Get on the Bus … and avoid traffic, tolls and parking!
Get-On-The-Bus trips through the NIU Art Museum are a great way to meet other art lovers, keep up with what’s happening in the art world, see innovative historical exhibits and travel without the hassle of traffic, tolls and parking.
Bus trips are planned to take advantage of the best visual art offerings in the region, in correlation with the museum’s own exhibitions and by suggestion of the members of the NIU Art Museum.
The array of bus trips this fall includes opportunities to view the René Magritte exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, the David Bowie exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art and a four-day trip to Brown County, Indiana.
Sunday, Sept. 21: Magritte at the Art Institute of Chicago
“Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary, 1926-1938” features more than 100 paintings, collages, drawings, and objects, along with a selection of photographs, periodicals, and early commercial work in the first major museum exhibition to focus exclusively on the breakthrough years of René Magritte, creator of some of the 20th century’s most extraordinary images.
- Bus departs NIU School of Art parking lot at 10:30 a.m.; return arrival at 6:45 p.m.
- Transportation: NIU Art Museum Members: $12; Student/Senior (non member): $15; Other: $18
- Museum entry and meals on own. AIC members have free admission to the Art Institute.
- General ticket admission: Adult: $23; Student/Senior: $17.
- Registration/payment deadline: Thursday, Sept. 18.
Thursday, Oct. 16: David Bowie Is … at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
The MCA is the American venue for this international exhibition originated by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London which examines the shifting styles, creativity, and collaborative work of multi-media artist, rock star legend, David Bowie.
From androgene to alien, Bowie has explored various personae in film, song, fashion and artwork. The exhibition’s multi-media design includes advanced sound technology, original animations and video installations to create an immersive journey through Bowie’s artistic life.
- Bus departs NIU School of Art parking lot at 1:45 p.m.; return arrival at 9:45 p.m.
- Transportation and discounted exhibition tickets with audio: NIU Art Museum members: $34.50; Student/Senior (non member): $38; Other: $45
- Registration/payment deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 14
Nov. 13 to Nov. 16: UI-IU-Brown County GOTBON (Get-On-The-Bus Overnighter)
Small group tour will explore art and world culture museums at the University of Illinois and Indiana University, as well as the natural beauty of Brown County, Ind.
Museums include the Krannert Art Museum, the Sperlock Museum of World History and Culture in Champaign; the Kinsey Institute of Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, the Indiana University Mu-seum of Art, and the World Cultures Museum in Bloomington, Ind.; the T.J. Steele Studio and Homestead State Historical Site; and the Indianapolis Art Museum. Travelers will stay at the quaint shaker-style Artist Colony Inn in the picturesque village of Nashville.
Limited seating available. Pricing starts at $530. An application form is available online. Final registration/payment deadline is Sept. 23.
To register for these trips, stop by the NIU Art Museum, first floor, west end of Altgeld Hall, telephone (815) 753-1936 or email jburke2@niu.edu.
Payment can be made with cash, a check made out to NIU, or a major credit card. Payment must be made in advance to guarantee a seat on the bus. NIU Art Museum members receive discounts on our bus trips as well as access to members-only trips.
Dates and prices of bus trips are subject to change and trips are frequently added throughout the year; check the website for the most updated information.
Interested in becoming an NIU Art Museum member? Membership offers priority registration and discounted fees on Get on the Bus trips, exhibition announcements, special member-only previews, receptions and special events, a subscription to Museum Notes newsletter and a 20 percent discount on NIU Art Museum catalogues.
Spring trips are still in planning and will include a day trip to the museums, studios and galleries in Bloomington, Illinois; the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford; and Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights.
