Museum Guidelines

Our guidelines help protect the museum’s collection and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Please follow security officers’ instructions and remember that touching works of art is strictly prohibited. Watch our videos "Welcome to the Art Institute" and "When You Arrive" for a brief introduction and orientation to the museum.

Please plan ahead, as the following items are not allowed in the galleries:

  • Art materials other than pencil (including ink pens)
  • Backpacks and backpack baby carriers
  • Bags, camera bags, or purses larger than 13 x17 inches
  • Shopping bags
  • Flowers or balloons
  • Food or drink
  • Toys
  • Tripods, flash attachments, and video cameras
  • Umbrellas (small umbrellas can be stowed in bags)
  • Wrapped packages (gifts)

The following items cannot be checked:

  • Flowers or balloons
  • Food or drink

Checkroom

  • $1 per item
  • Complimentary with membership
  • Courtesy bags are available to carry valuable items with you.
  • All bags are subject to security inspection.

The checkrooms are for patrons only. The Art Institute of Chicago reserves the right to refuse to check any item. The checkrooms stop accepting items 15 minutes prior to closing. The Art Institute of Chicago is not responsible for lost, damaged, or unclaimed items.

Photography

You are welcome to take photographs of the permanent collection and special exhibitions for personal use unless otherwise noted. Dry sketching is also permitted. Please respect signage that may prohibit photography of specific works of art or exhibitions, and please do not use flashes, tripods, and video cameras.

Members of the media should contact our Department of Public Affairs at (312) 443-3626 or aicpublicaffairs@artic.edu to arrange shoots for still photography and film.

Sketching

For pencil sketching in the museum, please consult with the security officer in the appropriate gallery. Paper and pads must be no larger than 13 x 17 inches. Easels, stools, or anything that interferes with movement in the gallery are not permitted.

Strollers

The museum is accessible for stroller use; however, strollers may be restricted in special exhibitions due to space limitations and crowd flow. Please feel free to call (312) 443-3600 prior to your visit if you have specific questions.

Cell Phones

Please turn off the sound of cell phones or pagers in the museum. Talking on mobile telephones is limited to non-gallery spaces within the museum.

Visitor Comments

Please share your experience with us at visitorcomments@artic.edu. This e-mail address does not accept attachments.

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