The Art Institute of Chicago — Attraction in Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is more than just a museum—it’s a cultural landmark that feels like stepping into a world-class treasure chest of art and history. From the moment you walk through its grand entrance on Michigan Avenue, the atmosphere pulls you in with a sense of both tradition and discovery.

The permanent collection is extraordinary. You’ll find iconic masterpieces like Grant Wood’s American Gothic, Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Hopper’s Nighthawks, and Van Gogh’s The Bedroom. But it’s not just the “big name” paintings that make the Art Institute special—it’s the way the collection spans centuries and continents. From ancient artifacts to modern art installations, every wing holds something to surprise and inspire.

The museum’s Impressionist and Post-Impressionist galleries are particularly breathtaking. You can stand face-to-face with Monet’s water lilies or Renoir’s portraits and take your time soaking in every detail. For those who enjoy variety, the Asian, African, and Native American art collections provide a rich, global perspective, showing how art connects cultures across history.

The special exhibitions are another highlight. They’re always thoughtfully curated, often mixing modern perspectives with historic works in ways that make you see both differently. Even if you’ve been before, there’s always a reason to come back.

Practical details also add to the experience. The layout is spacious, and while the museum can get busy, especially around the most famous works, there are plenty of quieter corners to explore. The staff is knowledgeable and approachable, and the gift shop is one of those places where you’ll actually want to buy something. If you get hungry, the café offers a nice break with good food for a museum setting.

In short, the Art Institute of Chicago is not just worth a visit—it’s worth returning to again and again. Whether you’re a lifelong art lover or someone who just wants to see what all the fuss is about, this museum delivers an experience that feels both educational and deeply moving. It’s a place that makes you proud to have such a world-class institution right in the...

The Chicago Art Institute is one of the oldest and most important art museums in America. Entry is US$32 per adult for out-of-state (Illinois) residents and it is highly encouraged that you reserve online for timed entry on the day you intend to visit.

We recently visited, finding the E. Monroe Street entrance much quicker than the front entrance on S. Michigan Ave. There is a mobile app entry feature for entering special exhibitions that is useful on the day. You can also make use of downloadable audio guides which you can listen to while viewing various highlight artworks during your visit.

Most impressive is the Institute's collection of 19th and 20th century American artworks including masterpieces like American Gothic (Grant Wood), Nighthawks (Edward Hopper) and Nightlife (Archibald J. Motley Jr.). You'll also find outstanding works by J.S. Sergeant, Whistler, O'keefe, Pollock, Warhol and other notable American artists.

There are beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows and lamps along with delightful turn of the century and Art Nouveau furniture.

The collection of European artworks is notable as well, highlighted by A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (Georges Seurat), The Old Guitarist (Pablo Picasso) and The Bedroom (Vincent Van Gogh) amongst many other masterpieces by a who's who of European Old Masters.

Depending on what you are here to see, you can make a 1-2 hour visit focusing on highlight masterpieces or spend the majority of the day browsing the various exhibition rooms throughout the museum.

There is a museum floor plan available on the Institute website that you can download and review prior to your visit. You can also pick up a brochure on the day that has...

This is one of the finest art museums in the world. There's really not much debate about that, is there? What else can I add that hasn't already been said? So as a public service, I decided I'd read through some of the one star reviews to see what people are finding to gripe about and --shocker!-- it's just "rude staff."

I'm sure everyone's situation is different, but two things: first, staffers are much less likely to give you attitude if you treat them with respect. So, let's follow the golden rule people. Second, and this is just my personal observation, there are ALWAYS rude museum guests. Like, doing the dumbest, most random, most inconsiderate things you can imagine. And I only go to art museums once or twice a year. Imagine what it must be like working there! I guess what I'm saying is that if you're looking for someone to blame for "rude staff" then they're probably in the crowd next to you. Or it is you.

(Now that I think about it, I did encounter an unreasonably rude staffer once at LACMA, I think it was. He was very aggressively protecting the space around something or other and doing it in the most mumbly, difficult to understand way possible. So yeah, there are jerks (or at least people in bad moods) out there. But that's true of every place you go, isn't it?)

I get that a bad experience with a staffer can be a downer. So follow the rules, behave yourself and try to let it roll off your back if you do get a talking-to. And for what it's worth, when I visited the Art Institute of Chicago, pretty much every staffer/guest interaction I witnessed was polite and respectful from both parties.

Oh, and the...