Families

Find your inspiration in programs, spaces, and exhibitions that ignite your imagination. Discover new artworks in the galleries or revisit old friends, and explore your creativity in the Ryan Learning Center.

• Featured Event
  The Art Exchange
  

  Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
  11:00–3:00

  Visitors of all ages are invited to stop by the museum’s Ryan Learning Center and explore a variety of activities.

• View all upcoming family events

• Planning Your Visit
  Make a trip to the Art Institute fun for the whole family with some simple tips for planning your visit and looking at art together.
• Family Spaces
  

  The Ryan Learning Center is open once again, and has been transformed into an even more accessible, inclusive, and creative space for all.

• Family Programs
  

  Find out what’s on today, tomorrow, and throughout the year.

• JourneyMaker
  

  Make your family’s visit to the Art Institute a fun-filled adventure with JourneyMaker, a digital interactive that empowers you to create your own one-of-a kind museum tour.

Accessibility

We are committed to making the museum and its collection more accessible and to meeting your family’s needs, abilities, and interests. Explore the museum’s Accessibility page to find out more about resources and supports in place for all visitors, and review our floor plan as you prepare for your visit.

FAQs

Can outside food be brought in? Where is a good place to eat a snack?
Food and beverages are not permitted in the museum’s galleries, and our cafés are currently closed. Please enjoy your snacks in Millennium Park or the museum’s North Garden, located on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street.

What is the closest entrance to the Ryan Learning Center?
The Modern Wing entrance is closest to the Ryan Learning Center, at 159 East Monroe Street.

How much does admission cost?
Head to the Visit page for information about our tiered admission structure. Museum admission is always free for children under 14 and for Chicago teens under 18.

Can we book a studio for a birthday party?
We do not provide space for birthday parties at this time.

How can I volunteer at one of your events?
All volunteer opportunities are temporarily on pause, and we are not accepting applications at this time. Please check back for updated information on the Volunteer Opportunities page.

Can you donate to our fundraiser?
We do not generally provide materials or tickets for fundraisers.

Where is a good place to nurse?
Caregivers may nurse or bottle feed anywhere within the museum. Areas with comfortable seating include Griffin Court and the private Infant Care Room, located near Gallery 249.

If you will be using a backpack or other bag larger than 11” x17” for pumping or nursing a child, please inform our security staff about the bag’s purpose. They will provide a property pass for the backpack and, if necessary, suggest additional conditions for carrying the bag in order to ensure easy travel through the museum and safety for the works of art on display.

Do you offer art classes or summer camps for kids?
Most of our programs are for families together rather than children on their own. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Continuing Studies program offers programs and summer camps for children year-round.

Connect with Us

Sign up for our enewsletter above, or contact us at ryanlearningcenter@artic.edu or (312) 857-7161.