Art Institute of Chicago - Fast Facts for Planning Your Visit

Art Institute of Chicago - Overview:

The Art Institute of Chicago shines among Chicago's civic and cultural gems and beckons as a must-see for every citizen and visitor.

Its original mission, dating to 1879, has changed little. The museum seeks to "found, build, maintain and operate museums of fine arts, schools, and libraries."

The AIC has been located at is current address since 1893 and has grown to house some of the world's most prominent collections. The Art Institute holds the third largest art collection in the nation, and they welcome more than a million visitors ever year.

In 2009 the AIC unveiled a major new addition - The Modern Wing

Art Institute of Chicago - Location:

The Art Institute of Chicago is located on Michigan Avenue between Monroe and Jackson Streets.

There are entrances on Michigan Avenue (between the lions), Monroe Street (Modern Wing street-level entrance), and via Millennium Park through the Nichols Bridgeway, which leads to the Modern Wing's third floor.

The museum is officially part of Grant Park.

Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603-6404
Map It
(312)443-3600
(312)499-4111 (Membership)

Using the CTA/RTA/Metra Trip Planner

Art Institute of Chicago - Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday:
10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday:
10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (FREE from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

Saturday and Sunday:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Art Institute of Chicago - Admission & Free Days:

Currently admission is $12 for adults and $7 for seniors, students and children over 12. Children under the age of 12 are free. These admission prices are expected to rise in May 2009, so please check before going to confirm the admission price.

To get into the museum for free, you need to go on Thursdays after 5 p.m., become a member, or visit on one of the Free Days at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Art Institute of Chicago - Collections :

The Art Institute of Chicago's collections are superb. They own more than 250,000 works across ten departments:

• African and Amerindian Art
• American Art
• Architecture and Design
• Asian and Ancient Art
• Contemporary Art
• European Decorative Arts
• Medieval through Modern European Painting and Sculpture
• Photography
• Prints and Drawings
• Textiles

Art Institute of Chicago - Features:

• The Modern Wing - [http://chicago.about.com/b/2009/05/15/10-great-things-to-see-in-the-art-institutes-modern-wing.htm]10 Great Things to See in the Modern Wing[/link]
• Nichols Bridgeway from Millennium Park
• Ryerson and Burnham Libraries
• Gunsaulus Hall
• The Museum's Main (Original) Lobby
• Terzo Piano Restaurant
• The Lion Sculptures
• The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• Ryan Education Center
• The Museum Shop

Art Institute of Chicago - Collection Highlights:

If you have never spent a day at the Art Institute or if you don't get a chance to go very often, you can find yourself amazed at the quality of works, including the famous pieces, that the Art Institute houses. Although it's great to make a point of seeing the famous pieces, just wandering the museum and discovering new works is, to me, the real joy of the place.

Here are just a few highlights among their collections:

• Their Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting collection
• The Trading Room of the Chicago Stock Exchange by Adler & Sullivan
• The Thorne Miniature Rooms
• The African Ceramics Collection
• The Medieval Arms and Armor Collection
• The Contemporary and Modern Art Collections

Art Institute of Chicago - Essential Links:

Art Institute of Chicago Official Website

The Art Institute of Chicago - Modern Wing

The Art Institute of Chicago - Nichols Bridgeway

Annual Wreathing of the Lions

Art Institute of Chicago Collections Online (A-Z)

Art Institute of Chicago on Facebook