CHICAGO, IL.- The Art Institute of Chicago is welcoming all visitors to enjoy free general admission all day, every day, for the entire month of February. Special events during this month include a full schedule of performances, family events, poetry readings, and gallery talks. Visitors can also enjoy half price tickets to the major winter exhibition, Becoming Edvard Munch: Influence, Anxiety, and Myth, which opens to the public on February 14.

The Art Institute kicks off Free February with the Consuls General Concert Series, beginning on Monday, February 2, 2009. These one-of-a-kind noontime performances in Fullerton Hall feature an extraordinary range of musical genres and traditional dance from around the world. Do not miss the chance to experience the cultures of such countries as Austria, Spain, Korea, Italy, and Croatia—and the best musicians and performers they have to offer. The Consuls General Concert Series is part of the museum’s themed season, 360 Degrees: Art beyond Borders—a yearlong celebration of cultural, social, and political life around the world—organized with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), Poetry Foundation, and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Other highlights, all free of charge during Free February at the Art Institute include “Found in Translation,” a bilingual series featuring world-class poets whose work transcends linguistic and political borders; “Poets in the World: Robert Pinsky” on February 5, where the three-term U.S. Poet Laureate will read from his most recent work; and the lecture “Sibling Rivalries and Global Monotheisms: Judaism, Christianity, Islam” on February 19, in which University of Chicago professor David Nirenberg discusses the historical interactions and tensions among the three major monotheistic religions. In addition, celebrate Black History Month with “Affrilachian Poets” on February 12, featuring African American poets from the Appalachian Mountains reading their works, and the John Work Chorale on February 15, showcasing gospel singers in the tradition of the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

During the entire month of February 2009, when the general admission to the museum is free to all, tickets for Becoming Edvard Munch are half price: $10 for adults, students, seniors, and Chicago residents; and FREE for children under 12. Special dated tickets to Becoming Edvard Munch are required, and advance tickets are strongly recommended. For tickets, call 312-930-4040 or purchase them at the museum. For online purchases, visit the Art Institute’s Web site: www.artinstituteofchicago.org.