New Fee Structure
Effective May 23, 2009, following a week of free admission celebrating the opening of the Modern Wing, the Art Institute will implement a new fee structure:
- Adults: $18.00
- Students and seniors: $12.00
- Chicago residents: $2 discount with a valid photo ID with resident address is required.
- Children under 14: Free (begins May 23, previously, children under 12 free)
- Special exhibitions: Free with general admission (previously $8 charge)
- Coat check: Free with general admission
Certain members of the community never pay an admission fee:
- Children under 14 (beginning May 23, previously, children under 12 were free)
- Illinois teachers and Illinois school groups
- Chicago police and firefighters
- Active members of the U.S. military
- Disabled U.S. Veterans (beginning May 23)
The recent restructuring of our membership program has also made the museum more inclusive of our Art Institute supporters:
- Every membership level is now family-friendly (all children 18 and under in household enter free)
- The price of student memberships has been reduced to $40. Student memberships do not include access for children 18 and under.
The museum offers a vast array of free attendance opportunities:
- Free one late evening per week (Thursdays, 5–8 p.m.) throughout the year
- Free two late evenings per week (Thursdays and Fridays, 5–9 p.m.) during the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
- Free the entire month of February
- Each school group participant receives a free family pass to return free with his or her whole family at a later date
- Free admission for holders one of 820 Chicago Public Library museum passes for up to four visitors (doubled from 410 last year)
- And this year, free the week of the modern Wing opening, May 16 to May 22, 2009
The public enjoys the following museum areas free of charge:
- The North and South gardens (accessible from Michigan Avenue)
- The Nichols Bridgeway from Millennium Park
- The new sculpture terrace on the third floor of the Modern Wing
- The new Ryan Education Center in the Modern Wing and all programs for families and children within the Center
FAQ
Why has the Art Institute of Chicago increased its admission fee?
The increase in the fee reflects the overall rise in operating costs for the museum. The increase is essential, if the Art Institute is to continue to uphold its mission and serve its community.
When will the new admission fee take effect?
The new fee takes effect on Saturday, May 23, following a week of free admission in celebration of the opening of the new Modern Wing.
Will there be a fee for special exhibitions in addition to the new admission fee?
There will no longer be an additional fee for special exhibitions or coat check.
Is it ever possible to visit the museum’s galleries for free?
Over 300,000 people visit the museum for free. There are many such opportunities:
- One late evening per week (Thursdays after 5:00 p.m.) throughout the year
- Two late evenings per week (Thursdays and Fridays after 5:00 p.m.) during the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
- The entire month of February
- The week of the opening of the Modern Wing, from May 16 to May 22, 2009
Is it possible to visit any other part of the museum for free?
The following areas of the museum are accessible free of charge:
- The North and South gardens
- The new sculpture terrace on the third floor of the Modern Wing
- The new Ryan Education Center in the Modern Wing and all programs for families and children within the Center
Is the increase in the fee related to the cost of the Modern Wing?
Although a part of the fee will help offset the additional cost associated with operating the Modern Wing, the rise in admission price overall reflects the higher operating costs for the museum as a whole. For several years, the Art Institute has considered increasing the admission fee. By waiting until now to act, the museum has instituted the new fee at a moment when visitors will benefit from the increased gallery space and increased display of works from the permanent collection made possible by the opening of the Modern Wing. The design and construction of the Modern Wing were funded through private donations and support, not through admission fees. Funds raised through the capital campaign for the Modern Wing have also been put into an endowment, which helps cover the operating costs.
Bringing a family of four seems expensive. How can I bring my family to the Art Institute at the new prices?
Children under 14 always receive free admission, and Metra offers free rides for children 11 and under on weekends. The Art Institute is also conveniently located near several bus and El stops. Also, if you purchase a membership at a price of $80, 2 adults and all children 18 and under are admitted for free for unlimited visits for one year.
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