Contemporary art museums in Illinois

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.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago, established in 1967, is one of the largest museums for modern and contemporary art in the United States. It provides a comprehensive overview of art since 1945 and its collection largely chronologically follows the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Museum of Contemporary Photography is situated in the Near South Side neighborhood on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other cultural and historical sites, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.

The Chicago Cultural Center, which opened its doors in 1897, is a significant landmark in the city. It is managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events of Chicago. The center serves as the city's official reception venue, where the Mayor of Chicago has welcomed notable figures such as presidents, royalty, diplomats, and community leaders.

The Arts Club of Chicago is a unique blend of a private club and a public exhibition space. It is situated in the Near North Side community area of Chicago, just a block east of the Magnificent Mile. The club is renowned for its exhibitions of international contemporary art, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, situated on the University of Chicago campus, houses a permanent collection of over 15,000 objects. The museum is open to the public and does not charge an admission fee.

The Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art is an art museum situated in Evanston, Illinois. It is conveniently located on the campus of Northwestern University, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum was named after its benefactors, Leigh Block, a Chicago steel manager, and his wife Mary Lasker Block, both art collectors.

The Design Museum of Chicago, also known as DMoC, was established in 2012 by Tanner Woodford. Initially, it functioned as a pop-up museum, hosting exhibitions in various venues across Chicago. This unique approach allowed the museum to reach a wide audience and showcase a diverse range of design works.

The Renaissance Society, founded in 1915, is a contemporary art museum located in Chicago. It is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and exhibition of contemporary art, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts. Over the years, it has hosted pioneering exhibitions of renowned painters and sculptors such as Georges Braque, Hans Arp, Constantin Brâncuși, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Isamu Noguchi, Wassily Kandinsky, and Piet Mondrian.

The Krannert Art Museum, also known as KAM, is a fine art museum situated at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, Illinois, United States. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a wide range of art from different periods and regions.

The William and Florence Schmidt Art Center is a significant cultural hub located on the Belleville campus of Southwestern Illinois College. Covering an impressive area of 6500 square feet, the center provides a spacious and inspiring environment for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, located in Chicago, is a unique institution dedicated to the interpretation and celebration of the arts and culture of the Puerto Rican people, as well as the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. The museum offers a rich insight into the vibrant Puerto Rican culture, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in cultural exploration.

The Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is a comprehensive visual and performing arts institution situated in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The center is spread over an expansive 80-acre campus, providing ample space for a variety of artistic and cultural activities. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in a diverse range of art forms and performances, all within the confines of this vast and vibrant campus.

The Chicago Athenaeum is a private museum dedicated to the art of design in all its forms: architecture, industrial and product design, graphics, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Located in Galena, Illinois, the museum is housed in a former brewery building, adding a touch of historical charm to its modern focus. It was founded in 1988 by Christian K. Narkiewicz-Laine in Chicago and moved to its current location in 2004.

Three floors of exceptional activities for kids up to 10 years. They explore art, math, science and world in general.

Cultural hub that brings together art galleries, musical performances, poetry readings, yoga classes and other entertainment services.