Chicago Stock Exchange Archway
This ornate stone archway is all that remains of Louis Sullivan's 1894 Chicago Stock Exchange building, salvaged after demolition and now installed at the Art Institute of Chicago. The intricate terracotta ornamentation surrounding the arch is the main draw, and getting close with a macro or short telephoto lens lets you isolate the layered organic patterns Sullivan was famous for. Wide angles work well too if you step back to capture the full arch with negative space above it. The archway sits outdoors in the museum's east garden, so overcast days are ideal since soft diffused light brings out the surface texture without harsh shadows. Morning light from the east can also work nicely. Access is straightforward as the archway is viewable from the exterior garden without a museum ticket; look for framing opportunities using the surrounding plantings to add depth to your composition. (Chicago, Illinois, United States)
