Science Meets Art

Wildlife has inspired artists for centuries. Naturally, we here at Brookfield Zoo share this historic fascination, and one would be hard pressed to find art here that isn't animal-themed.

In celebration of the art deco pieces that adorned the zoo when it opened in 1934, we have revamped Discovery Center to host a small public exhibit. Hanging along the perimeter of the lobby, geometric forms of animals peer down from Formica tabletops. A cast stone wall of animals sits at the lobby center. These pieces - examples of deco works that characterized the American Modern Art Movement from 1925 to 1940 - once graced the Refectory, now called Safari Grill.

Created as part of the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project, which was sanctioned by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the artwork delighted visitors and provided income for many artists during the Great Depression.

Visit Discovery Center to see the restored collection for yourself. You can also reserve the space for private events by calling the zoo at 708.485.0263, ext. 355.