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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!
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!
Book with The Art Institute of Chicago
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Art Institute of Chicago · Chicago, Illinois
Experience an inspiring 2-hour Youth Group Tour + Studio at The Art Institute of Chicago, designed especially for young explorers during the summer months. This interactive adventure invites youth groups to engage deeply with art by exploring 3-4 curated artworks and uncovering the diverse stories behind the artists who created them. Guided by passionate college interns from the Ryan Learning Center, participants gain new perspectives about who makes art and why it matters. Following the interactive tour, the creative experience continues in a hands-on studio session where young artists express their own creativity. This combination of exploration and creation offers a unique chance to connect with the museum's collection while fostering artistic confidence in a supportive environment. Ideal for educators and group leaders seeking an accessible, educational, and inspiring outdoor-adjacent experience, this tour blends art history with creative practice and allows the youth to engage collaboratively in a culturally rich setting in the heart of Chicago.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for children and youth of all physical fitness levels as the experience involves mostly walking and sitting.
The program is designed for children and teens, typically ages 8 to 16, but it can be adapted for slightly younger or older participants.
Yes, all interns from the Ryan Learning Center receive specialized training to engage young audiences effectively and support group dynamics.
No prior experience is needed. The session is beginner-friendly and encourages all participants to express their creativity.
While the program provides materials, groups are welcome to bring additional supplies for personal use if desired.
Yes, The Art Institute of Chicago is accessible to visitors with various needs; please contact the museum in advance to arrange accommodations.
Reservations can be made online through the referral link or by contacting the museum’s group services directly.
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.
The museum actively promotes sustainable practices by minimizing waste in studio activities and encouraging reuse of materials.
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.
Book with The Art Institute of Chicago