Chicago’s Home for the Holidays

The Art Institute's spectacular 18th-century Neapolitan crèche tells the story of Jesus Christ’s birth using more than 200 painted terracotta figures staged in an elaborate environment inspired by 18th-century Naples.

Featuring over 100 works from across Catlett’s awe-inspiring career, this long-overdue retrospective showcases the work and legacy of the impactful artist and activist.

Symbolist artists sought to represent the unseeable—ideas and emotions. This display features over 85 Symbolist works on paper that capture the beauty and strangeness of this mysterious generation of artists.

This more-than 100-feet-wide allegorical painting takes viewers on a spellbinding journey, from the nocturnal solitude of the artist’s childhood in Kashmir to the frenzied daylight of the art world to finally a fragile, renewed dawn.

H. C. Westermann once said that wood was his “whole life.” This exhibition is the largest gathering of sculptures by the artist in Chicago in over 20 years and celebrates the generous gift of 17 sculptures from the Estate of Alan and Dorothy Press. 

Celebrating the unbounded creative practice of American architect Bruce Goff, this retrospective features over 200 works including architectural drawings, models, and a selection of Goff’s ambitious, little-known abstract paintings.

This holiday season, we’re hosting breezy 30-minute talks across the museum in English, Spanish, and ASL to take a special look at singular artists and artworks.

Join museum educator Jeff Nigro to explore this elaborate Nativity scene from Naples, which includes not only the Holy Family but a whole cast of characters—from the Biblical story and from 18th-century Naples.

Sip hot chocolate and celebrate the season with a surprise craft activity designed and led by our Art Institute of Chicago Teen Council. Families and visitors of all ages are welcome.

Looking for a good place to start your visit? Join a knowledgeable guide for a 45-minute tour of the galleries. In addition to our twice-daily English tours, we offer tours in Spanish on Fridays and Saturdays at 2:00 and in ASL on select dates.

Design a custom museum journey filled with artworks you love. Add personal notes, and share it with friends and family! Or, explore some of our pre-made tours to see Ferris Bueller's Art Institute, explore fan favorites, or wander through the dreams of Surrealists.

Hear the stories behind the art with our free mobile app, available for download via the App Store or Google Play. Choose from a variety of tour options, or key in a particular artwork. Just be sure to bring your headphones to listen while you’re at the museum.

Take inspiration from our latest exhibitions to make art in our hub for creativity, the Ryan Learning Center. Admission to the Ryan Learning Center is free for all ages—no ticket required. Just enter through the Modern Wing.

With close to 5,000 works of art on view, how do you decide where to begin—especially as a family with different ages and interests? Let this tour help guide you and your family to a few of the areas that you all can explore and enjoy together, from paintings and sculptures to armor and miniatures.

Make your very own adventure-filled tour with JourneyMaker, our kid-friendly custom tour builder available in our Ryan Learning Center and from your home computer. Choose from eight different themes—like superheroes and time travel—and dozens of artworks to create a special tour all your own.

Lower level of the Rubloff Building, adjacent to McKinlock Court

Enjoy an array of fresh seasonal dishes—warming soups, hearty sandwiches, refreshing salads, delicious desserts, and more.

Second level of the Modern Wing, overlooking Griffin Court

Take a break with some light bites—both sweet and savory—plus many coffees, teas, and beverages to choose from. 

Third level of the Modern Wing

Members and their guests enjoy free coffee and tea—and outstanding city views—in this third-level perch. Wine, beer, cocktails, and light snacks are also available for purchase.