Explore art in a fun, interactive way with a youth group tour and hands-on studio session at The Art Institute of Chicago. Perfect for summer group outings!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children and youth of all physical fitness levels as the experience involves mostly walking and sitting.
Wildlife
History
The Art Institute, founded in 1879, serves as one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, with a rich history of education and community outreach.
Conservation
The museum actively promotes sustainable practices by minimizing waste in studio activities and encouraging reuse of materials.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Explore art in a fun, interactive way with a youth group tour and hands-on studio session at The Art Institute of Chicago. Perfect for summer group outings!
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.
Arrive Early to Secure Entry
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour starts to check in smoothly and settle your group.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll be walking and standing inside the museum for about two hours, so choose footwear wisely.
Bring Water Bottles
Keep hydrated, especially if you attend on a warm summer day—it will help maintain energy and focus.
Respect Artwork Boundaries
Remind participants not to touch artworks and to follow all museum guidelines to protect the collection.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ensures comfort during museum walking and standing periods.
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeping hydrated during warmer months enhances focus and comfort.
summer
Light Jacket or Sweater
Useful for varying indoor and outdoor temperatures in spring.
spring
Sketchbook and Drawing Tools
Great for capturing inspiration during the studio session or free time.