Miniature Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago

 The Art Institute of Chicago has an outstanding collection.  I went particularly to see Hopper's "Nighthawks" and Chagall's stained glass.   I noticed a sign for "Miniature Rooms" located in the lowest floor.  I was delighted to find dozens of tiny dioramas depicting interiors of European and American rooms from different time periods.  They were so tiny and just beautiful.  The dimensions are about 18X12X12" and each is set in a frame behind glass.  The attention to detail is just extraordinary.  They are a real treat and you don't need to know anything about art of the history of interior decoration to marvel.  The illumination completes the illusion that there is light coming into the room from the outside world.  I've never seen anything like them.