The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) is a museum of visual arts located at 111 South Michigan Avenue in Grant Park, Chicago. It is one of the largest museums in the United States, second only to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The museum is affiliated with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was established in 1879 as the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.
In 2008, the museum's halls were modernized in line with the new building, the Modern Wing, designed by architect Renzo Piano. This modernization included the implementation of sun protection for the exhibited artworks. The Modern Wing was opened to the public in 2009 and represents the largest expansion in the history of the AIC.
The Art Institute of Chicago boasts a significant collection of more than 260,000 artworks. This includes pieces from the periods of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, works by Old Masters, American art, European and American applied art and design, Asian art, and modern and contemporary art. The museum is particularly known for its collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and American paintings.
Art & Design Ancient art Applied art Contemporary art Modern art Renaissance art & Early modern art
#8 Art & Design in United States #3 Ancient art museums in United States #1 Applied art museums in United States #6 Contemporary art museums in United States #6 Modern art museums in United States #3 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in United States #1 Art & Design in Chicago #1 Ancient art museums in Chicago #1 Contemporary art museums in Chicago #1 Modern art museums in Chicago #1 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in Chicago #1 Art & Design in Illinois #1 Ancient art museums in Illinois #1 Applied art museums in Illinois #1 Contemporary art museums in Illinois #1 Modern art museums in Illinois #1 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in Illinois
Monday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 11:00 – 20:00 |
Friday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
10:30-17:00; Thu 10:30-20:00
South Michigan Avenue 111, Chicago
5 Sept 2025 – 9 Mar 2026
30 Aug 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
26 Jul 2025 – 8 Dec 2025
15 Jul 2025 – 13 Oct 2025
29 Jun 2025 – 5 Oct 2025
28 Jun 2025 – 15 Sept 2025
7 Jun 2025 – 19 Jan 2026
17 May 2025 – 17 May 2026
3 May 2025 – 21 Sept 2025
The Art Institute of Chicago has 1 rating.
The Art Institute of Chicago is widely regarded as one of the premier art museums in the United States. Located in the heart of Chicago, it houses an extensive collection spanning thousands of years of human creativity.
Visitors consistently praise the museum's diverse and high-quality exhibits. The collection includes renowned works from various periods and cultures, with particular strengths in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Many reviewers highlight iconic pieces such as Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte" and Grant Wood's "American Gothic" as memorable experiences.
The museum's architecture, both the original Beaux-Arts building and the modern wing, receives positive comments for its design and functionality. The layout is generally considered well-organized, allowing for a smooth flow between different sections.
Special exhibitions are frequently noted as being thoughtfully curated and informative, adding value to repeat visits. The museum's efforts to provide context and educational materials alongside artworks are appreciated by many visitors.
While the vast majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some visitors mention that the sheer size of the museum can be overwhelming, suggesting that multiple visits might be necessary to fully appreciate the collection. A few reviewers also note that it can get crowded during peak times, which might affect the viewing experience.
Admission prices are occasionally mentioned as being on the higher side, but most visitors feel the experience justifies the cost, especially considering the breadth and quality of the collection.
The museum's amenities, including its gift shop and dining options, generally receive positive feedback, though they are not the main focus of most reviews.
Overall, The Art Institute of Chicago is consistently described as a world-class institution that offers an enriching and inspiring experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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