The Art Institute of Chicago

The entire back section of the Art Institute’s gift shop is nothing but jewelry: an international compilation of worldwide imports and wearable art. Beneath the glass counter, choose between trinkets made from kimono fabric, paper-mâché, precious gems, recycled birch bark and patina bronze. If you’re on a cheaper budget, above the counter are hand-blown glass pendants, amber earrings and pop-art bangles. The varied selection reflects the museum’s multiplicity: necklaces can be reproductions of everything from African fertility dolls to Salvador Dali’s “Daddy Longlegs of the Evening.” 

111 S. Michigan
(312)443-3600
artic.edu

Audience choice
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago
(312)280-2660

Best of Chicago 2008