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MuseumsIconicRainy-Day Pick

The Art Institute of Chicago

111 S Michigan Ave · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

Walk past the famous bronze lions into one of the world's great art museums, where American Gothic, Nighthawks, and a jaw-dropping wall of Monets await. The Impressionist galleries alone are worth the trip, and the Modern Wing keeps things fresh. Give yourself at least half a day, you'll want it.

  • #art museum
  • #impressionism
  • #world-class
  • #downtown

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to The Art Institute of Chicago, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (The Bean)

    Free

    Snap your reflection in The Bean, splash at Crown Fountain, and catch free concerts downtown.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Big Bus Tours Chicago

    $25–$50

    Open-top, hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tours looping past Chicago's downtown landmarks.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Quirky Fun

    Chicago Prime Tours

    $25–$50

    Narrated bus tours covering Chicago's true crime, gangster history, and general sightseeing highlights.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum

    Free

    Free exhibit on money and the U.S. economy inside the Chicago Fed's Loop headquarters.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Museum of Broadcast Communications

    Free

    A Chicago museum devoted to the history of American radio and television broadcasting.

    0.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Field Museum

    $25–$50

    Meet SUE the T. rex and roam ancient Egypt in one of the world's great natural history museums.

    1.0 mi awayMore like this