Background
In 1866, a group of 35 artists formed the Chicago Academy of Design, a free school with an art gallery. When the World’s Columbian Exposition came to Chicago in 1892, the group banded together and asked the city for a new building. Today, the one million square foot Art Institute stands as the second-largest art museum in the United States.
Why You Should Visit
For one, it’s ranked as the best museum in the entire world. Let that sink in for a moment…
The Art Institute’s collection contains more than 260,000 works of art from the past 5,000 years. There are many famous paintings among these, including A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte, Nighthawks, The Bath, and American Gothic. Notable artists include Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Warhol.
Features
- Top Rated Museum in the World, not Just Chicago
- Over 260,000 Pieces of Art
- Free Thursday Evenings from 5 pm – 8 pm for all Illinois Residents
- Ryerson & Burnham Libraries
- New Modern Wing
- Iconic Architecture Featuring the Two Bronze Lion Statues
Prices
General Admission
Adults – $23
Children (Under 14) – Free
Seniors – $17
Students $17
Additional discounts are available for Chicago and IL residents
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone
(312) 443-3600
Hours
Open daily: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 10:30 am – 8:00 pm