America Windows

Bathed in an intense, almost supernatural blue, these stained-glass panels celebrate the ideals of America. Created for the United States Bicentennial, the six vibrant sections teem with flying figures, musical instruments, and fantastical creatures, all rendered in Chagall's distinctive, dreamlike style. Unlike his earlier stained-glass commissions, which were often for religious institutions and themes, these windows were specifically designed for a museum setting, meant for aesthetic appreciation rather than architectural integration. Look closely and you'll find symbols of liberty and artistic expression woven into the swirling narratives. The work was a gift from the artist, the City of Chicago, and the Art Institute's Auxiliary Board, and it also serves as a memorial to the recently deceased Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, a known admirer of the artist.