Welcome to the art institute of chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe—and one of tripadvisor’s “best of the best” us attractions of 2025 Find chicago's best events—family art making, tours, performances, lectures, workshops & more. Looking for things to do in downtown chicago
Plan your visit, find admission pricing, hours, directions, parking & more! Looking for things to do this weekend Discover art by van gogh, picasso, warhol & more in the art institute's collection spanning 5,000 years of creativity.
We look forward to welcoming you to the galleries If you have questions during the ticket purchase process, email [email protected]. The art institute of chicago was founded as both a museum and school for the fine arts in 1879, a critical era in the history of chicago as civic energies were devoted to rebuilding the metropolis that had been destroyed by the great fire of 1871. Founded in 1879, the art institute of chicago is one of the world’s major museums, housing an extraordinary collection of objects from across places, cultures, and time
We are also a place of active learning for all—dedicated to investigation, innovation, education, and dialogue—continually aspiring to greater public service and civic engagement. The art institute of chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. The art institute of chicago extends free admission to members of our community through several avenues.