Explore Chicago’s Urban Canvases with Art + Access Outdoor Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness required to walk several miles on flat urban pavement comfortably.
Overview
Discover Chicago’s urban art scene like never before with Art + Access. This walking tour navigates vibrant murals and street installations that reveal the city’s rich cultural history and dynamic creative energy.
Art + Access
1 hour • Grades 1 - 12 and Transition Programs
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Experience a unique, one-hour museum tour designed to meet the social-emotional needs of diverse learners. Students engage with three artworks through multi-sensory exploration, verbal descriptions, and tactile objects, ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all abilities. This tailored approach fosters creativity and connection in an enriching educational setting.
An experience tailored to meet the social-emotional needs in inclusive, integrated co-teaching, or self-contained classrooms
Duration
1 Hour
About
Learners use their senses to explore and respond to objects from across the museum’s vast collection. Students engage with 3 artworks using a range of strategies that best support your classroom.
A Tailored, Inclusive Experience
This tour is tailored to meet the social-emotional needs of students in inclusive, integrated co-teaching (ICT), or self-contained classrooms. We are able to support multi-sensory explorations for students with sensory processing disorders, verbal description tours for students who are blind or have low vision, and incorporate touch objects and visual communication tools to support all learners.
More info
1 adult per 3 students 1st grade general education classroom; 1 adult per 5 students in a 2-5th grade general education classroom; 1 adult per 10 students in a 6-12th grade general education classroom; up to 1 adult per student in Inclusive Teaching and Self-Contained Classrooms
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Expect to cover several miles on city streets, so sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable.
Bring a water bottle
Stay hydrated while exploring outdoors, especially during warm months.
Check weather forecasts
Tours operate rain or shine; dress appropriately to stay comfortable.
Charge your camera or phone
You’ll want to capture vibrant murals and street art along the route.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons and sparrows common in city parks
- Occasional sightings of red-tailed hawks soaring above urban rooftops
History
Chicago’s mural movement grew significantly in the 1960s and 70s, linked to social activism and community identity in neighborhoods like Pilsen.
Conservation
Art + Access encourages walking to reduce emissions and supports local art preservation efforts through partnerships.
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Adventure Hotspots in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Ideal for navigating city sidewalks and alleys during the tour.
spring specific
Light rain jacket
Protects against unexpected spring showers during the walk.
spring specific
Sunhat and sunscreen
Necessary for sun protection while exploring outdoor murals.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture Chicago’s colorful street art moments.