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The Art Institute of Chicago

Art Museum

Grant Park, Chicago

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9.5^/10

4,590

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Ranked #3 for exhibits in Chicago
The architecture at The Art Institute of Chicago is a can't miss
"I loved the weapons, Degas, Van Gogh, and Seurat."(20 Tips)
"Incredible collection of impressionist art (Manet, Monet, Degas)."(18 Tips)
"Beautiful Impressionism and European art before 1900 collection."(14 Tips)
"Love After Dark and Free admission Thursdays!!"(12 Tips)

599 Tips and reviews

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John BroccardoFebruary 7, 2015
Miniature throne rooms are my favorite! A collection of interiors through the ages. It's a must see. Go right to the basement. It's under the grand staircase in the main entrance. First place I go!
Upvoted 1 week ago
T StarkNovember 10, 2016
This is by far my fave museum of them all. The Impressionist gallery is magnificent and the Modern Art wing is very complete, packed with Picasso's, Klee's, Miró's and many more master pieces.
Upvoted 2 days ago
Miharu ChamnanjakJune 16, 2016
Enter through the Modern Wing on the Monroe side rather than the front entrance. Usually there is no line or a super short one compared to the main entrance on Michigan.
Upvoted Jan 20
DailyCandyFebruary 25, 2014
It would take days to make a dent in the collection of 300,000-plus works of art, which includes classic paintings (American Gothic by Grant Wood), Asian prints, modern photography, & architecture.
Chris VaughnFebruary 11, 2010
Been here 50+ times
We have one of the BEST art museums in the country, right here on Michigan Avenue. I could just hang out at the Art Institute of Chicago all day, and get lost in truly beautiful creations in art.
Victoria U.May 15, 2018
Pro tip: bring headphones and download the free Art Institute app ahead of time. You can listen to the stories behind amazing works of art.
Michelin Travel & LifestyleMarch 3, 2013
One of the great museums of the world: Exhibits span 5,000 years, and the Impressionist and post-Impressionist collections are the highlight. – Green Guide Editor
Jamie IacobucciJune 13, 2023
The best museum to just browse for an hour or spend an entire day…so much art to see!🖼️ The new Member’s Lounge has a great city view! Don’t forget to visit the Modern Wing to check out the Picasso!
Travel + LeisureFebruary 21, 2014
The Renzo Piano–designed Modern Wing at the renowned museum showcases contemporary art and design. The original Beaux-Arts building has a great collection of Post-Impressionist paintings.
Marie La RueMay 29, 2023
A world-class collection, with key works from impactful artists and iconic pieces. Incredibly well-curated. One of the best museums in America. The Impressionists wing is a can’t miss.
David OstrowMarch 25, 2018
Impressionism collection, outdoor courtyard in summer, Asian and other regional & historic collections among best in US. Wonderful lectures accompanying major special exhibitions & docent led tours.
Negin NGNovember 16, 2014
Unbelievably huge impressionist collection! Countless art pieces of every kind. Great corners to appreciate various types of art, plus a cool, modern and relaxing café. Endless possibilities here.💗
Michael CFebruary 24, 2019
Terrific permanent collection. Also, the most confusing layout and map ever. Don't give up! Find all the interesting collections.
Angelica DongalloMay 16, 2014
I wish I had five days to enjoy the Institute, but if you're like almost everyone else, check the brochure for the map of "highlights." Also, Thursdays are great because they close at 8 instead of 5.
Kevin MannFebruary 14, 2016
Amazing museum. 300,000 works of art. Spectacular contemporary exhibit and a checklist of notable paintings and painters. Fast Pass or pre purchased tix are recommended.
Anamaria HernandezOctober 13, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Room 218 in the European Art before 1900 wing has my favorite paintings by my favorite artist. Herbert Robert's architectural fantasy is beautiful and grand. "The Obelisk" is just one of four pieces.
Vivian RamirezNovember 13, 2016
Pretty amazing. This is the MET of Chicago. Features every kind of art, notable artist, and region of the world across time. Beautiful building- especially the contemporary side.
AshleyApril 2, 2017
Great museum with really nice exhibitions! I got in for free because I used my Bank of America card the first weekend of the month. The three cheese macaroni is also good in the cafe downstairs.
AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
Just imagine having 264,000 square-feet of modern art at your disposal seven days a week. That is exactly what you have if you visit the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. Read more
Mariana PantalenaAugust 7, 2016
Great cultural place in Chicago. Their impressionist section is huge, many Monets and Renoirs. Amazing 6 of 16 Monet's haystacks. The Van Gogh's are very different from the New York museum collection.
JasonJune 22, 2015
Budget lots of time. Lots to see here. I could easily spend 2 full days here. They open at 10:30am on weekends, get there early to avoid line ups so you have enough time. I wished they opened earlier.
Jana A. KriJuly 2, 2016
Absolute must visit! One time is definitely not enough: great selection of art and temporary exhibitions are very well curated. If nothing else, you'll get lost at their souvenir and book shop later..
Erik RowleyJanuary 16, 2019
Been here 5+ times
One of the most tranquil and inspiring places on Earth. Get lost roaming the halls, easily plan to spend half a day here. A must visit in Chicago.
Hyejin ParkMarch 8, 2013
The most lovely places in Chicago! Daily open at 10:30 am and closed at 5:00 pm. Only Thursdays, 8:00 pm to closed.
Isa SierraJuly 23, 2015
Definitely check the American Art collection. Generally, an impressive collection of stuff that you wouldn't see any where else. The restaurant also is quite good!!
Jose ColucciApril 23, 2016
Amazing place. So much to see. Pace yourself if you visit w/ children. We left at 3 hours since it got a bit too boring for him - especially because the armor exhibit was closed. Will come back!
Lauren BassJuly 15, 2017
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Impressionism section! It's especially nice putting in some headphones and listening to some instrumental music while looking at the Monet pieces.
Lina ArtistaFebruary 24, 2023
Amazing museum. Not too big, you can probably see most of it in one day. It has many masterpieces of old masters. Totally worth a visit.
Brittany BivinsJuly 19, 2014
If you want a long time to check everything out and get hungry, check out the cafe! Very good food in a lovely courtyard! You can get a sandwich, side and dessert for 2 for about $20.
Katherine M.July 14, 2015
Kickass modern art collection. I was floored by how many famous modern pieces they have. Go straight to the modern wing and get a crash-course on who's who in 20th century art.
eric bornemannAugust 11, 2019
Incredible encyclopedic museum. Allow more time than you think you will need. And of course make sure to check out George and Dot.
Kevin M. McNally, CMPAugust 21, 2018
I love this first & world class museum. My favorite besides many classic art offerings; is it's Greek art/sculpture items. This is a MUST for you to enjoy here in Chicago.
Aris GalatisOctober 2, 2017
Quite possibly one of the best Art museums worldwide. No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to Art Institute. Prepare to be amazed!
ChicagoistJanuary 27, 2015
You can easily spend an entire day out of the cold enjoying the world-class collection here. The free tours of the collections give visitors an enriched view of some of the artworks. Read more
Diana ZuletaApril 20, 2016
The Art Institute is a must see when in Chicago, with interesting and well curated exhibitions. Check out the free days, even though the ticket is well worth it.
Jordi FakianiJanuary 21, 2016
Great museum, big, clean and state of the art for the collections it holds. A must see of Chicago. General ticket for adults: $25. Students: $19. Illinois and Chicago residents: $16 approx.
Fodor's TravelJanuary 28, 2016
The Art Institute of Chicago has the country's best collection of Impressionist and Postimpressionist art, as well as the Renzo Piano–designed Modern Wing. Read more
Kevin MacApril 15, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Besides being rated the world's best museum, the exhibit space, theater, lounge areas & just the authentic Chicago air (+Lions) are #EPIC
Stephen LuoOctober 10, 2011
Been here 10+ times
You have to come to this museum if you go to Chicago, a lot of artworks, pictures, engravings, antique stuffs. Remember to ask a voice guide.
Daniel PhelpsMay 25, 2013
The free map of the museum has a handy "what to do if you only have an hour" tour on the back page. If you're speedy, don't miss the trading room, the miniatures, and the Impressionism rooms as well.
Marion DOctober 19, 2015
Incredible collection of impressionist art (Manet, Monet, Degas). You'll have to spend an entire day there to see it all.
Toria LAugust 29, 2014
It's impossible to do it all (at an appreciative pace) in 1 day! The miniatures are super cool, and the number of classics is fantastic! Monet, Manet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse!
Mary PhillipsNovember 18, 2019
One of the best art museums in the US. Wonderful exhibits, beautiful building, and helpful and knowledgeable staff. A must see if you’re visiting Chicago!
Joshua HaftelJanuary 16, 2015
Great collection of classical and modern masterpieces. Well laid out and easy to navigate, they also have great information available to help you appreciate the art more.
Panos MarkopoulosDecember 31, 2018
I have been to many museums and art galleries around the world. This one was one of the best. Lots of art, spanning Greek antiquity, to modern Impressionism.
DHR.comSeptember 12, 2011
See some of the finest impressionist/post-impressionist art collection in the world here. See a Van Gogh self-portrait, Hopper's Nighthawks, Monet's Wheatstacks, and Woods's American Gothic.
Elvia FrancisFebruary 18, 2013
I love this place (went in the Spring of 2009, for my downtown Chicago "spring break" oh-so-needed-vacay)! Amazing artworks and tons of inspirations for creative souls/types! Worth visiting! Enjoy ;)
Kristiana ZeromOctober 18, 2011
If you are in a hurry and only have an hour or so to kill, pick up the Visitor Guide! It has twelve must-see pieces of art already selected with a handy map to show you where they're located.
PauJuly 22, 2017
One of the best museums I've visited in my life!! It is very large so go with enough time to enjoy it.
Holly HagerNovember 26, 2012
Don't miss Rarely Seen Works on Paper (til 1/13), prompted by a confluence of academic requests for students to view works (Ed Ruscha, Sigmar Polke, Jane Dickson, Ken Price) for their technical merit

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