At the heart of Chicago’s vibrant cultural scene lies an artistic treasure trove, the Art Institute of Chicago. Established in 1879, this world-renowned museum beckons visitors with its expansive collections and stunning exhibitions. While I’m not an art expert, or a huge fan of museums, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit during our three days in Chicago.
The myriad of masterpieces housed within the Art Institute walls promises a journey through the very soul of human creativity. There was such an incredible variety of types of art that it was overwhelming (and my feet were burning after visiting).
Navigating the practicalities of a museum visit can often be as intricate as the art itself. With accessibility options, valet parking, and a calendar brimming with special exhibits, understanding the amenities at your disposal ensures a smooth visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. I’ll tell you all about the mistakes I made while visiting so you don’t make the same ones!
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Where is the Art Institute of Chicago?
The Art Institute of Chicago is conveniently located at 111 South Michigan Avenue in the heart of downtown Chicago. Its prominent position makes it easily accessible from any part of the city. Whether you’re staying in the Loop, River North, or even in the nearby suburbs, you can reach the museum with ease.
How can I get to the Art Institute of Chicago?
If you’re traveling by car, there are several parking options available near the Art Institute. The museum itself offers valet parking for a fee, which can be convenient if you prefer a hassle-free experience. Additionally, there are several parking garages and lots in the vicinity, providing ample space for visitors. Do not plan on finding street parking.
For those opting for public transportation, the Art Institute is well-connected. Several bus routes and train lines have stops within walking distance of the museum. If you’re taking the “L” train, the closest stations are the Adams/Wabash and Van Buren. Check out my guide to using public transportation in Chicago.
When is the Art Institute of Chicago open?
The Art Institute of Chicago is open to the public on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first hour of every day, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., is reserved for member-only viewing. Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Additionally, the Museum Shop and Modern Shop are open during all member and public hours, allowing visitors to browse and purchase unique items related to the museum’s collection. If you are planning to visit the museum on a holiday, it is recommended to check the Art Institute of Chicago’s official website for any special hours or closures that may be in effect.
Accessibility
For those requiring additional mobility support, the Art Institute of Chicago readily extends wheelchairs on a first-come, first-serve basis, ensuring all guests can comfortably navigate the museum’s splendor. With inclusivity at the forefront, several accessible parking garages dot the proximity of the museum. A drop-off point is designated at the Modern Wing along the Monroe Street eastbound lanes for a smooth entrance. There are elevators in a few places throughout the Institute.
Parking Options
Members benefit from discounted rates at the Millennium Park Garages, bundling convenience with savings. These garages boast four accommodating locations, lying beneath the verdant sprawl of Millennium Park, adjacent to the museum. Alternatively, advance parking reservations are available via SpotHero, presenting a cost-effective solution, often at rates significantly lower than those on-site, for seamless planning of your visit.
Valet Parking Services
For a touch of elegance and convenience, the Art Institute of Chicago extends valet parking services at the competitive cost of $28 per car. It’s available at 10:30 a.m. daily, until thirty minutes past the museum’s closing.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Founded in 1879 and having opened its doors in 1893 at its current location, the Art Institute of Chicago stands as a venerable establishment in the art world, both historically and in contemporary prestige. As one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, it attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors every year, drawn to its nearly 300,000 works that span 5,000 years of human expression.
The museum is renowned for its expansive scope, featuring over 30 rotating art exhibits that promise a continually renewed experience for both first-time visitors and lifelong patrons alike. Its permanent collection is a treasure trove that ranges from classical masterpieces to modern marvels—the result of both prescient acquisition and the dynamic evolution of the art world.
The Art Institute provides two convenient points of entry for guests. The historic entrance, located on 111 South Michigan Avenue, beckons visitors into the original 1893 building, while the Modern Wing, reflecting the cutting-edge of museum design, welcomes guests through 159 East Monroe Street. It is suggested to purchase tickets in advance online to streamline one’s entrance into the vast cultural landscape that awaits within. To ensure an inclusive experience, the institute ensures children under 14 visit for free and provides accessibility options such as wheelchairs and ample nearby parking facilities.
Overview of the museum
The Art Institute of Chicago holds the prestigious rank as America’s second-largest art museum, bested only by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Its colossal permanent collection surpasses 300,000 works, with a catalog that ranges from ancient artifacts, such as Greek sculptures, to modern-day masterpieces, including iconic paintings by luminaries like Edward Hopper and Grant Wood.
Critically acclaimed for its staggering body of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, the museum is home to awe-inspiring canvases by van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. The Art Institute’s wide-spanning galleries also exhibit remarkable items like delicate Japanese prints, European armor, and the minutely detailed Thorne Miniature Rooms, offering glimpses into interior designs that chronicle cultural shifts from the late 13th to the early 20th centuries.
Through its dynamic slate of rotating exhibits and its venerable foundation of artworks, the Art Institute of Chicago represents both a proud legacy and an ever-evolving cultural conversation, making it not just a museum, but an essential node of inspiration for the arts.
East Monroe Street entrance
The 2009 addition of the Modern Wing, with its sleek architecture, signifies a contemporary chapter in the Art Institute’s history and invites visitors through the East Monroe Street entrance. This access point, designed for the congruence of modernity and functionality, also features a convenient pullout for a seamless drop-off experience on Monroe Street’s eastbound side.
The East Monroe Street entrance lies in close proximity to the Millennium Park Garage, which offers accessible parking and valet services, commencing from the museum’s opening time until 30 minutes after closing. Adjacent public garages, like the East Monroe Street Garage, stand ready to serve those driving to the institute.
South Michigan Avenue entrance
Stepping through the South Michigan Avenue entrance, visitors are transported into the Art Institute’s original 1893 building, an edifice that sparks a dialogue between the architectural heritage and the timeless appeal of the world-class art collection it houses. Through these doors lies the core of the museum’s historical holdings, where one is greeted by renowned pieces such as Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” and Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.”
The entrance off of South Michigan Avenue serves as a gateway to the permanent collection and also to a labyrinthine array of galleries that house an array of artifacts, from the opulence of European armor to the scale and intricacy of the Thorne Miniature Rooms.
Exploring the Collections
The Art Institute of Chicago, situated on South Michigan Avenue, adjacent to the verdant landscapes of Grant Park and the urban oasis of Millennium Park, stands as an emblem of cultural prestige among the largest art museums in the country. With a permanent collection that encompasses approximately 300,000 artworks, the museum offers an immersive journey across civilizations, styles, and epochs. The Art Institute’s stellar collection spans from the impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces that are recognized globally to the intricate Indian, Southeast Asian, and Himalayan art that add depth to its diversity.
Visitors strolling down the galleries can take in the legacies of different regions, explore formative American art that includes over 1,000 paintings and sculptures, and get inspired by the nearly 2,500 decorative art objects that offer a glimpse into America’s artistic past and present. The museum showcases a pantheon of artistic endeavors—from European paintings and sculptures dating back to the 12th century, up to mid-20th-century iconic works, and forward-Bto the modern art representations that place the museum squarely in the contemporary scene.
You’ll find art from around the world – including Asia and Africa and from different centuries. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the museum.
The Modern Wing
The Modern Wing is a contemporary counterpoint to the classical main building. Inaugurated in 2009 and conceived by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, the Modern Wing boasts a space flooded with natural light through its innovative sun-shielding louvered roof. Seamless glass panes invite the city into the museum, blurring the lines between outside and in.
With dedicated areas for 20th- and 21st-century art, the wing prominently features groundbreaking works and movements that have defined the last century. It is home to compelling pieces by Pablo Picasso (The Old Guitarist), Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe, who once studied at the associated School of the Art Institute of Chicago. One of her grand landscapes, “Sky Above the Clouds IV,” offers a dreamlike vista.
The infusion of contemporary artworks sets the stage for contemplation and discovery, placing the Art Institute at the forefront of modern artistic exploration.
Hidden within this sanctuary of modernism is Picasso’s melancholic “The Old Guitarist,” a testament to his Blue Period, located on the third floor.
The nearby American art section boasts national treasures like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” comingling with international masterpieces. It’s not only paintings that captivate visitors; the intricate Thorne Miniature Rooms and European armor provide an alternative avenue for historical and aesthetic appreciation.
The Wing expertly curates its offerings to ensure inclusivity across genres and epochs—a testament to the institute’s dedication to maintaining an immersive and enlightening experience, with its impressive Impressionist collection headlined by titans such as van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir.
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings
As a testament to its global significance, the Art Institute of Chicago harbors the most extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks outside of the Louvre. This exceptional assortment illuminates the galleries with nearly 300,000 works, transporting visitors to the historical art movements that revolutionized the aesthetic sensibilities of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Admirers of these transformative art styles can indulge in the lucid landscapes of Claude Monet, the emotive brushstrokes of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the robust compositions of Edgar Degas, and the vivid narratives captured by Mary Cassatt. Walking through the museum, one also encounters the distinctive strokes of Georges Seurat, the innovative forms of Paul Cézanne, and the vibrant sunflowers of Vincent van Gogh.
Large-scale paintings by Georges Seurat
Georges Seurat’s magnum opus, “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” a sizeable masterpiece of pointillism, accentuates the Art Institute’s reputation for harboring some of the most significant large-scale paintings in art history. The canvas, depicting Parisians at leisure, entices visitors into the artist’s revolutionary technique, where a tapestry of tiny, precise dots culminates in a harmonious and vibrant scene of leisure and repose.
Sky Above Clouds IV
Among the Art Institute’s many wonders, Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Sky Above Clouds IV,” stretching an immense 24 by 8 feet, claims the title of the largest painting in the museum’s collection. This magnificent artwork captures the vastness of the sky with a transcendental perspective, marking a pivotal moment in O’Keeffe’s artistic exploration and serving as a beacon of inspiration and awe within the museum.
Buddha Shakyamuni
The sheer size and presence of the Buddha Shakyamuni make it an unmissable sight for visitors to the museum. It’s the largest Buddha in the continental United States. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or simply an art enthusiast, the serene and powerful aura emanating from this statue will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Find peace in front of him as he is sitting in the lotus position with his hands resting on his lap.
Extraordinary collection of art and design
The Art Institute’s extraordinary collection extends beyond traditional paintings. Within its walls lies a plethora of art and design artifacts offering an unparalleled exploration into the various dimensions of creativity. The Art Institute is home to a marvelous array of prints, drawings, sculptures, textiles, and even medieval armor—a reflection of the rich tapestry of human ingenuity across the ages. Special exhibits and public events further complement its enduring exhibitions, making every visit to the museum a unique and unforgettable encounter.
Permanent collection highlights
The Art Institute’s permanent collection is not short of highlights. It boasts an array of recognizable works, including Henri Matisse’s “Bathers by the River” and Gustave Caillebotte’s “Paris Street; Rainy Day.” The museum’s collection spans far and wide, with every piece, from Claude Monet’s serene “Water Lilies” to Picasso’s striking Cubist compositions.
Audio Tours and Guided Experiences
Immersing yourself in the exceptional array of artworks is best savored through the Art Institute’s engaging audio tours and guided experiences. Museum Hack tours inject a lively twist into your visit, interweaving play with intriguing insider stories, while various tour options offer sassy insights and captivating engagements that will transform your visit into an enriched, shareable moment. Each experience is curated to bolster your connection with the art, ensuring your visit to this storied institution is as enlightening as it is unforgettable.
Special Exhibits and Upcoming Events
The dynamic pulse of the Art Institute of Chicago is encapsulated in its over 30 rotating art exhibits, a dedication to the ever-evolving lands of artistic expression. The museum’s schedule is studded with special exhibits and public events that weave through a tapestry of diverse artworks, beckoning guests to explore novel vistas beyond the permanent collection. Whether you’re seeking the avant-garde or the classical, the Art Institute’s special exhibits unfurl a panorama of genres and subjects, all intertwined in the vibrant cultural fabric of Chicago, ensuring that every visit to the museum unfurls a freshly painted portrait of human creativity.
Tips for Visiting the Art Institute
Wear comfortable walking shoes
I usually wear sneakers when I travel, but this is a serious tip. My feet were burning after walking through it.
Download the App
Found out about this too late for our trip – and I have many regrets. It has a number of audio-guided tour and more information about the exhibits. All you have to do is type in the number from the piece into the app and it’ll give you more information. This is PERFECT for the non-art-aficionado like me who has no idea what they’re looking at.
Use the Chicago CityPASS
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the Chicago City Pass – we used it to save money and time during our three days in Chicago. The Art Institute had a separate line for CityPass ticket holders to get in quickly! You can read my in-depth review of the Chicago CityPass for more information.
Bring a Jacket
As someone who loves the cold, this didn’t bother me, but the air conditioning was pumping. So if you get cold, bring a sweater or jacket to keep you warm.
FAQs About Visiting the Art Institute
Are there any free days for the Art Institute of Chicago?
The museum offers free admission to Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year. To find out when these free days are, make sure to check the Art Institute of Chicago website. Additionally, certain groups receive free admission throughout the year, including teenagers under 18, children under 14, active-duty military personnel, Illinois educators, and LINK and WIC cardholders. So whether you’re a local looking for a budget-friendly outing or fall into one of these eligible groups, you can enjoy the mesmerizing world of art without spending a dime.
How long do I need to visit the Art Institute of Chicago?
We took about two and a half hours. We are not huge art fans, so if you are definitely give yourself more time. We could have been much more efficient with our time if we had a map or used the app though. I would say a minimum of two hours.
What is the Art Institute of Chicago famous for?
Chicago’s Art Institute is famous for its massive permanent collection of Impressionist & Post-Impressionist works. It’s the second largest art museum in America, with the Museum of Modern Art in NYC topping the list.
Is the Art Institute of Chicago worth visiting?
Even as someone who isn’t a huge art fan, I do believe it’s worth visiting. Even if you only go for one exhibit, it’s a pretty cool destination. If you’re getting the Chicago City Pass, then it’s one of the places that you can choose to be included.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, visiting the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-do for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. I do recommend spending a few hours exploring! With its vast collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, it stands as one of the largest art museums in the United States. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this renowned institution and discover the beauty and significance held within its walls.
Read More about Chicago
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Chicago CityPASS Review: Is it worth it?
Using Public Transportation in Chicago
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Love it.
Some great tips there. Really makes me want to get to Chicago now!! Would love to share with my kids.
Thanks for sharing!
I love visiting museums when I travel, and I’ve heard amazing things about this one! Thanks for all these great tips, I’ll definitely be sure to download the app when I’m able to go!
This brings back fond memories. We’ve visited the art institute numerous times, and it’s always a great way to spend a morning or afternoon while in the city.
A classic, classy museum!