See America's greatest collection of Impressionist paintings at The Art Institute of Chicago. The museum features prized works by Monet, Renoir, Seurat, and Van Gogh. The critically acclaimed Modern Wing recently opened near Millennium Park. There, you can find the works of Matisse, Picasso, and Pollock. The art museum was founded in 1879 and now stands as the second largest art museum in the nation.
Details
Hours -
Museum Hours
Monday through Wednesday, 10:30 to 5:00
Thursday, 10:30 to 8:00
Friday-Sunday, 10:30 to 5:00
Free Family Wednesdays (the first and second Wednesday of the month)
Admission is free to Illinois residents the first and second Wednesday of every month. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Prices
Adults: $18.00
Students and Seniors: $12.00
Children under 14: Free*
Members are always free. Become a
member now!
*Does not apply to group visits or
student tours.
Events -
The Art Institute holds many events each month, including family events, lectures, and film screenings. For an updated calendar of events, visit: http://www.artic.edu/aic/calendar/.
Activities
Weddings, receptions, and private
gallery viewings
You may want to ask one of the graduate students at the Art Institute, or visit the information center. Visit http://www.artic.edu to learn more about the exhibits or check out http://www.explorechicago.org.
FAQs
How old is The Art Institute of Chicago?
Originally established as the Chicago Academy of Design in 1866 as a school located in a five story building on West Adams Street. The original school was burnt down in the 1871 Chicago Fire. The name was changed to The Art Institute of Chicago in 1882. The current location was completed in 1893 for the World's Columbian Exposition and The Art Institute of Chicago moved in thereafter.
What are the names of the lions in front of the museum?
The two bronze lions that flank the Michigan Avenue entrance were made for the Art Institute's opening at its current location in 1893. They were a gift from Mrs. Henry Field. They have unofficial "names," which were given by their sculptor Edward Kemeys that are more like designations. You'll notice that the lions are not identical, and thus are named for their poses: The south lion "stands in an attitude of defiance," while the north lion is "on the prowl."
Map/Directions
Driving Direction to The Art Institute of ChicagoFrom
or The Whitehall Hotel
