Dispatches from the Backporch: Chicago: Day 5

Headed out on the L toward the University of Chicago campus first thing in the morning. I was getting a little worried as we went through some "questionable" areas as we got close to our stop. When we got off, I was even more concerned. Where was Google Maps taking us?!? The area was almost abandoned and very run down, but we continued on through Washington Park and made it to the U of C campus. We immediately noticed the variety of architecture on the campus, and we explored on our way to Wright's Robie House. The architectural styles are so extremely different, and the juxtaposition of Gothic to Modern to Classical creates surprise around every corner. You never know what to expect. We checked out a Meis van der Rohe building and then we stopped at the Law School, designed by Ben's favorite architect, Eero Saarinen. This was a gorgeous building, and we snooped around the whole thing, making sure to see the whole place.
After our walk around campus, we enjoyed the tour of the Robie House, although it was not as extensive as the home and studio from the day before. The house is still under renovation, but still, it is another beautiful Wright designed home. The stained glass was really beautiful and let in so much natural light to the main living area. Rafael Viñoly's Booth School of Business building was a nice compliment across the street from the Robie House as well. The large patio spaces mimicked the linear style of Wright. After our tour, we had a quick lunch at the cafeteria inside of Booth, and we made our way back through the park to the L.
We decided to stop at the Illinois Institute of Technology campus. The entire campus was practically designed by Meis van der Rohe. Another great stop!

We stopped at Millennium Park to see the Bean. This is a really cool, public art installation, and the public's interaction with it proves it. We enjoyed taking some silly pictures like everyone else.

Back to the hotel to freshen up, have drinks, and then it was off to an early dinner at EATT before heading out to Lincoln Park. We went to Lincoln Hall to see the Old 97s. It was a fun show, and we had a great time.

Only one day left :(