Art Institute of Chicago

#3 in Best Things To Do in Chicago

All Things To Do

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Key Info

111 S. Michigan Ave.

Price & Hours

$32 for adults; $26 for teens 14-17; free for kids 13 and younger
Mon, Wed Fri-Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Thurs 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Details

Museums
Time to Spend: 2 hours to Half Day

Highlights of the Museum

The Art Institute boasts a vast and impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and photography, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.

Notable Works

Some of the museum's highlights include:

  • American Gothic by Grant Wood: A famous painting depicting a farmer and his daughter.
  • Nighthawks by Edward Hopper: A late-night diner scene that has captivated many viewers.

Favorite Piece or Exhibit

One of my favorite pieces is Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. It showcases a beautiful synergy of many tiny dots, and it is also famously featured in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Interest for Kids

Kids will find the Art Institute fascinating due to the plethora of visual stimuli available. My children are particularly drawn to the Thorne Miniature Rooms, which are like dollhouse rooms decorated in various historical styles.

Activities Before or After a Museum Visit

Before or after visiting the museum, I enjoy walking and exploring nearby eateries. One of my favorite spots is Amorino, a gelato shop nearby. When you buy a cone, they shape the gelato into the form of a flower, making it a delightful treat both in taste and presentation.

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