Engage with art in a unique youth tour at The Art Institute of Chicago this summer. Explore stories behind masterpieces and spark creativity led by college interns.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for youth of all fitness levels; involves walking and standing inside the museum.
Wildlife
History
Founded in 1879, The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the oldest and largest art collections in the U.S.
Conservation
The museum actively promotes sustainability by reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly exhibitions.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Engage with art in a unique youth tour at The Art Institute of Chicago this summer. Explore stories behind masterpieces and spark creativity led by college interns.
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.
Book Early for Summer Slots
Summer is a popular time for youth tours, so reserve your spot well in advance to ensure availability.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll be walking and standing indoors for about an hour, so wear comfortable footwear.
Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated before and after your museum visit, especially on hot summer days in Chicago.
Arrive Early for Security Screening
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to pass through museum security without rushing.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ensures comfort during the walking tour inside the museum.
summer
Water Bottle
Helps to stay hydrated before and after the indoor tour.
summer
Light Jacket or Sweater
The museum’s indoor climate can be cool, especially during spring visits.
spring
Notebook and Pen
Great for jotting down thoughts or questions inspired by the tour.