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Art Institute of Chicago

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603-6404
312 443 3600
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As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Ranked #1 of 333 attractions in Chicago
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Type: Art Museums
Activities: Group tours/walking tour
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner description: This Classical Renaissance structure, guarded by two bronze lions at its entrance, boasts one of the world's great art collections, including the... more » Owner description: This Classical Renaissance structure, guarded by two bronze lions at its entrance, boasts one of the world's great art collections, including the trademark "American Gothic." « less
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3,082 reviews from our community

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Salt Lake City, Utah
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

Huge, broad collection from around the globe from antiquity to modern, well presented. Even husband found things to like.

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See 2 more reviews by greyheaded for Chicago
McKinney, Texas
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

The AIC is always a must see when we visit Chicago. It has some of my favorite paintings by Seurat, Monet, Van Gogh, Edward Hopper and Homer Winslow. I also love the Chagall windows. It has a nice rooftop cafe, and several gift shops, where the prices are pretty reasonable. There is alot to see, you can spend as much... More

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Boston
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

No doubt about the high quality and diversity of the AIC's collection. You could spend days exploring the art. But, being fortunate to live in the Boston area with an outstanding museum led by an amazing individual (yes, the Museum of Fine Arts and Malcolm Rogers) both my wife and I felt the display of the collection at the Chicago... More

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See 2 more reviews by NeedSher for Chicago
Tullahoma, Tennessee
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

There is nothing bad to say about the Art Institute. Great programs and wonderful staff make it a true gem. So man y wonderful, seminal works. The Seurat gets me every time. The rooftop cafe is a nice touch and has a great view. You MUST go if you can.

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See 4 more reviews by jr37388 for Chicago
Shelby, North Carolina
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

Beautiful art from all periods. The building itself is art. Great impressionist collection. Just when you think you are done there is more. Be sure to check out the lower level.

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See 5 more reviews by kris l for Chicago
Manchester, United Kingdom
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

There is nothing really to dislike about The Art Institute. It is a great way to spend a day out. The range of art works is extensive. I just loved it. Check out Van Gogh's self portrait when he was in his twenties. It looks like you could put your fingers under his moustache - fabulous.

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Adelaide
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

The Art Institute has quite a few of Monet's paintings, including his water lillies and haystacks. The haystacks in particular, show how skillful he was at capturing them in different light. So many other great paintings that it can be a little overwhelming. You need to spend hours here to see it all, or be very judicious and select a... More

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See 2 more reviews by Denise B for Chicago
New Orleans, Louisiana
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

The museum houses a substantial American art and Impressionist collection, including 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte' by Georges Seurat. To get the full effect of the Pointillism in the painting, try approaching the painting close up and then slowly back away until the image coalesces. There is a nice rooftop terrace café, Terzo Piano, that is accessible through the... More

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Ann Arbor MI
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

Nothing to dislike, just a lot to take in. Get the iPhone app - it's very helpful. Went on a Saturday -- a little busy but not so crowded you can't get close enough to the exhibits.

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See 2 more reviews by ALee21 for Chicago
Winnipeg, Canada
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

First trip to Chicago and felt obligated to visit the Art Institute. Obligation turned to wonder. This museum is amazing and houses incredible pieces of art and presents it all in unique and honourable ways. This truly is a must see - even for the passive art fan. Don't forget to stop by the museum shop - some unique gifts... More

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See 4 more reviews by titus81 for Chicago

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