Art Institute of Chicago Private Expert Guided Tour
Description
Let our expert local guides share their passion with you for The Art Institute of Chicago on this private 2 hour tour. As you traverse the hallowed halls, you’ll discover an extraordinary collection spanning centuries and cultures, from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works. Our expert guides will illuminate the stories behind each brushstroke, sculpture, and masterpiece, providing a rich narrative that breathes life into the art.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Embark on a captivating 2 hour journey through the heart of creativity with a private tour of the Art Institute. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking inspiration, our tour of the Art Institute promises an unforgettable experience. Unleash your imagination and let our highly trained guides help you explore the major artworks. Highlights usually Include: (unless on loan or being restored, etc.) Hartwell Memorial Window – Tiffany Studios Paris Street; Rainy Day – Gustave Caillebotte Sunday on La Grande Jatte – Georges Seurat The Bedroom – Vincent van Gogh Sky Above Clouds – Georgia O’Keefe Nighthawks – Edward Hopper A Picture of Dorian Gray – Ivan Albright American Gothic – Grant Wood America Windows – Marc Chagall The Old Guitarist – Pablo Picasso Four Mona Lisas – Andy Warhol Greyed Rainbow – Jackson Pollock
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(106)
Bernie did a wonderful job of helping us experience the treasures at the Art Institute. It's a massive place and we would have been overwhelmed if we'd tried to go it on our own. He was generous with his time and very knowledgeable. We were there on a holiday weekend an early entry allowed us to see some of the sections of the museum before the crowds arrived.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Amanda! We couldn't agree more — in a museum as vast and treasure-filled as the Art Institute, having the right guide makes all the difference! We're thrilled to hear that Bernie's generosity, knowledge, and thoughtful approach helped you navigate the museum with ease, and that the early entry gave you those precious crowd-free moments over the holiday weekend. Here at Chicago Museum Tours, that kind of seamless and enriching experience is exactly what we strive to deliver. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
This was my first guided tour at a museum. The tour moved quickly and highlighted certain art and artists throughout the museum. Scout was our guide and her enthusiastic and performative style kept the energy up throughout the long tour. Great for someone that likes and appreciates art but isn't going to do the homework yourself.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! What a perfect way to experience your very first guided museum tour! We're thrilled to hear that Scout's enthusiastic and energetic style kept the energy high throughout and made the art so accessible and engaging. We couldn't agree more — a great guide does all the homework for you and delivers it in a way that's informative, concise, and expansive all at once! Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we're incredibly proud to have Scout on our team. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour with our guide, Joel. He was so knowledgeable about the art, the Art Institute, and Chicago history. This was our first visit to Chicago and we spent several hours at the Art Institute on our own after the tour was completed. Highly recommend, and take Joel’s tour if you can! The French Impressionist collection is amazing. You won’t be sorry.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Joel's knowledge of the art, the Art Institute, and Chicago history made such a great first impression on your visit to the city — and how wonderful that his tour inspired you to spend several more hours exploring on your own! That is truly the hallmark of a great guide. The French Impressionist collection is indeed something special — you won't be sorry is right! Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we're incredibly proud to have Joel on our team. We hope to welcome you back on your next visit to Chicago!
Joel was a great guide and made our tour extremely enjoyable.
Hi Alison, thank you for your 5-star review. Glad to hear you enjoyed your time touring the Art Institute with Joel. Please come back and join us again on another tour soon!
Mark provided an excellent experience at the Art Institute. He was knowledgeable, fun and really brought the art to life from the Renaissance to Picasso. It is a wonderful museum and great tour. We enthusiastically recommend this tour.
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review, Erik! We're thrilled to hear that Mark brought such knowledge and fun to your journey through the Art Institute. That kind of dynamic range is what makes the museum so special, and Mark clearly delivered every step of the way. Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we're incredibly proud to have him on our team. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Absolutely mind blowing🤯 What a beautiful building and amazing exhibits. A must! Need days and days to experience everything. Will definitely do it again ❤️
Thank you so much for your mind-blowing review, Brice! 🤯 We're absolutely thrilled to hear that Maeve gave you such an unforgettable introduction to the Art Institute. You're so right — you really could spend days and days exploring everything the museum has to offer! We can't wait to welcome you back for another visit.
Colleen was our guide and she was great! Easily understood and knowledgable. The whole tour was pleasant! Thank you so much,
Thank you so much for your kind words, John! We're delighted to hear that Colleen's clear and knowledgeable approach made for such a pleasant tour of the Art Institute. Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we're incredibly proud to have her on our team. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
This is the second-largest museum in the United States, so the most advisable option is to take a guided tour. Arnold, our guide, contacted me the day before the visit to offer his assistance. His knowledge is invaluable, and he is an excellent communicator, which allows him to share his expertise in a highly engaging and effective way. At the end of the guided tour, he offered those of us who were interested a pass to re-enter the museum in case we wanted to go out for lunch afterward. And indeed, it was absolutely worth returning to see the miniature rooms created by Narcissa Niblack Thorne, a section where one can easily spend two hours without noticing the passage of time. And, of course, it's a must to revisit the Picassos and the Monets. Picasso’s The Old Guitarist says so much about its creator before he became famous that it is an essential stop, as is the iconic reference of American Gothic, which is not to be missed. Thank you very much, Arnold. Excellent tour!
Thank you so much for this wonderful review, Olman! We're thrilled to hear that Arnold's proactive communication, encyclopedic knowledge, and engaging style made your visit to the Art Institute so memorable and worthwhile. His thoughtfulness in offering a re-entry pass so guests could enjoy lunch and return at their leisure is a perfect example of the personal touch that sets him apart. And what a perfect day — the Thorne Miniature Rooms, The Old Guitarist, American Gothic, and the Monets — you clearly made every moment count! Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we're incredibly proud to have Arnold on our team. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
My guide Mark provided a wonderful and easy paced tour through the museum from top to bottom. I learned a lot about art history and felt like I got a free college seminar. 10/10 recommend!
Thanks Meghan, so glad to hear that you enjoyed your time touring the Art Institute with Mark. Please come back and join us on another tour soon.
Our tour guide, Kim, gave our group insights not only into the art but also the technological and historical context of it. I loved the “big picture” approach. Wonderful tour!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Martha! We're delighted to hear that Kim's 'big picture' approach resonated so strongly with your group — placing the art within its broader technological and historical context is what truly elevates a museum visit into something deeply meaningful. Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we're incredibly proud to have Kim on our team. We hope to welcome you and your group back again soon!
