The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, attracting 1.5 million visitors annually and housing over 300,000 works of art. Spanning nearly 1 million square feet, this world-class museum is renowned for its vast collection and architectural beauty.

😍 I Found This Great For

Art lovers
Explore iconic works from Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and more.

History buffs
Discover art and artifacts spanning from ancient civilizations to modern-day.

Families with children
Enjoy hands-on workshops, family tours, and Thorne Miniature Rooms.

Students & educators
Access interactive tools, virtual galleries, and professional development programs.

History

Founded in 1879 following the Great Chicago Fire, the Art Institute was originally both a museum and a school of fine arts. The current building was constructed as part of the World’s Columbian Exposition and became the museum’s permanent home in 1893. The iconic bronze lions have flanked the entrance on Michigan Avenue since the museum's opening. The museum has undergone eight major expansions, including the addition of the Modern Wing in 2009. Today, the Art Institute is globally recognized for both its educational programs and world-class collections.

Collections & Exhibitions

With over 300,000 pieces, the museum offers one of the most comprehensive art collections in the world. Exhibitions rotate frequently, and more than 95,000 works are viewable through the museum’s online database. Visitors can even curate their own virtual galleries. The museum’s permanent collection is divided into key departments:

  • African: 400+ works including masks, beadwork, and ceramics
  • American: O’Keeffe, Whistler, and 18th-century to present-day works
  • Ancient and Byzantine: Roman, Egyptian, and early Christian art
  • Architecture and Design: 250,000+ works from global pioneers
  • Arms, Armor, Medieval & Renaissance: Sculptures, textiles, stained glass
  • Asian: 35,000 artifacts from across Asia
  • Contemporary: Works from 1945 onward, including Pollock and Mitchell
  • European Decorative Arts: 25,000 pieces and a renowned paperweight collection
  • European Painting and Sculpture: Masters like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh
  • Indian Art of the Americas: Mesoamerican, Andean, and Native American pieces
  • Modern Art: Picasso, Matisse, and other early 20th-century figures
  • Photography: From early photo history to contemporary works
  • Prints and Drawings: French 19th-century standouts and more
  • Textiles: Ancient and Pre-Columbian pieces dating back to 300 B.C.
  • Thorne Miniature Rooms: 68 intricately crafted rooms spanning centuries

Highlights & Visitor Favorites

  • Grant Wood’s "American Gothic"
  • Georges Seurat’s "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte"
  • Vincent van Gogh’s "The Bedroom"
  • Claude Monet’s "Water Lilies"
  • Pablo Picasso’s "The Old Guitarist"

Education & Digital Access

  • 95,000+ works searchable online
  • Virtual gallery creation and interactive digital tools
  • Programs for educators, students, and families
  • Lectures, guided tours, studio classes, and workshops

Visitor Tips

  • Hours: Open daily 10:30am – 5:00pm; Thursdays until 8:00pm for Illinois residents
  • Admission: Prices vary; free Thursdays after 5:00pm for Illinois residents
  • Dining: Café and seasonal dining options available on-site
  • Accessibility: Wheelchairs available; accessible entrances and services provided
  • Shopping: Gift shop with art books, prints, and themed merchandise

Location

Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-443-3600
Website: artic.edu

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