Experience the Art Institute anew.
Luminary offers a host of programs that give you special access to the Art Institute’s collection, from private exhibition tours led by curators to illuminating lectures—and so much more.
View all upcoming Luminary programs.
LUMINARY TOURS
Members of Luminary receive invitations to exclusive, curator-led explorations of selected exhibitions—intimate opportunities to engage deeply with groundbreaking works of art and leading art experts.
Tour opportunities are regularly updated on the Luminary Programs page and the museum’s Events page.
View all upcoming tours.
What to Expect
Luminary tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to view our exhibitions alongside museum experts. Over the course of approximately 60 minutes, members will gain behind-the-scenes insights into the works on view, the stories they tell, and the research that informs their placement and interpretation.
These tours are designed to be interactive, and every tour will be unique, highlighting different objects and stories. Participants are encouraged to share their observations, ask questions, and engage in discussion along the way.
All tours take place when the museum is closed to the public. Guests may witness a range of behind-the-scenes activities during their visit, including art handlers moving works between galleries and new installations taking shape.
Where to Meet
Detailed meeting instructions will be shared with you via email ahead of the tour date. These will include instructions for after-hours entry. Please plan to arrive promptly, as your tour will begin at the scheduled time.
Accessibility
Elevators and seating are available throughout the galleries, and wheelchairs are available upon request. Please reach out to us at luminary@artic.edu with any accessibility needs. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you have a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
We look forward to seeing you on an upcoming Luminary tour and sharing the special moments of insight and discovery they offer.
Luminary Travel
Select travel opportunities led by Art Institute curators are offered to the foremost Luminary groups. Through occasional domestic and international trips, Luminary Diamond, Luminary Council, and Luminary Trust members have the opportunity to experience the research, curation and planning of future exhibitions, while deepening relationships with fellow art admirers and aiding in the exchange of ideas that inspire generations.
Recent Luminary Travel
Friday, May 2–Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Luminary International: Paris avec Gloria Groom
Join Gloria Groom, Chair and David and Mary Winton Green Curator of Painting and Sculpture of Europe and executive director of Initiatives in France, for a tour of Paris’s art world as you’ve never seen it before.
Contact Us
Luminary programs and tours are open exclusively to Luminary members, and advance registration is required. Questions? We’re delighted to help you sign up for a tour, learn about a program or find out more about travel, please reach out to us at (312) 443-3735 or luminary@artic.edu.
Questions? Please reach out to us at luminary@artic.edu.
