For which event was the Art Institute built?

The correct choice, indicating that the Art Institute of Chicago was built for the event of the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, aligns with the historical significance of the building. While the Art Institute itself was founded in 1879, the current building that houses the museum was constructed to serve as the Fine Arts Pavilion for the World's Columbian Exposition. This fair was organized to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World and showcased significant advances in art, culture, and industry, reflecting the aspirations of American society at the time.

The building's Beaux-Arts style and grand facade were part of the fair's architectural vision, aimed at creating a festival atmosphere to impress international attendees. Thus, while other events mentioned influenced Chicago's architectural landscape, the art museum's purpose and design were directly tied to the World's Columbian Exposition, making this choice the correct one.