The 5 Best Places To See Marc Chagall's Art

The green faced man, a goat-headed lover, floating figures and merry musicians are all part of the imagination of the French-Russian artist Marc Chagall. Known as the ‘artist of love and dreams’, Marc Chagall flirted with various artistic styles and experimented with painting, illustrations, prints, ceramics and tapestry. Here we explore five of the best places to view Chagall’s gorgeous works.

1. Palais Garnier

Opera House, Theater

The ceiling of the auditorium by Marc Chagall at the Opera Garnier, Paris

The 15 years that it took to build the world’s most famous opera house in Paris were well worth it. With a grand seating of 1,979 seats, Palais Garnier has a stage which can accommodate 450 artists at a time, making it Europe’s largest stage. Attending a show here is a must, not only for the breath-taking performances, but also for the intriguing masterpiece that adorns the ceiling of Palais Garnier. Surrounding a large, sparkling chandelier directly in the centre of the ceiling are foggy splashes of red, blue, green and yellow: a Modernist style painting by Marc Chagall which depicts stills from operas by 14 different composers, including Mozart, Wagner and Stravinsky.

2. Chase Tower Plaza

Art Gallery

Four Seasons mosaic by Marc Chagall, in Chase Tower Plaza, Chicago, Illinois, United States

If you’re seeking a pocket-friendly way of viewing Marc Chagall’s work, the Loop district of Chicago is the answer. Installed right next to the Chase Tower plaza is a 70 foot long slab with inlaid chips of coloured ceramic, a monumental mosaic by Marc Chagall depicting the four seasons. A walk around the mosaic masterpiece Four Seasons depicts the seasonal changes that happens to us, as humans, spiritually and bodily. The rhythmic and playful colours of the mosaic are sure to keep a walker’s mind captivated all the way past this 70 foot block of marvel.

3. The Art Institute of Chicago

Art Gallery

America Windows, stained glass windows by Marc Chagall (1887-1985), 1977. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

So humbled was Marc Chagall by the enthusiasm and love that the Art Institute of Chicago had for his works and public art, that he created a work of genius specifically for the gallery, which was a tribute to the late Mayor Richard J. Daley in 1976. America Windows is a six panel stained glass window encapsulating Chagall’s typical style. It was also featured as the place where Sloane and Ferris kiss in the John Hughes’ film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986). The sapphire beautifully spreads an oceanic reflection of light inside the room, sparkling on the walls and ceiling.

5. Union Church of Pocantico

Church

Last but not least, one of the best places to see Marc Chagall’s art is in the Union Church of Pocantico in Tarrytown, a beautiful village in the Westchester hills of New York. A little unexpected, perhaps, but Marc Chagall has left his footprints in every corner of this world. A remarkable nine stained glass windows radiate serenity and a brilliance of color and rhythm in this tiny church. The church not only includes the works of Marc Chagall, but also those of Henry Matisse, whose stained glass window was the last work of art he completed before his death in 1954.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.