How to Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
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How to Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
Introduction
An obligatory visit for art lovers in Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago is known for its impressive collection of Impressionist and American art. Located in the Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District, the museum is housed in a building designed in 1892 by the Boston firm of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Arrive at the Art Institute of Chicago
Steps
1
Step One
Visit the museum between 10:30a.m.and 5 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 10:30a.m.to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10a.m.to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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Step Two
Know that admission to the museum is free for members. Discounted prices are available for seniors, children and students.
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Step Three
Drive or take public transit to the Art Institute. It is located one block east of the Loop. The brown, green, orange, pink and purple "El" lines stop at Adams/Wabush, right by the museum. The red and blue lines are a few blocks away at Monroe. In addition, a few bus lines stop in front of the museum. There is no museum parking lot but there are some public garages nearby.
Explore the Museum
Steps
1
Step One
Take a guided audio tour of the museum. Choose from four tours according to your interests.
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Step Two
Choose the self-guided Silk Road Tour, featuring an introduction by Yo-Yo Ma, traditional Chinese music and commentary by curators.
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Step Three
Select the self-guided Director's Tour of the 40 most important works in the collection, narrated by the Art Institute's director and president.
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Step Four
Enjoy the self-guided Lions Trail Family Tour, an informative and engaging tour of the collection.
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Step Five
Discover the self-guided Gallery Overviews, a general overview of the museum with commentary by the museum's staff and outside scholars, professionals and collectors.
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Step Six
Support the museum and its projects by shopping at the museum shop at the end of your visit. There is a wide selection of art, books, home furnishings, clothing, jewelry and stationary to choose from.
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Step Seven
Discover the current and upcoming exhibitions by visiting the Art Institute of Chicago's website (see Resources below).
Overall Tips & Warnings
- From May 31 to August 31, Thursday and Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. are free.
- The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
- Cell phones are not permitted in the museum. Turn them off.
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How to Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
Introduction
Located on Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago's famous Loop, The Art Institute of Chicago is an important destination for resident and tourist alike. The museum features special exhibits, a vast collection of artwork, and educational programs for all ages. Here's how to plan your trip.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You'll Need
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
- Museum map or audio guide
Steps
1
Step One
Visit the museum website and sign up for the newsletter.
2
Step Two
Explore the website for current special exhibits of interest. Plan to see these first. Admission tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, but there is an additional fee for the service.
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Step Three
Decide if you will be visiting the Art Institute of Chicago for a day or a weekend. This will help to determine how much of the museum you can see on your visit.
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Step Four
Visit the special exhibits first and then move on to the permanent collection.
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Step Five
When you enter the museum, you will see the Museum Shop on the right. Plan to stop in before you leave to browse through the extensive inventory of books, posters and gifts from around the world.
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Step Six
Go to the lower level. The Thorne Miniature Rooms feature early European and American interiors on a scale of one inch to one foot. If you are visiting the museum with young children, this "dollhouse" exhibit is sure to impress them.
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Step Seven
Go back up the staircase to the first level and continue into the museum to the Harding Collection of Arms and Armor. Suits of armor, swords and early weapons bring the Knights of the Round Table alive. This is another popular exhibit for both adults and children.
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Step Eight
Take the elevator at the end of hall to the second level to view some of the world's most famous paintings including "La Grande Jatte" by Seurat and Van Gogh's "Self Portrait." The audio tours provide background on many of the paintings.
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Step Nine
Visit the grounds outside of The Art Institute, where you'll find many sculptures and manicured gardens. The signature Lions on the front steps and the Fountain of the Great Lakes are good places to take photos.
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Step Ten
Consider becoming a member of the museum if you plan on visiting the Art Institute often. Members receive discounts and bonus items.
Tips & Warnings
- The museum offers free admission times, but the days and times change. Check the website for the current schedule.
- The Gallery audio tour may be purchased at the front desk and provides the first-time visitor a great tour of the museum for a nominal fee.
- Only items in the permanent collection may be photographed in the existing light and for personal use only.
- The museum does not have its own parking lot, but public garages at Grant Park and Millennium Park are within easy walking distance. Check the Art Institute website for details.
- Arrive at the Art Institute just as it opens, particularly if you are visiting in the summer. There can be a crowd during the tourist season.
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