Teachers may choose to lead their students through the galleries without an Art Institute docent. We welcome self-guided groups but also require these groups to submit an online tour application due to space considerations.

Please be aware that docent-guided tours receive preference in scheduling tour times and gallery use. The total number of students in the museum is limited to ensure the best educational experience for everyone. Group size cannot exceed 90 students plus 9 chaperones maximum per school per school day. We recognize 1 chaperone per 10 students for grades 3-12; 1 chaperone per 6 students for grades 1-2; and 1 chaperone per 4 students in pre-K–K.

Self-guided groups must always yield to gallery tours conducted by Art Institute staff and docents.

Please note that the Art Institute of Chicago is in the process of growing! Due to construction of the new Modern Wing, scheduled to open in Summer 2009, some galleries may be unavailable during the 2007-2008 school year.

To prepare your students for their visit, teachers can:
View the See for Yourself: A Day at the Art Institute video online.
Go over the museum rules included in the confirmation packet and available online with students.
Look at the collections page of the Art Institute's Web site.
Use or modify an existing self-guide or lesson plan based on works in the museum's collection.
Explore online resources.
Visit the Teacher Resource Center.