After Dark at the Art Institute of Chicago: A Ferris Bueller Evening

November 14, 2010 | Chicago Street Fashion, Events, Parties

Marc Chagall’s America Windows

After Dark in the Modern Wing

To celebrate the return of Chagall’s America Windows exhibit, the Art Institute of Chicago hosted an incredible Ferris Bueller-themed party. The America Windows exhibit was placed in storage during the construction of the Modern Wing. The windows’ permanent exhibition space is a mere 65 feet from the Modern Wing. America Windows is made of extremely fragile stained glass. Each pane of glass is individually soldered into tiny leaden grooves. The curators didn’t want to risk having vibrations from the construction site weaken the piece. Plus, it gave the Art Institute a chance to restore and conserve the windows for years to come.

To watch a video about the conservation and reinstallation of Chicago’s most famous stained glass windows, click here.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Played on the Wall Above

The evening’s theme was the classic and beloved film, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Chagall’s America Windows were featured in the iconic scene in the Art Institute where Ferris kisses Sloane. John Hughes was open about how his own experiences seeking refuge in the Art Institute as a young man served as inspiration for the movie. Models dressed up as Cameron, Sloane and Ferris were the hosts for the evening.

Cameron, Sloane and Ferris

The Soaring Ceiling in Renzo Piano’s Design

Everyone appeared to be having a fabulous time. I spent the evening mingling with partygoers, shooting street style photos, and admiring classic works of art. A few friends from the Chaddick Institute were there as well. The urban planners in us could not help but be drawn to the models of well-known pieces of public art, including Picasso’s Untitled at the Cook County Courthose, Alexander Calder’s Flamingo at the Federal Plaza, and Joan Miró’s Chicago.