July 12, 2025
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Jump Start Your Trip With World Class Art!

Explore the famed Art Institute Of Chicago

By Ryan Searl
In this Feb. 14, 2013 photo, an attendee checks out by Pablo Picasso "Mother and Child" during a media preview for "Picasso adn Chicago," an major exhibition showcasing the works of Picasso at the Art Institute of Chicago. More than 250 works will be on display at the exhibit running Feb. 20-May 12, 2013. The Art Institute was the first museum in the nation to feature Picasso's work a century ago in 1913. Today's exhibit features paintings, drawings, works on paper, ceramics and sculptures. (AP Photo/Caryn Rousseau)

In this Feb. 14, 2013 photo, an attendee checks out by Pablo Picasso "Mother and Child" during a media preview for "Picasso adn Chicago," an major exhibition showcasing the works of Picasso at the Art Institute of Chicago. More than 250 works will be on display at the exhibit running Feb. 20-May 12, 2013. The Art Institute was the first museum in the nation to feature Picasso's work a century ago in 1913. Today's exhibit features paintings, drawings, works on paper, ceramics and sculptures. (AP Photo/Caryn Rousseau)

Before you start your trip on the Mother Road, pay a visit to the mother of all art museums: The Art Institute of Chicago! Conveniently located near the historic starting point of Route 66, this bucket list worthy museum boats thrilling special exhibits and a fantastically large permanent collection, featuring such significant works as Edward Hooper’s ‘Nighthawks’, Grant Wood’s ‘American Gothic’ and Georges Seurat’s masterpiece ‘A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte’.

Flanked by it’s famous Iron Lions, one of the most popular photo-ops in Chicago, the AIC was founded in 1879 as both a museum and school. With over 300,000 works of art, we guarantee you’ll find many familiar masterpieces with every turn. While you’re there, be sure not to miss the museums Modern Wing (different hours, different entrance) to see cutting edge and thought provoking works.

From Rembrandt to Warhol, this world class collection has something for every member of the family. Plus…if you’re an Illinois resident, all ages are offered free admission every Tuesday (and some holidays too) from 2pm-9pm. With over 1.5 million annual visitors, you may want to skip the lines.

To reserve your tickets, pay a visit ARTIC.EDU and purchase your fast pass. You’ll be glad you did. The AIC’s great location on Chicago’s lakefront offers fast and affordable bus service with easy access to other museums, attractions and Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile with its world class shopping and dining. All this and plenty of underground parking for your Route 66 companion!

Nearby Attractions:

  • Field Museum
  • Adler Planetarium
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Millennium Park featuring
  • “The Bean”
  • Navy Pier
  • Michigan Avenue aka
  • “The Magnificent Mile”


ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60603

TH-MO 11am-6pm

MODERN WING ENTRANCE

WE-FR 10:30am-8pm SA-TU 10:30AM-5PM

For more information, visit ARTIC.COM