Skip-the-line: Art Institute of Chicago Guided Tour
Description
Beat the crowds with an expert art historian guide on this exclusive early morning tour. Immerse yourself among the masterpieces housed within the acclaimed museum and listen as your guide brings each piece to life by sharing the story behind it. Let your guide lead you to the most important pieces of the 300,000-strong collection, taking the hard work out of finding where to go and what to see. Explore in a small group for a special, personal experience, and interact with your guide who can give insider’s insight into the museum.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our expert guide will take you on a journey to explore one of the world's premier art museums. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking inspiration, our tour of the Art Institute promises an unforgettable experience. Along the way they will discuss some or all of the following art works: 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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(548)
Our guide Bernie was so knowledgeable and being in a small group (5) made it more intimate. Access to the institute prior to the general public was a huge plus. Allow extra time there is so much to see.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Dee! We're thrilled to hear that the intimate small group setting and Bernie's depth of knowledge made for such a worthwhile experience. The early access before the general public is truly one of the highlights of our tours — there really is nothing like having those iconic galleries almost to yourself! And you're absolutely right — the Art Institute deserves all the time you can give it! Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we're incredibly proud to have Bernie on our team. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
We got better than our money's worth. It was about 2.5 hours of guided tour but the pass is good for the whole entire day. We saw the highlights and learned some history about the pieces and the artists.
Book this tour NOW — we couldn't agree more, Jim! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Bernie delivered such great value, and that the all-day pass gave you the freedom to keep exploring the Art Institute long after the guided tour ended. Here at Chicago Museum Tours, that combination of expert guidance and incredible access is exactly what we love to offer. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Arnold was knowledgeable and made the tour a great experience; thank you
Thank you so much for your kind words, Chuck! We're delighted to hear that Arnold's knowledge made for such a great introduction to the Art Institute. Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we're incredibly proud to have him on our team. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
We had a great tour with Arnold. He was very knowledgeable, kept the group together and made sure we got to see all the good stuff. He was an excellent guide with his knowledge, but he was also humorous and very personable. He was very easy to listen to and follow along. I would highly recommend!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! When time flies at the Art Institute you know you're in great hands — and that's Arnold all over! We're thrilled to hear that his knowledge, humor, and personable style made for such an easy and enjoyable tour, while ensuring the whole group got to see all the good stuff. Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we're incredibly proud to have him on our team. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Maeve was a great tour guide. She was knowledgeable and very pleasant. We had a wonderful experience. Well worth it.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ben! We're delighted to hear that Maeve's knowledge and warm personality made for such a wonderful experience at 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!
Joel gave a nice tour and provided some excellent information on the Age of Impressionism and its creators. I personally was hoping for a deeper dive into paintings but the background of the artists, which included stories about personal friendships among them, was interesting. I’d go again but try to find a more extensive focus on paintings and what people often miss without guidance from a student of art. All in all, it was a good morning.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Ann! We're delighted to hear that Joel's insights into the Age of Impressionism and the personal stories behind the artists made for an interesting and enjoyable morning. We also genuinely appreciate your feedback about wanting a deeper dive into the paintings themselves — that's a great point and something we can absolutely build into a future tour for you. Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we'd love the opportunity to give you exactly the experience you're looking for next time.
Bernie was an amazing guide! Communication was a breeze, and he was extremely knowledgeable. My parents raved that this was one of their favorite parts of their trip to Chicago. 10/10!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Corey! 10/10 and one of your parents' favorite parts of their Chicago trip — it doesn't get much better than that! We're thrilled to hear that Bernie's seamless communication and expertise made the whole experience so effortless and memorable. Here at Chicago Museum Tours, we're incredibly proud to have him on our team. We hope to welcome you and your family back again soon!
Our guide Bernie was so knowledgeable and kept us moving along so that we could get a lot in. He spent an extra hour than we anticipated which was amazing. Truth is you need more than a day at the art institute as there is so much to enjoy. Definitely one of the highlights of our visit to Chicago.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Dee! We're thrilled to hear that Bernie's knowledge and well-paced approach allowed you to cover so much ground — and that he went the extra mile by spending an additional hour with you! That genuine dedication to making sure guests get the most out of their visit is exactly what sets him apart. You're absolutely right that the Art Institute deserves more than a day, and we'd love to welcome you back to explore even more on your next visit to Chicago!
THE best tour we did on our trip to Chicago. Joel was our guide and was OUTSTANDING! Also this is one of the best art museums I have seen outside of Europe. Don’t skip it!!
Thank you so much for your five star review. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed touring the Art Institute with Joel. Please come back and join us again on another tour soon!
Amazing tour! Michelle was very passionate and tour was very informative. Highly recommended
Thank you for your 5-star review - hope to see you back on another tour soon!
