The Art Institute of Chicago Tickets and Information
- The Art Institute of Chicago Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, IL 60603, Chicago
- Opening Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed | All Other Days: 11:00 - 17:00
Is The Art Institute of Chicago Worth Visiting
- The institute is home to some incredible art, so we definitely think so, yes.
What Visitors See at The Art Institute of Chicago
- World Famous Art
- Pieces by Monet, Dali, Warhol, Matisse, Van Gogh and others.
- Temporary exhibitions
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About The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most renowned art museums in the United States and a must-visit for art lovers visiting the city. Home to art in the form of paintings, sculptures and more. The building itself is a work of art and features classical Beaux-Arts architecture.
The museum is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, and is globally recognized for its extensive and diverse collection. In fact, it’s often ranked among the top museums in the world.
Some of the artists with pieces on display include:
- Pablo Picasso
- Claude Monet
- Vincent van Gogh
- Salvador Dali
- Paul Cézanne
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and many more.
The Museums Permanent Collection
The museum houses tens of thousands of works of art in its permanent collection, which spans hundreds of years and representing cultures from across the globe. The collection is particularly strong in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, modern and contemporary art, Old Masters, and American art and includes pieces such as:
- "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat: This iconic pointillist painting is a must-see.
- "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper: A famous American painting capturing urban isolation.
- "American Gothic" by Grant Wood: One of the most recognizable paintings in American art.
- Works by Claude Monet: The museum holds one of the largest collections of Monet paintings outside of Paris, including several of his "Water Lilies" series.
Special Exhibitions
The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions that focus on particular artists, movements, or themes. The exhibitions are often temporary, so it's a good idea to check the museum’s website before your visit to see what's currently on display.
Wings and Galleries
The museum is divided into several wings, each of which is dedicated to different periods or types of art. The Modern Wing, which was designed by Renzo Piano, is known for its contemporary art collection as well as it’s stunning architecture.
Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual visitor, there's something for everyone to enjoy at The Art Institute of Chicago.
Fun and interesting facts about The Art Institute of Chicago:
- One of the Oldest in the U.S.: The Art Institute of Chicago was founded in 1879, making it one of the oldest and most renowned art museums in the United States.
- Famous Lions: The iconic bronze lion statues at the museum’s entrance were created by sculptor Edward Kemeys in 1894. The lions have become a symbol of the museum and are often adorned with sports team gear during Chicago’s major sports events.
- Monet’s Record Collection: The Art Institute of Chicago houses the largest collection of Claude Monet paintings outside of Paris, including multiple versions of his famous "Water Lilies."
- Home of "American Gothic": One of the museum’s most famous pieces is Grant Wood’s "American Gothic," which has become an iconic image of American art and culture.
- Astonishing Architecture: The museum’s main building, designed in the Beaux-Arts style by Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge, was constructed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
- Thorne Miniature Rooms: One of the museum's unique attractions is the collection of Thorne Miniature Rooms, which are intricately designed, small-scale replicas of European and American interiors from different historical periods.
- The Largest Collection of Its Kind: The museum's collection of Indian art is considered one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world, with over 1,000 works from various regions of the Indian subcontinent.
- Modern Wing: The museum’s Modern Wing, designed by famed architect Renzo Piano and opened in 2009, added 264,000 square feet to the museum, making it one of the largest art museums in the country.
- Home to Chagall’s Windows: The museum is home to Marc Chagall’s "America Windows," a stunning stained-glass installation that was famously featured in the movie "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off."
Nearby Attractions
- Millennium Park: Just across the street, Millennium Park is home to the famous "Cloud Gate" sculpture (often called "The Bean"), making it a perfect stop before or after your museum visit.
- Grant Park and Lake Michigan: The museum is located right by Grant Park, where you can enjoy a walk, and it’s just a short distance from the shores of Lake Michigan.