University of Chicago

The basics

The University of Chicago attracts top minds and talent from around the world to its faculty and student body, but anyone can visit the beautiful 211-acre (85-hectare) campus. The university hosts a robust lineup of musical performances, art exhibits, and lectures at on-campus venues like Court Theatre, the Renaissance Society, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. Many Chicago city tours that venture to the South Side drive by the Hyde Park campus, and guided walking tours can be arranged through the university’s various colleges and centers.

Things to know before you go

• Pick up maps at the information center on the ground floor of the Edward H. Levi Hall.
• Download themed digital campus guides from the university website.
• Guest internet access is available by request at the Regenstein Library.
• The university has an impressive selection of dining options, from student-run coffee shops like Hallowed Grounds to food trucks.

How to get there

The University of Chicago is located at 5801 South Ellis Avenue between East 61st Street and East 55th Street in Hyde Park. CTA buses 171, 172, and 192 Express service the campus. Free UGo shuttles offer transport around the campus and surrounding neighborhood day and night. Several paid parking lots and garages are available.

When to get there

The university is open seven days a week, though weekend hours are more limited and many buildings are closed on major holidays.

Campus Architecture

The University of Chicago offers a survey of world-class architecture, from the Gothic tower of the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel to the more contemporary Gerald Ratner Athletic Center and the Henry Hinds Laboratory for Geophysical Sciences. A who's who of international architects have designed buildings on campus, including Henry Ives Cobb, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Lloyd Wright—creator of the campus’s most famous building, Robie House.

Ways to explore

The University of Chicago attracts top minds and talent from around the world to its faculty and student body—but anyone can visit the beautiful 211-acre (85-hectare) campus. The university hosts a robust lineup of musical performances, art exhibits, and lectures at on-campus venues including the Court Theatre, Renaissance Society, Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts.

Many Chicago city tours that venture to the South Side drive by the Hyde Park campus, and guided walking tours can be arranged through the university’s various colleges and centers.

Accessibility

Much of the campus has accessible paving and entrances, though some entryways and buildings are not completely accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, umbrella, camera

What to wear

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate layers and good walking shoes—UChicago merch is encouraged.

Not allowed

Accessing student-only or faculty-only facilities, disruptive or disorderly behavior

Amenities

Museums, ATMs, restrooms, proximity to dining and public transportation

Address

The University of Chicago is located on the South Side in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood. To get there, use public transportation, take taxis or rideshare services (or drive), or opt for a tour that has transportation included.

Driving

The University of Chicago is easily accessible via numerous major thoroughfares; it is just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago. Parking lots are located across the campus.

Public transportation

To get to the University of Chicago from downtown Chicago, take Metra commuter trains to University of Chicago/59th Street station. Red Line and Green Line trains also stop at nearby stations.

Best times to visit

Plan a daytime visit to maximize your sightseeing time and to admire the campus’ distinctive architecture. Note that museums and other campus attractions have individual operating hours.

Best days to visit

UChicago’s campus is accessible every day; some museums and attractions may close early in the week.

Best months to visit

The University of Chicago campus is open throughout the year—expect the campus to be particularly quiet in the summer, when most students are away.

Special events

Visit in October, when the university’s annual Humanities Day invites members of the public to attend tours, exhibitions, lectures, and other scholarly events.