Art Institute of Chicago Columbus Drive Entrance — Attraction in Chicago

IDK about this specific entrance, but the Art Institute of Chicago is a delight. Give yourself the whole day, and arrive early. There is quite literally more things than you could see in a week.

I absolutely loved it. Make sure you check out the "Miniature Rooms"

Nice gift shop too, and a coffee and snack bar at the second level rear. Main Cafe is bittom level rear, and its godawful expensive but the portions are not skimpy. I had the avocado wedge and it was a solid salad. Solid.

Get a map when you walk in. Check out the mural in the seating area for the coffee bar. Wear comfortable shoes. There are a lot of places to sit.

The museum is doing free visitation for residents between 5 and 8. Check the website for the duration, because it stops sometime later this year. This is really cool, and art should be more accessible: free art for everyone! But just to be honest, if you have the choice I'd avoid these hours, the place was absolutely PACKED. Made for a less than stellar viewing experience at the end. I have some anxiety with crowds, so this may not bother you at all.

We did not do a tour, and I did not feel like I missed out, but I can't say what that would be like: might be great!

Don't bring anything you dont have to, and prepare to open your bags. They will store them for you if you need, so you can bring backpacks if your in a pinch. I didnt see anything that seemed to offer luggage storage but check the website.

I'll be...

You love art?

This is a must see during your next vacation in Chicago! My wife and I loved this place, we spent 4 hours and still weren't able to see it all, but would have spent so much more time here to take in the different exhibits. My wife loved the Egyptian art and wanted to get to the Japanese art. I loved the European style and finally being able to see the pieces shown in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

The museum does allow photos to be taken for most art pieces, they have signs if you can't. The place has great layout between the art styles and eras.

The gift shop had fun items to purchase and bring home...

Superb. Collections of great art in all formats from around the world...unparalleled anywhere else. Sine qua non. Always a uniquely curated show to take in; the collection of impressionist paintings among the best in the world; the American experience of decorative arts and development from 1750-1830 a unique synergistic presentation; you like: textiles? Egyptian art, Nepalese alter sculptures? Georgia O'Keefe? Edward Hopper? August Renoir? Georges Seurat? Ancient sarcophagus? Photography?...