Best Western River North's Rooftop Sundeck just got a little cooler. In addition to the gorgeous view of the city skyline, an artist was recently commissioned to paint a mural that embodies that spirit of the city. The mural features the Chicago Picasso as its focal point, surrounded by colorful versions of the city's most famous buildings. The Chicago Picasso is an apt symbol for the Windy City and its relationship with and support from the world's most creative individuals. If you look at important metropolitan areas throughout history, you will find a deep connection with art and its influence on the future. In looking at the history of the Chicago Picasso, you will see Mayor Richard Daley's infatuation with the city of Florence as the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance and the influence the city's ruling family—the Medici's—had in fostering the movement with famous artists. Although Florence is no longer the world's epicenter, go to the city today, and you will still see Piazzale Michaelangelo—a plaza filled with sculptures from their era's preeminent artist, Michaelangelo. Daley Plaza in Chicago was the vision of Richard Daley, and his hope to make Chicago an American Renaissance city. By commissioning work from the top artist in the world in 1966—Pablo Picasso—Daley was signaling to the world that Chicago was the city from which there would be a wellspring of new ideas and progress. Over 50 years later, he was not far off. In fact, on the day the 162-ton, 50-foot tall sculpture was christened in 1967, Daley said, “We dedicate this celebrated work this morning with the belief that what is strange to us today will be familiar tomorrow.” Although the sculpture looks a little strange, we continue looking at it and interpreting new ideas and new meanings. That is what the human condition, metropolitan places, and even premier hotels like Best Western River North are all about. Ideas about progress and better service may be fanciful today, but they will be standards we expect tomorrow. Best Western River North will never stop looking at the idea of hospitality, and it will never stop interpreting a new and better meaning.
