University's gallery houses a significant collection of medieval, Renaissance, and baroque art that primarily reflects Catholic themes. Among its various offerings, the top floor is dedicated to religious pieces, providing visitors with a compelling experience of artistic and religious history.
17. Kavi Gupta Gallery | Washington Blvd
18. South Side Community Art Center
Chicago's oldest African-American owned and operated arts facility
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The South Side Community Art Center is a significant landmark and an essential visit for art enthusiasts. Established for over eight decades, the gallery displays impressive works of fine art, making it a cultural icon in the community. The art center is known for its unwavering support of African American artists, providing a platform for their work and showcasing their talent.
As a gathering space, the South Side Community Art Center serves not only artists but the broader South Side community. For eighty years, it has been a place where people can come together to appreciate and create art. The center's commitment to the community extends beyond the gallery, as it has been a vital resource for arts education and community programming for decades.
The South Side Community Art Center is a significant landmark and an essential visit for art enthusiasts. Established for over eight decades, the gallery displays impressive works of fine art, making it a cultural icon in the community. The art center is known for its unwavering support of African American artists, providing a platform for their work and showcasing their talent.
As a gathering space, the South Side Community Art Center serves not only artists but the broader South Side community. For eighty years, it has been a place where people can come together to appreciate and create art. The center's commitment to the community extends beyond the gallery, as it has been a vital resource for arts education and community programming for decades.
19. DePaul Art Museum
Emphasizes contemporary art from underrepresented artists
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The DePaul Art Museum, located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, is a highly respected institution known for its support of local artists. The museum features the work of Chicago-based artists at different stages of their careers, making it an important contributor to the city's art community.
The museum's permanent collection includes artwork from 20th-century Midwest painters, as well as photography, showcasing a variety of artistic styles. However, the museum's offerings go beyond these focuses, with exhibits that cover a wide range of artistic tastes, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The DePaul Art Museum, located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, is a highly respected institution known for its support of local artists. The museum features the work of Chicago-based artists at different stages of their careers, making it an important contributor to the city's art community.
The museum's permanent collection includes artwork from 20th-century Midwest painters, as well as photography, showcasing a variety of artistic styles. However, the museum's offerings go beyond these focuses, with exhibits that cover a wide range of artistic tastes, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
20. Heritage Museum of Asian Art
Houses one of the largest Asian art collections in the Midwest
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The Heritage Museum of Asian Art has recently reopened in a modern and bright space, showcasing a vast range of Asian art forms. The collection is truly impressive, with an amazing assortment of Han funerary pottery and an entire room dedicated to Ming Dynasty art. Visitors will be captivated by the intricate dragons and a striking life-size sculpture.
The museum's collection spans many cultures and time periods of Asia, featuring archaic and modern jades, Neolithic pottery, imperial porcelains, Chinese snuff bottles, scholar's objects, textiles, bronzes, and more. Classical Chinese furniture can also be found adorning the galleries, adding to the overall beauty and richness of the museum's collection.
The Heritage Museum of Asian Art has recently reopened in a modern and bright space, showcasing a vast range of Asian art forms. The collection is truly impressive, with an amazing assortment of Han funerary pottery and an entire room dedicated to Ming Dynasty art. Visitors will be captivated by the intricate dragons and a striking life-size sculpture.
The museum's collection spans many cultures and time periods of Asia, featuring archaic and modern jades, Neolithic pottery, imperial porcelains, Chinese snuff bottles, scholar's objects, textiles, bronzes, and more. Classical Chinese furniture can also be found adorning the galleries, adding to the overall beauty and richness of the museum's collection.