Art Institute of Chicago

The basics

The museum holds one of the world’s finest collections of American and European art, with special impressionist and post-impressionist works. Walk among the galleries and recognize paintings from art history textbooks such as Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, Grant Wood’s American Gothic, and George Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. The building is a work of art constructed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, which later became the World Fair.

You may visit the museum independently or as part of a group walking or Segway tour. Purchase skip-the-line access to spend more time browsing the collections than waiting in line. The Chicago CityPASS and Chicago Explorer Pass cards grant admission to the museum. It’s also a stop on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus.

Things to know before you go

• Wheelchairs and strollers are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Purchase Art Institute of Chicago tickets online (recommended) or on-site.

• Hearing-assist devices are available at the Michigan Avenue checkroom.sign language tours and tours with sighted guides are available with advance notice.

• Dining options include a cafe, outdoor dining, and an upscale Italian restaurant.

• If you tire of paintings and sculptures, check out the Thorne miniature rooms or stained glass window by Marc Chagall.

How to get there

The museum is located in downtown Chicago adjacent to Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park. There are two easily accessible entrances: one from the historic main building at 111 S. Michigan Avenue and one from the Modern Wing at 159 E. Monroe Street. Several parking garages are nearby, or you can choose valet service. A number of city bus and L Train routes pass within a block or two.

When to get there

The museum is open daily from 10:30am–5pm, except Thursdays, when it is open until 8pm. General admission is free to all Illinois residents every Thursday evening from 5–8pm. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Gardens at the Art Institute of Chicago

The institute’s works of art aren’t confined to walled buildings—they extend into several outdoor spaces as well. You’ll find traditional flower gardens, mature trees, shade-loving plants, succulents, and more on the grounds, plus one-of-a-kind sculptures, outdoor installations, and reused architectural fragments. The perfect place to take a break from the hubbub inside, the gardens provide a much-appreciated respite to museum visitors looking to take a quick breather.

Is it free to go to the Art Institute of Chicago?

No. Most adults have to pay to visit the Art Institute of Chicago, although kids under 14 and Chicagoans under 18 go free all year. Certain days are free for Illinois residents during winter, while active-duty military, Illinois educators, and students at some partner institutions enjoy free entry year-round.

Is the Art Institute of Chicago worth visiting?

Yes, the Art Institute of Chicago is most definitely worth visiting. The second largest art museum in the US, it hosts works by Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Jackson Pollock, and many other boldface names.

How long does it take to go through the Art Institute of Chicago?

Most adults will want to spend at least 2–3 hours, but an hour is generally enough time for kids. The Art Institute of Chicago displays thousands of works from its collection of almost 300,000 pieces alongside multiple special exhibitions, so you could spend days here and still not see it all.

Does a general admission ticket to the Art Institute of Chicago include access to special exhibitions?

Not always. A general admission ticket to the Art Institute of Chicago includes access to non-ticketed special exhibitions, but you need to buy an additional ticket for some special exhibitions. Members of the Art Institute of Chicago enjoy free admission to both the museum and ticketed special exhibitions.

Does a general admission ticket to the Art Institute of Chicago allow re-entry?

Yes. A general admission ticket to the Art Institute of Chicago is valid for the full day that it’s issued, meaning you can go out for lunch, fresh air, or a stroll in Millennium Park, then come back and see more art. Just be sure to keep hold of your ticket.

What items are not allowed in the Art Institute of Chicago?

Flowers, balloons, and food and drinks other than water bottles are not allowed anywhere in the museum. Weapons, toys, tripods, video cameras, selfie sticks, wrapped gifts, pens, art materials, shopping bags, large bags, backpacks, and tall umbrellas are not allowed in the galleries, while water bottles must always be carried in bags.

Ways to explore

The Art Institute of Chicago holds one of the world’s finest collections of American and European art, with special focus on impressionist and post-impressionist works. Walk among the galleries and recognize paintings from art history textbooks such as Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, Grant Wood’s American Gothic, and Pablo Picasso’s The Old Guitarist.

You can visit the museum independently or as part of a group walking or Segway tour. Purchase skip-the-line tickets to spend more time browsing the collections. The Chicago CityPASS also grants admission to the museum, and hop-on hop-off bus tours stop outside.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible to wheelchair users, and manual wheelchairs are free to rent. Service animals are welcome, and additional accommodations are provided for visitors with other disabilities.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sketchbook and pencil, water bottle, small handheld bag

What to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers in case of chilly air-conditioning.

Not allowed

Food or drinks in galleries, large bags or backpacks in galleries, pets, tripods, selfie sticks

Amenities

Cloakroom, restrooms, cafés, gift shop

Address

The Art Institute of Chicago is located in Grant Park, near the lakefront in downtown Chicago’s Loop neighborhood. The area is very well-served by public transportation, taxis, and rideshare services, and you can also use tours with included transportation to get there.

Driving

The Art Institute of Chicago is accessible by Michigan Avenue, a major Chicago thoroughfare. Parking is available in the paid Millennium Garages.

Public transportation

Most of Chicago’s L lines stop at a selection of nearby stations, including the Brown, Pink, Purple, Orange, Green, Red, and Blue lines. The area is also served by Metra and South Shore Line commuter trains and many bus routes.

Best times to visit

During its opening days, the museum is generally open from late morning to early evening. Arrive early to beat the crowds, or take advantage of late opening times on Thursday evenings.

Best days to visit

The Art Institute of Chicago is closed on Tuesdays. Otherwise, expect weekdays to be quieter than weekends, and avoid school holiday periods to beat the crowds.

Best months to visit

The Art Institute of Chicago is open year-round. Expect it to be busiest in the city’s summer tourist high season.

Special events

The museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, as well as talks, workshops, and other events—consult its calendar for exact dates and times.