This thesis examines the relationship between art and society through the lens of history. As a critique to the institution of art, the museum will confront its patrons with a distinctive experience as to what art is. Whereas art used to permeate every aspect of our culture, the specialized emphasis of modern productivity has separated the experience of art from everyday life. Through the design of an art museum, in the heart of Chicago, integration of art and architecture will once again be fused to culture and society. A program encompassing the public, artists, and art creates a unique approach to how art is viewed and experienced. Inspired by a permanent collection of stolen masterpieces, this museum integrates visual and spatial tensions from turn of the century cubist painters into architectural space. The creative process of individual artists is placed on display as much as the art produced. By challenging the aestheticized experience of art. I propose to challenge the institution of art, as well as alter the way in which it is perceived in today’s society.