The Art Institute of Chicago: plan your visit

History and Location

First named the Chicago Academy of Design, a small group of Chicago artists launched the school and art exhibits in 1866. The establishment managed to be funded by the dues of those who attended, however the building was obliterated when the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 devoured it and everything else in its pathway. 

After acquiring massive amounts of debt due to the destruction from the fire, the Academy’s members changed direction and founded a new organization called, the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, which then changed its name to the Art Institute of Chicago in 1882. Since then, the building has gone through much expansion as its superior collection of impressionist and post-impressionist pieces continues to grow. 

The school has gained much attention as it is repeatedly ranked as one of the top in the nation. The Art Institute of Chicago is located on South Michigan Avenue on the west edge of Grant Park in the Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District.

The Art Institute of Chicago Collection

With over 260,000 pieces of art that ranges from the early Japanese pieces all the way to the most current American artwork, the Art Institute of Chicago has a very impressive collection. Throughout the building, visitors of the Art Institute of Chicago will explore eight different themes. These themes include: African American Artists, Art Institute Icons, Artists in Chicago, Children, Mythology, Portraits, Recent Acquisitions, and Silk Road. 

The Art Institute of Chicago is home to the Ryerson & Burnham Libraries, which contain a rather widespread compilation of 18^th-20^th century architecture. In 2009, the Modern wing was opened and contains an extensive collection of 20^th-21^st century European artwork. It houses pieces by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and René Magritte. The addition of the Modern wing made the Art Institute of Chicago the second largest art museum in the country.

Hours and Admission Prices

The Art Institute of Chicago is open Monday-Wednesday from 10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Thursday from 10:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., and Friday-Sunday from 10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The institute is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 

The price for admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is $18.00 for adults, $12.00 for students and seniors, and it is free for children under the age of 14. On the first and second Wednesdays of every month admission to the Institute is free to everyone.

Residents of Chicago who have a valid photo ID will be given a $2.00 discount daily. Frequent visitors can become a member of the Institute and also receive special discounts.

Nearby Attractions

The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago is connected to the southwest corner of Millennium Park by the Nichols Bridgeway, which is situated on the western edge of Grant Park. Millennium Park houses many of Chicago’s finest attractions including Jay Pritzker Pavillion, AT&T Plaza and Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, Wrigley Square, Harris Theater and many more. 

Other nearby attractions are the Fisher Studio Houses, ABC 7 News Studio, the Chicago Theater, and even the original Playboy Mansion. The Art Institute of Chicago is also on the same street as the Orchestra Hall and Chicago Blues Festival. The Chicago Blues Festival is a musical event full of blues, swing, boogie woogie and delta blues performances that is held each year.

After visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, complete your visit to the Windy City by exploring the top 10 things to do in Chicago.