Art Institute of Chicago Tours

Art Institute of Chicago which includes art and interior views
Art Institute of Chicago featuring interior views and heritage elements
Art Institute of Chicago featuring outdoor art
Art Institute of Chicago featuring a fountain
Art Institute of Chicago featuring art and interior views


Explore a massive collection of works celebrating different cultures and historical times, from ancient Egypt to modern installations.

The Art Institute of Chicago holds nearly 300,000 works of art in eight buildings, encompassing nearly one million square feet (93,000 square meters) of gallery space. It’s best known for its collection of modern European and American paintings and sculptures, including works by Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh and Mary Cassatt. There’s also Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, pieces from across Asia, and edgy contemporary installations. You’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes as you can spend from a few hours to a few days here.

The Museum lies on the eastern border of downtown Chicago, a block from Lake Michigan. It was founded as a museum and fine arts school in 1879. It settled in its current location in 1893 and the original building, with two famous bronze lion statues on either side of the entrance, remains.

Don’t try to attempt the Museum without a map. You’ll find one at the entrance. There are also audio guides, and Apps for smartphones that have floor plans and detailed stories about some of the artworks.

The European artworks and sculptures here are famous. You’ll likely recognize many of them, such as Two Sisters by Renoir and Water Lilies by Monet. They start on the second floor just above the main Michigan Avenue entrance.

The American art collection spans two floors. Mary Cassatt’s, The Child’s Bath, a favorite among visitors, and other highlights include paintings by James McNeill Whistler and John Singer Sargent. Head to the second floor to view pieces from 1900 to1950, include Edward Hopper’s renowned painting Nighthawks which eerily depicts a New York restaurant late at night.

Explore other mediums of art in rooms about architecture and design, galleries for photography, a sculpture garden and half a floor dedicated to Asian, African and Native American art. Visit the gallery's official website before your visit to check for any upcoming special exhibitions.

Take a break at one of four eateries. The Museum Café has everything from sandwiches to pizzas, while Caffe Moderno serves up quick snacks like paninis and salads. There are two formal dining options: Terzo Piano (Italian) and McKinlock Court Restaurant (modern American).

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Reviews of Art Institute of Chicago

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2559
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
650
4 - Good 19%
3 - Okay
167
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
24
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Plan on spending the bulk of a day here due to the amazing collections.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It great

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure to get a map layout of the displays at the front desk before you go in. It’s easy to get lost or miss a cool exhibit because it’s so large and constructed like a maze.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If you are a fan of the game Masterpiece, bring your cards of the Masterpieces and find them in the museum. Super fun!

4/5 - Good

Colette

Museum hacks, not affiliated with Museum. Had fun!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Be sure to allow two days if you like art. The museum is immense with all of the additions! We spent a full day, and only covered the "old" (Michigan Ave.) building. Despite the size, we found it easy to navigate inside the building.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Art Institute of Chicago

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
citizenM Chicago Downtown
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
Freehand Chicago
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

4 out of 5
171 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St, Chicago, IL
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Hilton Chicago
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

3 out of 5
10 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit for art lovers, featuring an excellent collection of artworks and exhibits. Located in downtown Chicago, it offers free tours, making it accessible for everyone. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions, including theaters and entertainment options, enhancing the overall experience in this vibrant city. Don't miss out on this cultural gem during your vacation.

Shopping

The closest shopping spot is City Market, featuring a vibrant atmosphere with local vendors just 0.6 miles from the Art Institute of Chicago. Also nearby is Chicago Place Mall, a bustling shopping center, and 900 North Michigan Shops, both 1 mile away, offering diverse shopping experiences.

Recreation

At Wrigley Field, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of a live sporting event just 5 miles from the Art Institute. Enjoy live music and vibrant entertainment vibes at the House of Blues Chicago, only 0.7 miles away. For tranquility, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, 2 miles away, embracing nature’s serenity.

Adventure

Embark on an invigorating hike along Salt Creek Trail, located 12 miles from the Art Institute of Chicago, where you can enjoy stunning scenery and outdoor adventure. For family fun, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 21 miles away, offering thrilling water slides and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

In Chicago, the Chicago Theatre offers a vibrant atmosphere with captivating shows just 0.5 miles away from the Art Institute. For a fun night out, head to Dave & Buster's, 2 miles away, where you can enjoy drinks and games. Film Row Cinema, 0.7 miles away, features entertaining films in a romantic setting.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Art Institute of Chicago

Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago offers a rich cultural experience with its renowned art museum and diverse attractions nearby. Explore iconic skyscrapers, relax in urban parks, and admire historic buildings. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or a deeper appreciation of art, this vibrant area has something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the artistic and architectural beauty that defines this Chicago attraction.

  • Navy Pier: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Navy Pier, where you can enjoy beautiful waterfront views, delightful attractions, and a lively ambiance. Explore shops, restaurants, and entertainment options while soaking in the scenic beauty of Lake Michigan, only 1 mile from the Art Institute.
  • Michigan Avenue: Stroll down Michigan Avenue, known for its bustling energy and iconic architecture. This vibrant street, located 0.9 miles from the Art Institute, is perfect for shopping, dining, and experiencing the heart of Chicago's city life.
  • Millennium Park: Just 0.3 miles away, Millennium Park is a family-friendly urban oasis. Enjoy outdoor art installations, lush gardens, and open spaces that host concerts and events, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment in the city's heart.

Best time to go to Art Institute of Chicago

The best time to visit Art Institute of Chicago is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Art Institute of Chicago

To save money during your visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Stay on a Monday to secure the best hotel prices, avoiding the more expensive Saturdays. Use Expedia to compare room rates and find package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Don't forget to explore free attractions in the city to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Art Institute of Chicago are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Art Institute of Chicago is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Art Institute of Chicago is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Art Institute of Chicago with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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