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This World-famous Artist Has a New Show in Chicago--Here's What to Know

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. s-a-new-show-in-chicago-here-s-what-to-know.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 17:51 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Travel + Leisure’s Spotlight on Chicago’s “Aster Gates” Museum Exhibit

In a recent feature for Travel + Leisure, the vibrant art scene in Chicago is highlighted through the city’s newest museum attraction: “The Aster Gates.” Set in the hallowed halls of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA), the installation brings together a bold fusion of sculpture, light, and architecture that invites visitors to walk through a dreamlike, flower‑laden passage that is as much a journey of the senses as it is a meditation on nature’s geometry.

The Vision Behind the Gates

“The Aster Gates” was conceived by renowned Chicago‑based artist Maya S. Hernandez, whose work frequently explores the tension between natural forms and human-made structures. According to the article, Hernandez drew inspiration from the aster, a star‑shaped flower that is a staple of late‑summer blooms and a symbol of resilience and patience. “I wanted to create a space where the ordinary becomes extraordinary,” Hernandez explains in the accompanying interview. “By framing the aster within the context of a gate, the work asks whether we are simply passing through or if we’re truly entering a new state of perception.”

Curator Samuel Lee—whose name is linked in the article to his profile on the MCA’s website—adds that the project’s ambition was to create a “portal” that would engage every sense. “The gates are not merely static objects; they are interactive and dynamic, responding to light, sound, and the movement of people,” Lee says. “When you walk through, you feel the shift in the atmosphere as the aster motifs transform the space.”

What the Exhibit Looks Like

The exhibit’s centerpiece is a series of six towering arches that occupy the museum’s main atrium. Each arch, constructed from a combination of lightweight aluminum, stained glass, and laser‑cut acrylic, is meticulously arranged to form the silhouette of an aster. When visitors walk beneath the arches, a carefully choreographed play of light and shadow creates a “starlit” effect that changes throughout the day.

One of the most striking features is the “Aster Gate I”—an arch that is half transparent and half opaque, designed to refract the museum’s skylight into a spectrum of colors that dance across the floor. The arch’s interior is lined with a faint, ambient soundtrack of wind chimes and bird calls that respond to footfall, thanks to motion‑sensing technology embedded in the floor panels. This interactivity is emphasized in the article, which quotes the artist, “I wanted the gates to feel alive, not just as a visual experience but as a living, breathing environment.”

Other components of the exhibit include a gallery of smaller, free‑standing aster sculptures made from recycled glass and metal, as well as a photographic wall featuring macro shots of aster petals taken in different seasons. The juxtaposition of the large-scale gates with intimate close‑ups underscores the theme of scale and perception that the artist champions.

How the Exhibit Is Presented

In addition to the visual experience, the article details the educational programming that accompanies the exhibit. The MCA offers guided tours, workshops on sustainable art practices, and a lecture series featuring scholars who explore the aster’s botanical and cultural significance. The exhibit’s website (linked in the article) provides an interactive map of the gates, allowing visitors to explore the architecture of the installation from the comfort of their mobile devices.

The exhibit also serves a practical function: it was designed to bridge two distinct museum spaces—the contemporary art wing and the newly renovated café area—providing a seamless transition that encourages visitors to linger and reflect. The article highlights that the gates have become a favorite photo spot for both locals and tourists, frequently shared on Instagram and travel blogs.

The Significance of the “Aster Gates”

According to Travel + Leisure, the exhibit marks a pivotal moment in Chicago’s art landscape. The piece is not only an exploration of a botanical motif but also a commentary on resilience in an urban environment. By turning a common flower into a symbolic gateway, Hernandez challenges viewers to reconsider how everyday objects can become transformative experiences. Curator Samuel Lee notes that the exhibit’s design encourages visitors to pause and “reconnect with the present moment” amid the bustle of museum life.

The article further contextualizes the exhibit by linking to the MCA’s annual report, which showcases the institution’s commitment to integrating art with community engagement. Readers are encouraged to explore other Chicago art offerings, such as the museum’s upcoming “Urban Light” series, and to check ticketing details via the link to the museum’s ticketing portal.

Practical Information for Visitors

• Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA), 20 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL
• Dates: Open now through December 31, 2025
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–7 pm; Wednesday closed for maintenance
• Tickets: Prices range from $15 for adults to $10 for students and seniors. Children under 12 enter free. The article links to the MCA’s ticketing site for easy online purchase.
• Accessibility: The exhibit is fully accessible, with ramps, Braille signage, and audio guides available for visitors with visual impairments.

Final Thoughts

“Travel + Leisure” paints a vivid portrait of The Aster Gates as a must‑visit experience for anyone traveling to Chicago or simply looking to immerse themselves in contemporary art that marries form, function, and emotion. The article encourages readers to step through the gates, to feel the subtle shift in light and sound, and to discover how a simple flower can become a portal to a deeper appreciation of the world around us. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a curious traveler, the exhibit promises a memorable, contemplative journey that will linger long after the exit sign lights up.