Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago which includes outdoor art
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
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).

Plan a trip to see Art Institute of Chicago

Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park Gold Experience
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Art Institute of Chicago

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
40
" "5 - Excellent 60.60606060606061%
4 - Good
25
" "4 - Good 37.878787878787875%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 1.5151515151515151%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Jan 2020

An absolute must-see!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Jun 2019

Sometimes quite hard to navigate (it's huge!) but ask the one of the staff if you're lost. They're very knowledgeable and keen to help.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Mar 2019

A wonderful gallery. A fabulous building with a brilliant art collection.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Feb 2019

Absolutely massive. Needs at least a day to get around

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
2 out of 5
65 E Harrison St, Chicago, IL
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
River Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
4 out of 5
111 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, 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
Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
4 out of 5
10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
Silversmith Hotel 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
Virgin Hotels Chicago
Virgin Hotels Chicago
4.5 out of 5
203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
Virgin Hotels 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
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.