Design your own museum adventure at The Art Institute of Chicago with a self-guided tour. Perfect for students and families, explore world-class galleries with interactive tools and tailored experiences.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels since the activity involves walking at a comfortable pace indoors.
Wildlife
History
The Art Institute of Chicago was founded in 1879 and has grown into one of the largest and oldest art museums in the United States.
Conservation
The museum actively promotes sustainable practices, including energy-efficient lighting and waste reduction programs to minimize environmental impact.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Design your own museum adventure at The Art Institute of Chicago with a self-guided tour. Perfect for students and families, explore world-class galleries with interactive tools and tailored experiences.
The Art Institute of Chicago is a major museum in Chicago, Illinois that offers a broad range of educational programs for youth, school groups, and community audiences. The museum provides in-person tours, bilingual experiences in English and Spanish, virtual sessions, and hands-on art studio activities designed to connect students with artworks and creative practice.
Education programs include college-intern-led Youth Group Tours (summer), bilingual Youth Group Tours (English & Spanish), and specially designed hour-long tours such as Art Across Cultures and Art + History: Chicago. Virtual options — including Art + Activism and Art + Access — support remote learning and accessibility through sensory-rich strategies and verbal descriptions. The Art Studio Experience pairs a guided tour with a hands-on mosaic-making studio session (available on Mondays), with a clear request to note accessibility needs at reservation time.
Programs emphasize student-centered engagement, cultural reflection, and opportunities for personal expression. Educators and trained college interns lead sessions and shape interactions that meet diverse classroom goals. The museum highlights bilingual instruction and inclusive approaches to ensure learners of varied backgrounds and abilities can participate meaningfully.
By offering seasonal, bilingual, in-person, and virtual formats, the Art Institute of Chicago supports classroom learning objectives, arts education standards, and community outreach. Groups planning visits are encouraged to review program descriptions and indicate accessibility or language needs when booking to ensure a successful, welcoming experience.
Tours Offered
10
A variety of guided and virtual experiences
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Museum located in Chicago
Scheduling
Summer & Virtual
Seasonal and online program options
Inclusive Programs
Bilingual & Accessible
Supports Spanish and diverse needs
Reserve a youth group, bilingual tour, studio day, or virtual experience to enrich classroom learning and inspire student creativity.
Download the Museum’s Audio Guide App
Enhance your visit with the audio guide, available on smartphones for detailed insights on key artworks.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The museum is extensive, so comfortable footwear is recommended for walking between galleries.
Check Accessibility Options
The Art Institute provides various accessibility supports—contact ahead to ensure your group’s needs are met.
Start Early for Smaller Crowds
Arriving early helps avoid peak times, allowing for a quieter and more immersive experience.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for navigating the museum’s spacious galleries without discomfort.
Smartphone or Tablet
Useful for accessing audio tours and digital scavenger hunts during the self-guided experience.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated especially during warmer months when walking comfortably is important.
summer
Light Jacket or Sweater
Museum temperatures can vary, and a light layer helps keep comfortable indoors and outdoors.
fall