Department 56 Christmas in the City Series – The Art Institute of Chicago (#56.59222). A stunning, officially licensed piece from Department 56’s beloved Christmas in the City collection! This lighted facade recreates one of the greatest museums in the world, designed in the Classical Revival architectural style. The Art Institute of Chicago was originally built as part of the World’s Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s landing in America. Unique statues and plants adorn the front of the building, with the famous bronze lion sculptures at the entrance decorated with wreaths for the holidays – historical facts about the real building are printed on the reverse side. Introduced in May 2004, it was retired in December 2005. Condition: Never Unboxed, Mint Condition This piece has never been taken out of the box and is in mint, pristine condition. Since it has never been unboxed, the porcelain, statues, and light cord are all guaranteed unused and undamaged. Please see photos for exact box condition. Building measures approximately 8.3″ tall x 4.5″ wide x 14 long. Hand-painted porcelain, officially licensed by the Art Institute of Chicago. Includes lion statue details on either side of the entrance – please note these delicate statue pieces (particularly the small hands/arms) are commonly found broken on examples that have been unboxed and displayed elsewhere. Historical facts about the real Art Institute of Chicago printed on the reverse of the building. Includes original light cord.