Art Institute of Chicago Tickets | Art Through the Ages

Departments and sections of the Art Institute of Chicago

Region

Applied Arts of Europe: A collection of 9,000 European decorative art objects, from furniture to ceramics, spanning eight centuries of craftsmanship (1100-1945).
Arts of Africa: Showcasing over 5,000 years of artistic diversity through masks, jewelry, textiles, and sculpture from across the African continent.
Arts of Asia: Encompassing nearly 5,000 years of creativity, this renowned collection highlights masterpieces of Hindu, Buddhist, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Persian art.
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium: Home to 2,300 ancient Mediterranean works, featuring sculpture, jewelry, and mosaics across multiple civilizations.
Arts of the Americas: A collection of 4,600 works tracing the artistic traditions of North, Central, and South America from 5000 BCE to today.

Art styles and media

Architecture and Design: More than 250,000 objects document design innovation from the 1870s to the present, spanning architecture, furniture, and industrial design.
Painting and Sculpture of Europe: Over 4,000 works represent Europe’s finest artistic feats from the 12th to the 19th century.
Prints and Drawings: A vast collection of 11,500 drawings and 60,000 prints charts the evolution of works on paper from the 15th century.
Textiles: Featuring over 13,500 pieces, this collection traces the global textile artistry from 300 BC to the modern era.

Modern art

Contemporary Art: Highlights major post-1945 movements: Pop, Conceptual, Minimalist, and beyond, through pioneering global works.
Modern Art: Nearly 700 pieces capture the revolutionary European art movements of 1900–1950, from Cubism to Surrealism.
Photography and Media: A groundbreaking department chronicling the evolution of photography and new media from the 19th century to today.

Exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago

Ongoing exhibitions

Elizabeth Catlett: “A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies” (Aug 30, 2025–Jan 4, 2026)
Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination (Oct 4, 2025–Jan 5, 2026)
One Hundred Famous Views of Edo *(Oct 15, 2025–Jan 5, 2026)*
On Loss and Absence: Textiles of Mourning and Survival (Sep 6, 2025–Mar 15, 2026)
Diane Simpson: “Good for Future” (Oct 4, 2025–Apr 19, 2026)
Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost (Jun 7, 2025–Jan 19, 2026)
Tuan Andrew Nguyen: We Were Lost in Our Country (Sep 5, 2025–Mar 9, 2026)
Charles Gaines: Night/Crimes (Aug 16, 2025–Feb 1, 2026)
H. C. Westermann: Anchor Clanker (May 17, 2025–May 17, 2026)
Jitish Kallat: Public Notice 3 (Sep 9, 2024–May 17, 2026)
Leslie Thornton: Jennifer, Where Are You? (Aug 23, 2025–Jan 11, 2026)

Upcoming exhibitions

Jane Alexander: Infantry with beast (Nov 15, 2025–Jan 12, 2026)
Bruce Goff: Material Worlds (Dec 20, 2025–Mar 29, 2026)
Carroll Dunham: Drawings, 1974–2024 (Jan 31–Jun 1, 2026)
Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color (Mar 7–Jun 1, 2026)
Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art (Mar 7–Jul 5, 2026)

Plan your visit

Gates open: 11am
Closing time: Monday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday: 5pmThursday: 11am to 8pm
Closed on: Tuesdays, along with major holidays such as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Final admission: 1 hour before closing time

Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States | Find on Maps
Nearby landmark: Millennium Park (1-min walk)

Closest bus stop: Michigan & Monroe (1-min walk)
Closest train station: Millennium Station (8-min walk)
Closest subway station: Adams/Wabash (2-min walk)
Distance from Chicago O'Hare International Airport: 18.5 miles (50-min drive)

Parking: Discounted parking is available at Millennium Garages, and you can pre-book your parking spot using SpotHero.

There are two entrances to the Art Institute of Chicago: The main, Michigan Avenue entrance and the Modern Wing entrance. Both are accessible, but the Modern Wing entrance is typically quieter and ideal for those with mobility issues and families with young children.

Main entrance: The Art Institute of Chicago | Find on Maps
Modern Wing entrance: Art Institute of Chicago (Modern Wing) | Find on Maps

Wheelchairs: The museum is wheelchair accessible, with complimentary wheelchairs available at the entrances, as well as elevators on all floors.
Service animals: Service animals are permitted within the museum.
For people with hearing impairments: All auditoriums have an assistive listening system, with complimentary devices guests can use. You can also ask for an ASL Interpreter, with an advance request placed 2 weeks before your visit to museum_interpretation@artic.edu.
For people with visual impairments: The Multisensory Gallery offers an interactive experience for visitors with visual impairments. The artwork labels have key information in Braille.
Multisensory Tour: Download the AIC App (iOS & Android) to hear audio descriptions of select works.
Tactile kits: Complimentary tactile kits offer recreations of select artworks through texture-based compositions, available Thursday-Monday, from 11am to 3pm.
For people with sensory difficulties: The Sensory Map highlights various sections of the museum that are quieter and have dim lighting.

AIC App: The official Art Institute of Chicago app (iOS & Android) comes with audio guides, floor maps, multiple accessible tour options, and more. Use this app to navigate around the museum.
Guided tours: Free guided tours are available daily (45 minutes) at 1 pm and 3 pm in English. Spanish tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays at 2pm.
Wheelchairs: Complimentary wheelchairs are available for all guests at the museum’s entrances.
Restrooms: Restrooms, along with accessible options, are available on all floors of the museum.
Checkrooms: You can check in your large bags at the checkrooms, available free of cost for all visitors.
Free admission: Entry for children under 14 and Chicago residents under 18 is free.

Weapons of any kind are not allowed in the museum.
Outside food and drinks, except for reusable water bottles with a lid, are not permitted in the venue.
You are not allowed to bring any other art materials, except pencils and sketchbooks, to the museum.
Tripods, flash attachments, selfie sticks, or any professional recording equipment are not allowed inside the venue.
Disruptive behavior or loud music/performances are strictly prohibited.
Children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult to visit the museum.

Terzo Piano, Modern Wing: Dishes featuring seasonal ingredients, with views of Millennium Park and the Chicago skyline.
The Café: Casual dining with sandwiches, baked goods, salads, and seasonal dishes.

Museum Shop: Located right inside the Michigan Avenue entrance. Find gifts, souvenirs, and memorabilia.
Modern Shop: Located right inside the Modern Wing entrance. The gift and souvenir shop has featured items from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (also known as the Bean): Millennium Park is Chicago’s central gathering space, known for public art, events, and modern design. Its main attraction, Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), offers a mirror-like skyline reflection that’s become the city’s most photographed landmark (0.2 miles).
Chicago River Architecture Cruises: The guided boat tours provide the best views of Chicago’s skyline while explaining the history and design of its world-famous architecture. It’s the most informative and scenic way to experience the city’s iconic riverfront.
Skydeck Chicago: Located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers panoramic city views from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. Its glass ledge balconies let visitors stand 1,353 feet above the streets for a thrilling perspective.

Visitor tips

Pre-book your tickets online, especially during weekends or special exhibition periods.
Use the free audio guide via the museum’s app (iOS & Android) for enhanced storytelling and context behind the masterpieces.
Bring headphones with you to listen to the audio guides during your visit.
Grab a museum map (digital or paper) upon entry to help navigate the many galleries within the museum.
Visit around midday and go for the guided tours, which take place at 1pm and 3pm, to get ample time for self-exploration afterward.
If you’re on a tight schedule, focus on the must-see galleries/sections (Impressionist, American Art, and Modern Wing).
Pair your visit with a stroll in nearby Millennium Park for additional photo opportunities (don't miss “The Bean”).
Utilize the coat check if you’re bringing bulky items, ensuring a more comfortable experience inside.

Frequently asked questions about the Art Institute of Chicago tickets

How much time should I plan for a visit?

Most visitors spend about 3 to 4 hours exploring the expansive collections, while art enthusiasts can easily spend an entire day. If you're in a hurry, a short self-guided tour focusing on highlights can be done in around 2 hours.

Are guided tours and audio guides available?

Yes, the Art Institute offers free daily highlights tours at 1pm and 3pm led by knowledgeable guides. Additionally, a free mobile app audio tour is available, allowing you to delve into the backstory of key artworks and explore at your own pace.

Is the Art Institute of Chicago family-friendly?

Definitely. The museum is designed to be welcoming for all ages. Children under 14 (and Chicago residents under 18) enjoy free admission.

What facilities are available on-site?

The Art Institute is well-equipped with conveniences such as a casual café and the Terzo Piano restaurant, which boasts skyline views for a relaxing meal. There’s also a generous coat and bag check facility, as well as extensive museum shops where you can pick up art-inspired souvenirs.

How can I avoid crowds when visiting the museum?

To dodge the busiest times, plan your visit early in the morning or around early afternoon, and consider visiting during the off-peak months like January or February.

What are the guidelines regarding photography inside the museum?

Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas of the museum without flash. Keep in mind, some special exhibitions or areas with delicate artworks may have specific restrictions, so be sure to look out for signage to ensure you’re following the rules.

Are there extra charges for special exhibitions?

Yes, while general admission covers access to permanent galleries and non-ticketed exhibits, special exhibitions typically require an additional ticket.

How can I use an audio guide for my self-guided tour?

The museum offers a free mobile app audio tour that you can download on your smartphone. This app provides detailed commentary on key artworks and exhibits, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace while still enjoying expert insights.