Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Activities

Art Institute of Chicago which includes interior views and art
Art Institute of Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago showing outdoor art
Art Institute of Chicago showing a fountain
Art Institute of Chicago showing interior views and art


Explore a massive collection of works celebrating different cultures and historical times, from ancient Egypt to modern installations.

The Art Institute of Chicago holds nearly 300,000 works of art in eight buildings, encompassing nearly one million square feet (93,000 square meters) of gallery space. It’s best known for its collection of modern European and American paintings and sculptures, including works by Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh and Mary Cassatt. There’s also Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, pieces from across Asia, and edgy contemporary installations. You’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes as you can spend from a few hours to a few days here.

The Museum lies on the eastern border of downtown Chicago, a block from Lake Michigan. It was founded as a museum and fine arts school in 1879. It settled in its current location in 1893 and the original building, with two famous bronze lion statues on either side of the entrance, remains.

Don’t try to attempt the Museum without a map. You’ll find one at the entrance. There are also audio guides, and Apps for smartphones that have floor plans and detailed stories about some of the artworks.

The European artworks and sculptures here are famous. You’ll likely recognize many of them, such as Two Sisters by Renoir and Water Lilies by Monet. They start on the second floor just above the main Michigan Avenue entrance. 

The American art collection spans two floors. Mary Cassatt’s, The Child’s Bath, a favorite among visitors, and other highlights include paintings by James McNeill Whistler and John Singer Sargent. Head to the second floor to view pieces from 1900 to1950, include Edward Hopper’s renowned painting Nighthawks which eerily depicts a New York restaurant late at night.

Explore other mediums of art in rooms about architecture and design, galleries for photography, a sculpture garden and half a floor dedicated to Asian, African and Native American art. Visit the gallery's official website before your visit to check for any upcoming special exhibitions.

Take a break at one of four eateries. The Museum Café has everything from sandwiches to pizzas, while Caffe Moderno serves up quick snacks like paninis and salads. There are two formal dining options: Terzo Piano (Italian) and McKinlock Court Restaurant (modern American).

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Best Lodging Options Near Art Institute of Chicago

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

4.5 out of 5
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
citizenM Chicago Downtown
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park

4.5 out of 5
200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL
Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park
Swissotel - Chicago

Swissotel - Chicago

4.5 out of 5
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
Swissotel - Chicago
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago

4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
Hyatt Regency Chicago
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
71 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Art Institute of Chicago

A trip to the Art Institute of Chicago is incomplete without exploring its captivating art exhibits and engaging gallery tours. Make use of the art institute tours app to enhance your experience and discover the amazing collections housed within this renowned museum. Additionally, the vibrant theatre and entertainment options nearby offer a fantastic way to round out your visit in the Windy City.

Shopping

The Chicago Place Mall, located 1.6km from the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a family-friendly atmosphere. For a blend of family and entertainment vibes, 900 North Michigan Shops is also 1.6km away. City Market, 966m away, features a vibrant city feel for local shopping.

Recreation

At Soldier Field, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events. Enjoy soulful performances at the House of Blues Chicago, located nearby. For a tranquil escape, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, a perfect spot for relaxation and reconnecting with nature, just a short distance from the Art Institute.

Adventure

Explore the Salt Creek Trail, located 19.3km from the Art Institute of Chicago, for an invigorating hiking experience amidst beautiful scenery. For family fun, head to Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 21.6kms away, where you can enjoy thrilling water slides and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

In Chicago, the Chicago Theatre, just 805m from the Art Institute, offers a charming mix of culture and entertainment. Bally's Casino, 1.6km away, provides a lively atmosphere for gaming and romance, while Film Row Cinema, 1.1km distant, is perfect for family-friendly films and date nights.

Find the best attractions near Art Institute of Chicago

Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago offers a delightful mix of culture and family-friendly experiences. Explore iconic skyscrapers and historic buildings while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Chicago. Don't miss the renowned art museums, especially the Art Institute itself, where you can immerse yourself in a world of creativity and history.

  • Michigan Avenue: Renowned for its vibrant city atmosphere, Michigan Avenue is a bustling street lined with shops, restaurants, and iconic architecture. Stroll along this famous thoroughfare and soak in the lively urban energy.
  • Navy Pier: A popular jetty, Navy Pier offers stunning lakefront views, art installations, and family-friendly attractions. Enjoy the scenic beauty and friendly vibe while exploring the numerous restaurants and shops.
  • Grant Park: Known as Chicago's "front yard," Grant Park is a beautiful urban park perfect for families. With expansive green spaces, walking paths, and art installations, it's an ideal spot for outdoor relaxation and city enjoyment.

Best time to go to Art Institute of Chicago

Visitor numbers around Art Institute of Chicago is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Art Institute of Chicago can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Art Institute of Chicago falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Art Institute of Chicago falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Art Institute of Chicago

To save money on your visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, consider travelling between December and February for lower accommodation rates, especially on Tuesdays. Nearby free attractions like Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and Grant Park offer budget-friendly options. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and book packages that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to filter for eco-certified hotels if you're looking for sustainable options. This approach will help you find affordable rates without compromising on experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Art Institute of Chicago are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Art Institute of Chicago is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Art Institute of Chicago is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool gives you the flexibility to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort your results by price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search based on hotel categories. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will display sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation near the Art Institute of Chicago with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.