Norman Rockwell's Cubs Painting "The Dugout" Acquired by Art Institute of Chicago

The iconic work depicting the 1948 Chicago Cubs is the first and only Rockwell painting in the museum's collection.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Art Institute of Chicago has announced that it has acquired the only painting famed American artist Norman Rockwell ever did of the Chicago Cubs. The work, titled "The Dugout", features the 1948 Cubs team after a double-header loss to the Boston Braves (now the Atlanta Braves). The painting was gifted to the museum by former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and his wife Diana.

Why it matters

Norman Rockwell is one of the most renowned American artists of the 20th century, known for his idealized depictions of American life. "The Dugout" is a rare Rockwell work that features a professional sports team, making it a unique addition to the Art Institute's collection and a special find for Cubs fans.

The details

"The Dugout" was originally commissioned as a cover for the Saturday Evening Post in 1948 and features the dejected expressions of the Cubs players in contrast to the elated fans in the stands behind them. Rockwell used photographs of the scene for reference when painting the work. This is the first and only Rockwell painting to be part of the Art Institute's collection, as well as the only work in the museum's holdings that features the Chicago Cubs.

  • "The Dugout" was originally published as a cover for the Saturday Evening Post on September 4, 1948.
  • The Art Institute of Chicago announced the acquisition of the painting on February 10, 2026.

The players

Norman Rockwell

One of the most famed American artists of the 20th century, known for his idealized depictions of American life, including his series "The Four Freedoms" inspired by a 1943 address to Congress by President Franklin Roosevelt.

Bruce Rauner

Former Governor of Illinois who, along with his wife Diana, gifted "The Dugout" painting to the Art Institute of Chicago.

Diana Rauner

Wife of former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, who gifted "The Dugout" painting to the Art Institute of Chicago along with her husband.

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What they’re saying

“Diana and I are thrilled to share this iconic painting with the people of Chicago and Cubs fans everywhere. This gift is a small expression of our love for Chicago and the people of Illinois.”

— Bruce Rauner, Former Governor of Illinois (cbsnews.com)

The takeaway

The acquisition of Norman Rockwell's "The Dugout" painting by the Art Institute of Chicago represents a significant addition to the museum's collection, bringing a rare Rockwell work that features a professional sports team and providing Cubs fans with a cherished piece of sports and art history.