Just to clear up what may be a misconception...this isn't some stuffy, overpriced shop in a great museum. It IS a fun and accessible, even affordable shop in a great museum! (One of two such shops, in fact; check out the Museum Shop at the Michigan Ave entrance.)
Not only are there art books, prints and related items featuring great works....there is also available a wide assortment of random items such as local-interest restaurant books, funky kitchen accessories as well as scarves and jewelry. The list doesn't end there though - and you don't have to pay to enter the shop - just hit the "Monroe entrance" of the Art Institute and you can check it out for yourself.
I'd been admiring a large glass bowl, handmade in Turkey, and was delighted to discover that it was priced at $50.00. Since I'm a museum member, I'd always receive the 10% off, but this past week was double discount so it was a 20% discount. Awesome!
The staff has always been considerate and helpful. My only gripe? I'd requested a bag and I was not given one. (This was on a day when I wasn't making a purchase, but I needed a bag...can't recall what was the situation.) I found the refusall a bit surprising as well as unaccommodating, so there I dock the fifth star! read more