First-Ever Key to the Windy City's Best Known and Unknown Museums With its spectacular skyline rising above the shores of Lake Michigan Noted for its innovative architecture and broad avenues, this city that rebuilt itself following the devastating 1871 fire is home to some of the most interesting and important museums in the country. At its heart, along Michigan Avenue, stands the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago, built on the rubble from the fire, which offers the most extensive collection of Impressionist art outside of France. Information on more than 60 museums Collection highlights and interesting facts