The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago
5
Monday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
See why the Art Institute of Chicago is the only museum in the world to be top-ranked by TripAdvisor four years in a row! Experience the greatest Impressionist collection outside Paris, and view contemporary masterpieces in the spectacular Modern Wing. Stand before classics like Nighthawks, and travel the globe through galleries devoted to the art of ancient Greece, Japan, Africa, and the Americas.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Top ways to experience The Art Institute of Chicago
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Grant Park
How to get there
- Adams/Wabash • 3 min walk
- Monroe • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,519 within 5 kms
Attractions
549 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
24,406 reviews
Excellent
20,657
Very good
3,181
Average
422
Poor
93
Terrible
54
Clive L
Brighton, UK47 contributions
Jan 2023
Modern and Contemporary art, early impressionists, cubists. There's lots to see, so take a good slice out of your day to make sure you have time to browse to your eyes content. Love the early Picasso from the Blue period xx
Written 3 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bobbysgirl01
Oxford, UK127 contributions
Jan 2023
After reading the reviews about the place, we were looking forward to going. Unfortunately, it didn't meet our expectations. Having visited art galleries around the world, it doesn't compare favourably to places such as The National Gallery in London or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (to name but a few). The collection is OK - the two standouts for me was Edward Hopper's Nighthawks and Grant Wood's American Gothic.
Checking in your coats and bags before entering the gallery is a lengthy process (and retrieving them took even longer (at least 45 mins) as the gallery got busier in the afternoon).
The photographic gallery was a big disappointment. I love photography, but the majority of pieces on display were staged and of questionable interest. The publicity for the gallery shows Dorothea Lange's famous photograph of the Migrant Mother ... but sadly it is not on display (I think it is currently in New York).
The biggest annoyance for us was the level of noise in the galleries. I can honestly say that I have never encountered that in any other gallery I've visited. You should be able to quietly walk around and appreciate the art - instead, people were allowed to talk loudly / shout, etc. - and the echo in the rooms made it almost unbearable at times. My husband, who has tinnitus, had to walk out of some of the rooms because it was just too much for him.
It was a real shame, and we both left disappointed.
Checking in your coats and bags before entering the gallery is a lengthy process (and retrieving them took even longer (at least 45 mins) as the gallery got busier in the afternoon).
The photographic gallery was a big disappointment. I love photography, but the majority of pieces on display were staged and of questionable interest. The publicity for the gallery shows Dorothea Lange's famous photograph of the Migrant Mother ... but sadly it is not on display (I think it is currently in New York).
The biggest annoyance for us was the level of noise in the galleries. I can honestly say that I have never encountered that in any other gallery I've visited. You should be able to quietly walk around and appreciate the art - instead, people were allowed to talk loudly / shout, etc. - and the echo in the rooms made it almost unbearable at times. My husband, who has tinnitus, had to walk out of some of the rooms because it was just too much for him.
It was a real shame, and we both left disappointed.
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
saturdaydiner
Newtown, PA307 contributions
Aug 2022
We stayed three nights and a visit to this grest museum was a must. Great collection in a beautiful setting.
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
K5RCR
Baton Rouge34 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Don’t start with the exceptional Impressionist section-do that as a “reward” for seeing some of the less visited sections first.
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Halina D
2 contributions
Jan 2023
A great date spot - check out some art, learn some history, and have a wonderful time doing so! Highly recommend the contemporary art wing.
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julia M
St. Augustine, FL40 contributions
Jan 2023
I honestly would need more than one day to visit this place, the art institute has such a wide array of works, from various time periods. If you are in Chicago, and whether you have even the slightest interest in art....you must go!
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
squinn13
Cambridge, MA172 contributions
Oct 2022
Well laid out and spaced museum, incredible impressionist area and collection. Sadly the cafes were closed in Oct 2022 so if planning a day here perhaps check in advance
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GlobeRunner22
Sydney, Australia212 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
This museum went above and beyond my expectations. It is an incredibly large and diverse museum covering so many aspects of art from every corner of the world. I have been to all the impressive museums like the MET, Louvre and Uffizi and I was still impressed with the enormous and diverse collection here. My
There was not enough time for me explore in great detail. If you want a more slower-paced and detailed visit you will probably need a couple of days. I was able to see everything in 3 to 4 hours but I read quickly and have to skim past a lot of things. I also looked at the map in detail before I arrived and had a clear plan of where I was going to maximise my time.
Whatever time you have in Chicago, you need to see it! If you live in Chicago or somewhere close enough, it would make sense to buy a membership for frequent visits.
There was not enough time for me explore in great detail. If you want a more slower-paced and detailed visit you will probably need a couple of days. I was able to see everything in 3 to 4 hours but I read quickly and have to skim past a lot of things. I also looked at the map in detail before I arrived and had a clear plan of where I was going to maximise my time.
Whatever time you have in Chicago, you need to see it! If you live in Chicago or somewhere close enough, it would make sense to buy a membership for frequent visits.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jackie H
Port Coquitlam, British Columbia13 contributions
Dec 2022
The impressionist Gallery, but that's just a personal artistic preference. The whole gallery was amazing with the breadth of art, beautiful staging and sheer size of the place. You can, and I did, spend hours there.
Written 4 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KayteeHC
Norfolk, VA424 contributions
Oct 2022
All the exhibits are great! Art work is some of the best and a great way to get out of cold and see great art.
Written 3 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NBPINVT
Southern VT1,466 contributions
Is there a two-day pass?
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY2,967 contributions
I’m not aware of a 2 day pass. We simply bought a membership($105). It’s good for a year and gets you inside the building(membership line) rather than waiting outside in the general admittance line. You don’t need timed entry with a membership plus they will text you when the special exhibit is open to you. Of course we live only 5 hours away. Just a thought.
is the fast pass worth doing? What does it really exhibits does it really get you quicker in? Don't you walk at your own pace?
TripPhotographer52
Cincinnati, OH1,783 contributions
not very familiar with that. does it get you into many Chicago museums? I got a reciprocal entry as we belong to an out of town art museum.
Are there still benches? My mother can't walk long without a break.
CultureVulture60657
Chicago, IL9,509 contributions
There are some still but I think fewer than there used to be. There is no food service currently, so you can't take a break by going to the cafeteria. Free wheelchair rentals are still available, if your mother would be willing to use one.
Chicago is supposed to be fully reopened on June 11. I expect full services at museums to be restored soon thereafter, assuming they can rehire staff that were furloughed.
Can I use my membership card for other museums
TripPhotographer52
Cincinnati, OH1,783 contributions
I would say probably yes- ask about the reciprocity agreements. We belong to an art museum in Cincinnati and have used the reciprocity benefits for the Chicago Art Institute and the art museum in Philadelphia where Rocky ran up and down the stairs in his movie.
Security ? Metal detectors?
edieann
Denver, CO896 contributions
Why??? Are you planning to bring a gun?
The museum itself is fantastic, but the staff is very rude, not friendly at all, which is such a shame!
Joshua B
Hampton, VA9 contributions
We interacted with several staff members during our visit and had no issues. Everyone was friendly and courteous. Our questions were answered thoughtfully and we were provided accurate directions when we asked.
Вера К
Yekaterinburg, Russia
Здравствуйте. В какой день возможно бесплатное посещение Института искусств Чикаго
Earl
Chicago, IL1 contribution
How do i purchase a yearly membership?
Iggie28
Lake Tahoe (California), CA36 contributions
Google “Art institute of Chicago annual membership.” Once on their website you will see different options for membership.
Or you can also go there and buy it directly. If you decide to go there to buy directly, it’s best to do it during weekdays. They’re less busy. However, if you go on a weekend or holidays give extra time for the crowd.
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Art Institute of Chicago
- The Art Institute of Chicago is open:
- Thu - Thu 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Fri - Mon 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking The Art Institute of Chicago tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 24 The Art Institute of Chicago tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience The Art Institute of Chicago:
- Chicago CityPASS (From RM 488.98)
- Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From RM 192.97)
- Chicago Small-Group City Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise (From RM 188.51)
- BEST Full-day Chicago City Tour (From RM 609.08)
- Chicago City Minibus Tour (From RM 188.51)
- Hotels near The Art Institute of Chicago:
- (0.18 km) University Club of Chicago
- (0.26 km) Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
- (0.33 km) Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
- (0.44 km) Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District
- (0.28 km) Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
- Restaurants near The Art Institute of Chicago:
- (0.02 km) Caffe Moderno
- (0.10 km) Russian Tea Time
- (0.15 km) Terzo Piano
- (0.17 km) Hot Woks Cool Sushi
- (0.20 km) Acanto
- Attractions near The Art Institute of Chicago:
- (0.00 km) Chapelle Notre-Dame de Provence
- (0.01 km) Thorne Miniature Rooms
- (0.01 km) Museum Hack Chicago
- (0.02 km) Van Gogh's Bedrooms
- (0.13 km) Inside Chicago Walking Tours