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We’re often asked how donations help and which activities they support. The answer is everything! Additional donations make a huge impact on literally every facet of museum life.

Education

Additional donations help children explore the art in our galleries and develop their own artistic talents. 

The Art Institute hosts nearly 4,000 education programs each year, from Mini Masters classes—which encourage families to learn together by engaging in stories, games, gallery visits, and playful hands-on art activities—to Teen Studio: Comics and Illustration—which allows teenagers to gain inspiration for their own illustrations in drawing, ink, and digital technology.

Preservation

Additional donations help us maintain our state-of-the-art conservation practices so that we can continue to be at the forefront of important discoveries.

Art Institute curators and conservators work tirelessly to uncover and interpret the legacies of the artists and the objects in our collections. For instance, discoveries made by our staff during the conservation of our iconic work Bathers by a River generated a radical new understanding of Matisse’s artistic practices during what was the most innovative decade in the artist’s career.

Operation

Additional donations help us keep the galleries dynamic with new works always on view and allow us to keep our outdoor spaces luscious and green. 

The Art Institute has the third-largest collection of art in the United States. Works are rotated regularly, and in a busy year, Art Institute handlers move approximately 15,000 to 20,000 pieces! In addition, the museum offers ample gardens, fountains, and outdoor artworks, which play a very important part in the Art Institute experience.

Please consider making a donation to the Art Institute today—help this beloved institution continue to thrive as the cultural heart of Chicago. Whatever the amount, your gift will make an impact. Donate today. You can also donate by calling Member Relations at (312) 499-4111.

Additional gifts make a real difference. Thank you for your support: we couldn't do it without you!

Photo by Chris Lake