Join us for immersive adventures that give you exclusive access to world-famous collections, galleries, and museum spaces rarely seen by the public.
Through exclusive domestic and international trips, Luminary members gain unique insights into upcoming Art Institute exhibitions, deepen connections with peer institutions, and exchange ideas that will inspire future generations.
Upcoming Trips
Please note that all upcoming trips are tentatively planned until minimum guest count is reached.
Exterior of the Hammer Museum
Photo by Elon Schoenholz (Creative Commons)
Luminary Weekender: Los Angeles
Thursday, February 26–Sunday, March 1, 2026
Celebrate the vibrant and diverse art scene of Los Angeles with Paulina Pobocha, chair and curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. Enjoy world-class museums, bustling galleries, and sublime private collections, all with a special focus on contemporary art. The trip will include visits to the Frieze Art Fair and the biennial Made in L.A., co-curated by Paulina, at the Hammer Museum.
Calder Gardens
Photograph by Iwan Baan
Luminary Weekender: Philadelphia
Thursday, May 14–Sunday, May 17, 2026
Explore American art in Philadelphia with Liz McGoey, Ann S. and Samuel M. Mencoff Curator, Arts of the Americas. See A Nation of Artists, a historic collaboration between the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art uniting three collections of American art to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. And take in the newly opened Calder Gardens, a sanctuary featuring Alexander Calder’s diverse body of work in a natural landscape.
Exterior of the Seville Cathedral
Photo by Paul VanDerWerf (Flickr)
Luminary International: Madrid and Seville
Friday, November 6–Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Travel with Rebecca Long, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Curator in Painting and Sculpture of Europe, through Madrid and Seville and immerse yourself in Spanish art with a special focus on the works of Francisco de Zurbarán ahead of a future exhibition. Highlights will include a before-hours visit to the Museo del Prado, the outstanding Monastery of Guadalupe, and the beautiful Casa Pilatos palace.
explore past travel experiences
Luminary International | Paris avec Gloria Groom
May 2025
Paris exists in a class of its own. The ineffable light, the meandering cobblestone streets, the museums teeming with awe-inspiring art—this unmistakable city has shaped generations of artists who exchanged ideas across its shared studios, cabarets, and cafés.
Inspired by this rich, creative history, Luminary experienced the city with Gloria Groom, Chair and David and Mary Winton Green Curator of Painting and Sculpture of Europe and executive director of Initiatives in France. Visits to esteemed private collections, behind-the-scenes access to iconic Parisian institutions, a welcome dinner at a 2-star Michelin restaurant, and lodging opposite the Tuileries at palace hotel, Le Meurice, completed this spectacular itinerary.
The Broad Museum in Los Angeles, California
Weekender: LA with Kevin Salatino
March 2020
Led by Kevin Salatino, Anne Vogt Fuller and Marion Titus Searle Chair and Curator of Prints and Drawings, visitors spent an art-filled weekend in Los Angeles. Travelers enjoyed curator-led tours of the J. Paul Getty Museum, LACMA, and MOCA LA, as well as a before-hours tour of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum and visits to private collections. They also savored meals at some of the city’s best restaurants, including LA’s longtime gold standard Michael’s, and a special farewell dinner at the private San Vincente Bungalows. Accommodations at the landmark Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel satisfied art lovers, culture mavens, and foodies alike with history and glamour.
Royal Academy of the Arts in London, England
London and the English Countryside with Ellenor Alcorn
October 2019
On this excursion led by Ellenor Alcorn, chair and Eloise W. Martin Curator of Applied Arts of Europe, travelers ventured on behind-the-scenes tours of some of London’s most prestigious and storied collections, museums, and private homes, including an appointment at the home of Gilbert & George and a visit to the studio of famed sculptor, Sir Anish Kapoor. The trip ended in the bucolic elegance of the English countryside, complete with excursions to Oxford, a visit to Waddesdon Manor, and a private tour of Blenheim Palace.
Weekender: Architecture and Design in Mexico City with Zoë Ryan
February 2019
In February 2019, travelers joined Zoë Ryan, former John H. Bryan Chair and Curator of Architecture and Design, on a trip to Mexico City. The trip was an extraordinary opportunity to explore the lives and works of great designers, past and present, in the land that inspired them. Highlights of the weekend included a visit to the studio of architect Tatiana Bilbao, a firsthand experience of buildings designed by revolutionary architect Luis Barragán, and an exploration of the lasting influence of designer Clara Porset. Travelers enjoyed meals at avant-garde restaurants, such as Rosetta and Dulce Patria, to top off the vibrant itinerary.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact us at [email protected].
