The Main entrance to the Chicago Art Institute is at 111 Michigan Avenue. The 260,000 square-foot Modern Wing, located around the corner, opened May 16, 2009. One can enter the entire Museum from either entrance.
The Modern Wing was awarded Silver LEED certification on April 20, 2010.
The Insitute's press release on that date (
visit link) included the follwing information:
"The LEED Silver certification was based on a number of green design and construction issues,
including: the double-skin envelope or façade of the building, which creates a climate-controlled
cavity that efficiently regulates temperatures and humidity levels in the galleries; a hybrid VAV
ventilation system; the building’s reduced use of water; the innovative light filtration system that
incorporates Piano’s signature “flying carpet” and that makes it possible to use safe natural light to
illuminate the galleries; construction waste management; the building’s system for collecting and
storing recyclables; green housekeeping practices; and low-emitting materials.
The Art Institute of Chicago was an early leader in the field of energy conservation, having
installed, nearly twenty years ago, what was then the largest solar array in the Midwest on the
roof of its Daniel L. and Ada F. Rice Building. Thus sustainability was an important component of
the Modern Wing since the earliest stages of its design. Approximately $19 million of the total
project cost of $294 million was devoted to the creation and implementation of energy efficient
and renewable features."