The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, and one of our favorites. It was founded in 1879 in Chicago’s Grant Park, across from Millennium Park and steps from Lake Michigan. The Art Institute welcomes visitors at two entrances, the Michigan Avenue Main Entrance and the Modern Wing Entrance on East Monroe Street. The main building is one of the city’s major landmarks, featuring two bronze lions guarding the entrance. The permanent collection holds over 300,000 works, including a vast Impressionist collection, Old Masters, American art, decorative arts, sculpture, Asian art, African art, and Contemporary art.
Collections
Because of the size of the museum, it is helpful to know some of your must-see pieces and map out your visit. Plan on spending at least half a day here. Some of our favorites include:
American Gothic by Grant Wood– One of the most famous American paintings of all time, this double portrait by Grant Wood debuted at the Art Institute in 1930, winning the artist a $300 prize and instant fame.
At the Moulin Rouge by Toulouse-Lautrec- A dramatic painting of Parisian nightlife at it its most famous cabaret.
Thorne Miniature Rooms by Narcissa Nyblack Thorne- Constructed on a scale of one inch to one foot, these fascinating models allow a glimpse of European and American interiors from the past.
The Bedroom by Vincent Van Gogh– One of three paintings Van Gogh made of his bedroom in Arles, France, and the only one in the United States.
America Windows by Marc Chagall– Chagall created a set of stained-glass windows specifically for the museum. The windows might look familiar— they appeared in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Special Exhibits
The Art Institute has special temporary exhibits throughout the year, so there is sure to be something new and different each time you visit. Currently some of the featured exhibits include:
Manet and Modern Beauty through September 8, 2019
Everyone’s Art Gallery: Posters from the London Underground through September 5, 2019
Benjamin Patterson: When Elephants Fight, It Is the Frogs That Suffer—A Sonic Graffiti through October 20, 2019
Tours
Self-guided audio tours are available on a free app or audio guide and headset.
The free app offers:
• Engaging audio tours featuring behind-the-scenes stories, a variety of expert voices, and music
• A “Look It Up” feature that allows you learn more about the artworks that interest you
• A location-aware interactive map to help you navigate the galleries, find old favorites, and discover new ones
• Listing of current exhibitions to help guide your visit or plan your next one The audio guide ($7) offers:
• English, French, Spanish, and Chinese language options
• Complete flexibility, visitors can begin with any artwork marked with the audio guide icon and proceed through the galleries in any order
• Guides include special exhibition tours when available
Docent-guided Gallery Talks are available on most days with topics ranging from “Highlights of the Art Institute” to “Art in Unexpected Places”. Check the Tour Calendar on the website for topics and times during your visit.
Dining
The museum has some wonderful options for onsite dining, so you can grab a bite to eat without leaving the property. The Museum Café, Terzo Piano, and Balcony Café serve lunch daily and dinner on Thursdays. Terzo Piano is accessible from Millennium Park via the Nichols Bridgeway or through the Modern Wing entrance on Monroe Street. This restaurant is one of the Modern Wing’s open public spaces that all visitors can enjoy without paying museum admission.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Michigan Avenue Entrance
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603 Modern Wing Entrance
159 East Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
