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.
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.
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 a vibrant summer adventure tailored for young art enthusiasts at The Art Institute of Chicago. This private Youth Group Tour invites participants to explore thought-provoking questions like "Who makes art?" through interaction with 3-4 carefully selected artworks. Guided by passionate college interns, this tour creates an engaging atmosphere where creativity and understanding thrive. The interns not only share the stories behind the art but also shed light on the diverse identities of the artists, making each piece approachable and inspiring. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this tour is perfect for youth groups eager to combine education with fun during summer break. The indoor setting offers a comfortable and interactive escape from the summer heat, ensuring a memorable experience regardless of weather. Whether your group is new to art or already interested, this tour encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and appreciation for culture, fostering new perspectives. Beyond just viewing art, participants are encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions, making it a dynamic and personalized journey. The Art Institute’s central location in Chicago also means easy access from various parts of the city and beyond, making it a convenient choice for educators and group coordinators planning summer activities. This Youth Group Tour is not just a visit — it’s a hands-on learning encounter that invites young minds to explore artistic creativity and the human stories behind it.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Suitable for youth of all fitness levels; involves walking and standing inside the museum.
This Youth Group Tour is designed primarily for middle and high school students, but can be adapted for younger participants with interest.
Groups of up to 25 participants can comfortably join one private tour session.
Yes, the college interns undergo specialized training to effectively engage young audiences and facilitate discussions.
Yes, The Art Institute of Chicago is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps throughout the galleries.
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the galleries, but there are designated areas in the museum for breaks.
The museum follows current health guidelines including mask policies and reduced group sizes to ensure visitor safety.
Founded in 1879, The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the oldest and largest art collections in the U.S.
The museum actively promotes sustainability by reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly exhibitions.
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