Art Institute Of Chicago
Art Institute Of Chicago
5 minutes read•Published on 31-10-2024
Situated in Chicago, Illinois, the Art Institute of Chicago is among the largest and oldest American art museums. It opened its doors in 1879 and houses an impressive variety of artworks. These pieces come from different cultures all over the globe and span over 5,000 years. The museum's collection, boasting over 300,000 works, includes the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries, which serve as a center for learning and research. Every year, the vast art collection and extensive educational activities draw a large number of visitors.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the Art Institute Of Chicago with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The Art Institute of Chicago, set up in 1879, is one of the United States' most respected and biggest art museums. At first, it was both a school and a museum located in Grant Park. Over time, it became well-known and very important in the American art world. The key building was built in 1893 by Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge, a firm from Boston.
The Museum holds a diverse collection of artworks, totaling over 260,000. The famous "American Gothic" painting by Grant Wood is part of this collection since 1930. Additionally, the museum is famed for its extensive collection of works from famous artists like Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh, particularly from the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods.
Growth has marked the evolution of the museum, leading to several expansions. Notably, in 2009, a part called the Modern Wing was added, thanks to architect Renzo Piano. This addition secured the Art Institute's position as the second-largest art museum in the US. The Modern Wing is home to the museum's range of 20th and 21st-century art.
The Art Institute doesn't merely serve as a museum; it's also a research center and a school. Reputably, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the best art schools in the nation, enrolling over 3,000 students annually. The school and museum together have been very important parts of Chicago's cultural scene, and they've left their mark on the art world.
One reason to visit
Nighthawks
A good reason to visit the Art Institute of Chicago is to see Nighthawks. Its a very famous painting that many people around the world appreciate. The person who painted it is Edward Hopper, a well-known artist from America. He painted Nighthawks in 1942. The painting shows a scene from a diner during the late hours of the night. The artwork is well-known for showing the quiet and lonely side of life in a big city. Apart from this, the use of lights and shadows in the painting adds a touch of reality to it. If you come to the Art Institute of Chicago, you will have a chance to see Nighthawks yourself.
Getting there
The Art Institute of Chicago is easily accessible on foot if you are in downtown Chicago. The address is 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603. If you are at Millennium Park, simply head south on South Michigan Avenue and you will spot the museum to your right in approximately 0.2 miles. If you're approaching from the State/Lake train station, walk east on Lake Street towards Michigan Avenue. Make a left onto Michigan Avenue and continue walking south for about 0.4 miles. The Art Institute will be on your left. The duration of the walk is approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Always be sure to verify your route using a reliable map or GPS system before leaving.
If you are riding your bicycle from Union Station in Chicago, you will start by taking a right turn onto South Canal Street. Proceed until your reach Adams Street, where you should take a right turn onto the Adams Street Bike Lane. Continue straight ahead on this path until you reach South Michigan Avenue. Take a left onto South Michigan Avenue and continue straight, crossing intersections with Jackson Boulevard and Van Buren Street. After you pass Van Buren Street, the Art Institute of Chicago will be visible on your right.
To get to the Art Institute of Chicago, you can take the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses or trains. If you're taking the bus, the #3 King Drive, #4 Cottage Grove, and #6 Jackson Park Express buses all stop close to the museum. Alternatively, use the CTA's train or 'L' system. The closest stops are Adams/Wabash and Monroe stations on the Orange, Green, Purple, and Brown Lines, or the Jackson station on the Blue and Red Lines. From these stations, the museum is a short walk away. Remember to check the CTA's official website for up-to-date schedules and route information.
To get to the Art Institute of Chicago, start by heading east on I-290. Exit using the right 2 lanes to take exit 29A for I-90W/I-94 W towards West Ryan Expy/Wisconsin. Continue to follow I-94 W, then use the right 2 lanes to take the exit toward E Congress Parkway. Keep left, follow signs for Congress Pkwy/Chicago Loop and merge onto E Congress Parkway. Continue on E Congress Parkway. Drive to S Michigan Ave and you will arrive at the Art Institute of Chicago. Please keep in mind that this is a museum so parking directly by it might be tough, but there are many parking garages around the area where your vehicle can be left safely.