The Art Institute of Chicago: Fast Pass
Hang out with Picasso, Dalí, Monet, Renoir, Warhol, and many more!
- The Art Institute of Chicago: Admission
- Bypass the general admission lines at the entrance
- Access to all galleries and non-ticketed exhibitions
- Free downloadable audio guide app with background stories behind the artworks
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
Popular Tickets
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.
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.
Popular Attractions
The Art Institute of Chicago FAQs
- Is The Art Institute of Chicago wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, The Art Institute of Chicago is wheelchair accessible. It also offers wheelchairs free of charge on a first come first serve basis.
- Do you need to book tickets online for The Art Institute of Chicago?
- Although it isn’t compulsory, we do suggest it, yes. It’s a very popular attraction, so queues can form at the ticket counter, so if you book online, this can help you to avoid and enjoy more time inside.
- Are you allowed to sketch in The Art Institute of Chicago?
- Sketching with pencils is allowed in The Art Institute of Chicago, yes.
- How long does it take to visit The Art Institute of Chicago?
- It’s entirely up to you. Some happily spend all day taking in the art and sitting and enjoying it. Others spend a few hours and only visit the areas they are interested in.
- Is there a bag storage area at The Art Institute of Chicago?
- Yes, there is a cloakroom and bag storage available.
- Do children get in for free at The Art Institute of Chicago?
- Yes, children under 14 years old do get in for free. Also, Chicago teenagers under 18 also get in for free.
The Art Institute of Chicago Fun Facts
- 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 is home to 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.
- 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.
- Home to Chagall’s Windows: The museum is home to Marc Chagall’s "America Windows," an amazing stained-glass installation that was famously featured in the movie "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off."
Useful Information About The Art Institute of Chicago
Tips for visiting
- Book Tickets Online: Given the museum's popularity, we suggest booking tickets online. This can save you time as queues can form at the ticket counter.
- Timing: To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Thursdays evenings are usually quieter, and the extended hours give you more time to explore.
- Guided Tours: Consider one of our exclusive guided tours to learn more about the art on show. Click HERE for Guided Tour Options.
How to get there
- The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, IL 60603, Chicago
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday: CLOSED
- Thursday: 11:00 - 17:00
- Friday: 11:00 - 17:00
- Saturday: 11:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 11:00 - 17:00
