{"id":33960,"date":"2023-09-25T20:06:31","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T20:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=33960"},"modified":"2025-12-19T21:15:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T21:15:42","slug":"guide-to-the-art-institute-of-chicago-tips-and-top-exhibits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/guide-to-the-art-institute-of-chicago-tips-and-top-exhibits\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Art Institute of Chicago: Tips and Top Exhibits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the city\u2019s cultural statement pieces. You enter it and it\u2019s a kaleidoscope of not just art but also history, pop culture, film, and more.

If you\u2019re an art lover, this needs to be on your Chicago bucket list. Growing up as an aspiring artist myself, this place always inspired me with its diverse exhibits and art not just on the walls but in sculpture, movement and mixed media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you don\u2019t need to be an art enthusiast to enjoy an afternoon at Chicago\u2019s biggest art museum. A quick Google search will show you that the institute is one of the top attractions in Chicago with broad appeal for travelers of all kinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this piece I\u2019ll introduce you to some of the best works of art that you\u2019ll see as well as insider tips for how to make the most of your time here. I\u2019ll also touch on a special connection to film history that\u2019s fun to look for when you visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Chicago\u2019s art institute started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Chicago\u2019s<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Art Institute of Chicago began as a school and museum called the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in 1879, becoming the Art Institute of Chicago officially in 1882. The museum was built on a landfill from the Great Chicago Fire right off Michigan Avenue (the road that becomes the Magnificent Mile<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact: <\/strong>The two bronze lions that greet you at the front entrance have been steadfast watchers of the museum since its inception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to see at the Art Institute of Chicago<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Art<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Art Institute of Chicago showcases several different art styles and origins, like indigenous art, impressionism, surrealism, art deco, and modernism. It also features a broad variety of art mediums \u2014 not just paintings and photos. There are architectural drawings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find artists from around the world here, including many well-known works by the masters. These are some of my favorite artists (maybe yours too) that you might see at the museum:<\/p>\n\n\n\n