As a major cultural hub of Chicago, the Art Institute is committed to supporting the city and its citizens through extensive outreach and education programs, free access, and accessible public spaces in the museum's complex. Further information about the Art Institute's support is below.

Outreach and Education Programs

• The Art Institute has an extremely active Department of Museum Education that works closely with public and private schools, community and business organizations, and senior groups.
• The Art Institute hosts approximately 2000 school groups from Chicago and Illinois annually, serving approximately 82,000 students a year. Of these students, nearly one quarter were from Chicago Public Schools.
• The Art Institute makes significant donations to Chicagoland and Illinois charities in the form of admission ticket donations, books and catalogs, and other merchandise for auction items.
• The Art Institute maintains partnerships with local cultural organizations, the Chicago Park District, and Chicagoland colleges and universities. See our Community Program’s video to learn more!

Free Access

• The museum offers approximately 400 hours every year in which the museum is free of charge, including Thursday (and summer Friday) evenings and the entire month of February.
• Admission is always free for children under 12.
• Admission is always free for Chicagoland and Illinois school groups. Visiting students also receive a free family pass, and all Illinois teachers are admitted free.
• Admission is free to visitors holding the Chicago Public Library Passport.
• Admission is always free to active members of the military.
• Admission is always free to all employees of the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Fire Department.

Accessible Public Spaces

• The north and south gardens along Michigan Avenue are free and accessible to the public during non-winter months. The award-winning gardens include seating, sculpture, and, in the south garden, Lorado Taft's Fountain of the Great Lakes.
• The Ryan Education Center and its programs—opening May 16, 2009—are free to the public. The Ryan Education Center includes galleries, studio spaces, and a library for families, children, and students.
• The Nichols Bridgeway, a 600-foot pedestrian bridge from Millennium Park to the third floor of the Modern Wing, is free and publicly accessible.
• The Bluhm Sculpture Terrace, with rotating exhibitions of contemporary sculpture, stunning views of Millennium Park and the skyline, and a fine-dining restaurant, is free and publicly accessible.

_{Map detailing the Art Institute's community outreach in a 25-mile radius.}