The Art Institute of Chicago: Hours, Address, The Art Institute of Chicago Reviews: 5/5
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago
5
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 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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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Grant Park
How to get there
- Adams/Wabash • 3 min walk
- Monroe • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,238 within 3 miles
Cherry Circle Room
291
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Acanto
502
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
The Gage
2,297
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Remington's
509
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Contemporary
Pittsfield Cafe
263
0.3 mi$ • American • Cafe • Diner
Russian Tea Time
604
315 ft$$ - $$$ • Russian • Eastern European • Vegetarian Friendly
Goddess and the Baker, Wabash
439
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • American • Cafe
Cindy's
978
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • African • International
The Berghoff Restaurant
1,571
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • German • Bar • Pub
Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
695
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Pizza
Attractions
537 within 6 miles
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Provence
1
14 ftChurches & Cathedrals
Thorne Miniature Rooms
7
30 ftArt Galleries • Speciality Museums
Van Gogh's Bedrooms
5
77 ftArt Galleries • Art Museums
Chicago Skyline
706
405 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Route 66
92
264 ftScenic Drives • Scenic Walking Areas
Pritzker Military Museum & Library
75
507 ftMilitary Museums • Libraries
Crown Fountain
2,123
0.1 miFountains
Millennium Park
24,797
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Cloud Gate
18,104
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
North Garden
1
291 ftGardens
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
24,199 reviews
Excellent
20,481
Very good
3,161
Average
417
Poor
89
Terrible
53
307leven
Stroudsburg, PA139 contributions
Apr 2022
Visited the last Monday in April. We arrived at the 11am opening and spent 6 hours there until just before 5pm as we viewed the countless exhibits in each room on every floor - even then, we didn't have nearly enough time to read everything. There are 4 floors including the lower level where the Arts of Egypt displays are located. The Art Institute has the most impressionist works of art outside of Paris, so you must visit this place if you enjoy art and it's history. Unlike some other art museums, the Art Institute allows to get closer to the exhibits in order to properly view them and the lighting was sufficient. I don't believe they allowed backpacks, so we stepped outside briefly to have a snack and drink a bottle of water. It wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be and we were able to walk around without difficulty. They allow photographs, but ask that you not use flash, selfie stick, tripods or video. We used our Citypass tickets to get in which save us on the cost of admission. If you only have one day to visit, I recommend going early because there is really a LOT to see.
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John M
Raleigh, NC1,835 contributions
Nov 2021
The Art Institute of Chicago was part of my years growing up in Chicago. We returned after many years living in North Carolina. What does one say about such a fantastic place and do it justice? We revisited some of our favorite paintings and were happy to see the galleries so fresh and new looking. Seeing the large collection of Monet paintings brought tears to my eyes. And so many nice memories looking at the Two Sisters of Renoir!
The contemporary art galleries seem fuller of art. And the Asian galleries seem so new and fresh.
What really blew our minds though was the exhibit by Barbara Kruger that runs through January 24th. It is an absolute must see/experience: THINKING OF YOU. I MEAN ME. I MEAN YOU. If you don't see anything else in Chicago, see this!
We spent about 4 hours here and will return in a couple of days to see more. It's really a multi-day experience.
And if you book online for parking, the very close Grant Park South parking garage is only $14 for the day.
The contemporary art galleries seem fuller of art. And the Asian galleries seem so new and fresh.
What really blew our minds though was the exhibit by Barbara Kruger that runs through January 24th. It is an absolute must see/experience: THINKING OF YOU. I MEAN ME. I MEAN YOU. If you don't see anything else in Chicago, see this!
We spent about 4 hours here and will return in a couple of days to see more. It's really a multi-day experience.
And if you book online for parking, the very close Grant Park South parking garage is only $14 for the day.
Written November 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shanelle
Santa Monica, CA2,360 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Acclaimed art museum and a must-do for tourists and locals alike. Came here with a friend on Friday after lunch and bought tickets at the box office insider. The coat room is currently closed due to covid. You are allowed to carry backpacks and have water bottles; I love that there are water bottle refilling stations by the bathrooms so you can stay hydrated. The cafe was closed when we went (Aug 2021). Entrance is $25 and there are discounts for Chicago residents/students/members. Credit cards are accepted.
The place is huge and I would suggest allowing at least two to three hours to explore all three levels. We were lucky to have caught the presidential portraits before they were gone. There are a number of famous pieces housed in the museum. There are both stairs and elevators for you to go around. Art aficionado or not, you’ll have a fun time.
The place is huge and I would suggest allowing at least two to three hours to explore all three levels. We were lucky to have caught the presidential portraits before they were gone. There are a number of famous pieces housed in the museum. There are both stairs and elevators for you to go around. Art aficionado or not, you’ll have a fun time.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI510 contributions
Oct 2020
On a weekend getaway to Chicago to see the Monet and Chicago exhibit. We were not disappointed!! In these COVID times, you must order your General Admission and your Monet tickets in advance. We arrived shortly after the 11am museum opening time (for AIC members, the museum opens an hour earlier), and got in the "virtual line" for the Monet exhibit; 27 parties ahead of us, with about an hour's wait. We could wander through the museum, go out to lunch, visit the Museum shop, or just sit and wait. We entered the Monet exhibit about 12:30 and spent two hours within. I'm a huge Monet fan and didn't mind driving in from 5 hours away for this opportunity to see some 80 works, almost all of them paintings, and half or more of them from private collections, meaning this might be the only time I ever see this work in person! And it was worth it. There are some awesome privately owned paintings! I will never forget seeing them. And I won't soon forget the feeling of walking into the gallery with the Water Lilies paintings. Goosebumps!! Loved the back story on the Palmers, the Ryersons, and Annie Coburn and how they collected so many Impressionist paintings which they later gifted to the AIC. With timed entrance to the exhibition, and the paintings spaced out in the galleries, we felt pretty safe but there were times when a gallery became overcrowded and uncomfortable. Take your time as you are allowed to walk through at your own pace, and enjoy the paintings for as long as you want. Definitely one of the high points of my year!!
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JillClardy
Redwood City, CA776 contributions
Sep 2021
I was very impressed with the art, the galleries, the staff and the building. The building is spacious and well-maintained. The Tiffany window hanging in the central stairwell is stunning! I particularly enjoyed the Impressionism galleries. The AIC has a wonderful collection of Monet’s and the other famous Impressionist painters. They also have a good selection of Van Gogh’s. We were fascinated by the gallery of miniature rooms. I’ve never seen those in any other museum in the world, and we’ve been to many. Everyone was masked, and the museum wasn’t too crowded on a Sunday morning, so we felt quite safe. Unfortunately, their cafe is still closed, and we found only one water fountain, so we were too thirsty and enervated to spend more time. I will definitely visit again the next time we’re in Chicago.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Norris A
Chicago, IL2,127 contributions
Sep 2020
El Greco exhibit- September 2020 was the draw. The concurrent Monet exhibit had wait times of an hour or more and we couldn't deal with that. The French Impressionists section is my favorite and that would fill my Monet needs after El G.
We had booked our timed tickets on line and had no wait once we arrived. In the El Greco rooms there were staff watching over some of the paintings that were NOT to be photographed (Boo! Hiss!). I followed the rules of course. You will want to take photos I imagine but no selfie sticks, no flash and no tripods are allowed. Take your shot then step aside for the next person.
It didn't take long to scour each El Greco room before moving on to the French Impressionists which is my cup of tea . Foot traffic was One Way to stop bunching up in the narrow passageways and prevent you retracing your steps.
The building is vast and there's so much to see-perfect for a rainy day when there aren't major exhibitions. Today there were two such which kept us moving and we were out onto Michigan Avenue again within 2 hours. Once tourism returns to Chicago expect the usual major crowds here.
There's a nice quiet park just to the South with statuary and a fountain which is a good place to sit and consider what you've seen or to snack on a sandwich. The cafes within the Art Institute were closed but usually do a roaring trade.
There is of course a beautiful and well stocked Gift Shop.
We had booked our timed tickets on line and had no wait once we arrived. In the El Greco rooms there were staff watching over some of the paintings that were NOT to be photographed (Boo! Hiss!). I followed the rules of course. You will want to take photos I imagine but no selfie sticks, no flash and no tripods are allowed. Take your shot then step aside for the next person.
It didn't take long to scour each El Greco room before moving on to the French Impressionists which is my cup of tea . Foot traffic was One Way to stop bunching up in the narrow passageways and prevent you retracing your steps.
The building is vast and there's so much to see-perfect for a rainy day when there aren't major exhibitions. Today there were two such which kept us moving and we were out onto Michigan Avenue again within 2 hours. Once tourism returns to Chicago expect the usual major crowds here.
There's a nice quiet park just to the South with statuary and a fountain which is a good place to sit and consider what you've seen or to snack on a sandwich. The cafes within the Art Institute were closed but usually do a roaring trade.
There is of course a beautiful and well stocked Gift Shop.
Written January 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CultureVulture60657
Chicago, IL8,417 contributions
May 2022
The Cezanne retrospective now at the Art Institute through early September is stupendous. The curators have gathered works from the AIC's own large holdings of Cezanne plus other museums across Europe and the U.S. for a comprehensive look at the life work this important late 19th Century painter. Cezanne revisited the same subjects time after time over the course of decades. To see several in one room is a rare opportunity. I also loved the video in which the curators dissected 3 paintings, even using infrared technology, to explain how, using color, Cezanne built up his images. It's a large show, about 130 works, plus notebooks and other items, so plan to spend a couple hours with it.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David Marino
La Jolla, CA502 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
With museums back open, I recommend that you consider going to the Art Institute. It’s incredibly safe and sterile, and there were very few people at the museum, which made the art viewing experience unprecedented. In many cases, we were the only people in individual galleries. All of the work on display is fantastic, and I highly recommend that you take 15 or 20 minutes to go see the miniature exhibition from the 1930s, which has wonderful scale models of early American and European interior design and architecture. The collection of contemporary art is world class.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jritchi
Saint Paul, MN42 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
Despite world class art, despite the global city it is set in, I can’t rate this museum higher because of how inhospitable they are. Only members can get in before 10 am - and they do mean IN. NO entry into the lobby, must wait outside, today in a 39 degree rain shower. I arrived EARLY because other timed entrance places often deny entry if you’re late. So here I sit at the Chick-Fil-A across the street. Not a great way to begin a visit.
Written April 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rrgeniusz
Cedarburg, WI263 contributions
Jun 2019
This is a big big museum. Like the Louvre or other great museums, it is impossible to really explore and enjoy the whole collection in one day. My approach is to make 3 decisions before I go. First, I check out what the traveling shows are and decide if I want ti see any of them or wait for the next featured shows to arrive. If my decision is to go, I pick a few periods in art history that I am most interested in seeing and, perhaps, even do a little research, Finally I make a mental list of my favorite artworks from past visits or from what I know about the institute. With this plan, I can make my visit fruitful, enjoyable, and not totally exhausting. Even with a plan, expect to spend a little time lost. because the museum has so many wings and isolated sections of floors, it is easy to get confused even with the map that the museum provides, Fortunately the guards are very helpful, do not be afraid to ask directions. Flash photos are not allowed and, especially with the traveling shows, some paintings will be marked with a camera and the familiar red circle with the line through it indicating that you cannot photograph. Carefully checking for these warning signs prior to taking a photo will help you to avoid a lot of embarrassment. In my view, the paintings that are the most popular are American Gothic by Grant Wood, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, and The Night Hawks by Edward Hopper, and the Thorne Miniature Rooms. The whole impressionism and post impressionism collections are amazing thanks to Mary Cassatt and her encouraging the museum to acquire works of Impressionist artists while their popularity in France was still at a low point. Even though I live 120 miles from the museum and only visit it once or twice a year, I have a membership. This allows me free and almost instant admission. Just avoiding the long line to enter and having the "Member's Lounge" for a quiet break is well worth the extra cost of being a member to me. It is possible to join on line. I recall once spending about an hour in the museum to see just one show and, when leaving, noticed that a person who was at the end of the general admissions line, when I went in, was just getting up to the entry door (he was dressed in an odd bright red parka). I should add that there are food services in the museum. they do close shortly after lunch time so do not wait too long to eat if you intend to stay for the whole day.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NBPINVT
Southern VT1,452 contributions
Is there a two-day pass?
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY2,591 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, OH1,623 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, IL8,417 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, OH1,623 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.
Hi, I had a combo ticket for art institute of Chicago and sky deck for saturday I am allowed on Sunday?
martha62
Ashby78 contributions
No idea. Contact museum.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Art Institute of Chicago
- The Art Institute of Chicago is open:
- Thu - Mon 11:00 AM - 6:00 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 22 The Art Institute of Chicago tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Art Institute of Chicago:
- Chicago CityPASS (From $114.00)
- Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From $44.99)
- Chicago City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise (From $39.95)
- BEST Full-day Chicago City Tour (From $142.00)
- Chicago City Minibus Tour (From $39.00)
- Hotels near The Art Institute of Chicago:
- (0.11 mi) University Club of Chicago
- (0.16 mi) Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
- (0.21 mi) Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
- (0.17 mi) Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
- (0.28 mi) Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District
- Restaurants near The Art Institute of Chicago:
- (0.01 mi) Caffe Moderno
- (0.06 mi) Russian Tea Time
- (0.10 mi) Corner Bakery Cafe
- (0.09 mi) Terzo Piano
- (0.11 mi) Hot Woks Cool Sushi
- Attractions near The Art Institute of Chicago:
- (0.00 mi) Chapelle Notre-Dame de Provence
- (0.01 mi) Thorne Miniature Rooms
- (0.01 mi) Museum Hack Chicago
- (0.01 mi) Van Gogh's Bedrooms
- (0.08 mi) Inside Chicago Walking Tours