VISIT
Hours
Members: The first hour of every day, 10–11 a.m., is reserved for member-only viewing.
| Days | Hours | |
| Mon | 11–5 | |
| Tue–Wed | Closed | |
| Thu | 11–8 | |
| Fri–Sun | 11–5 |
Admission
| Category | |
| General Admission | |
| Chicago Residents | |
| Illinois Residents | |
| Fast Pass | |
| CityPASS |
| Age group | Price | |
| Adult $32 | ||
| Seniors (65+) $26 | ||
| Students $26 | ||
| Teens (14-17) $26 | ||
| Children Free | ||
| Members Free | ||
| Adult $20 | ||
| Seniors (65+) $14 | ||
| Students $14 | ||
| Teens (14-17) Free | ||
| Children Free | ||
| Members Free | ||
| Adult $27 | ||
| Seniors (65+) $21 | ||
| Students $21 | ||
| Teens (14-17) $21 | ||
| Children Free | ||
| Members Free | ||
| Adult $40 | ||
| Seniors (65+) $34 | ||
| Students $34 | ||
| Teens (14-17) $34 | ||
| Children Free | ||
| Members Free | ||
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Save 48% on admission to the Art Institute and 4 other top Chicago attractions with CityPASS. Visit the attractions in any order over a 9-day period with one single easy-to-order mobile ticket. Get CityPASS |
Free Admission Opportunities: The Art Institute of Chicago provides free access to children under 14, Chicago teens under 18, Link and WIC cardholders, and Illinois educators every day, as well as to Illinois residents on certain days throughout the year. Learn more.
Members never need tickets and never have to wait in admission lines.
The Great Wave Is Back
The Great Wave has not been on view in the Art Institute galleries for five years because, like all prints, it is susceptible to light damage and must rest a minimum of five years between showings to preserve its colors and vibrance. Don’t miss the rare chance to see this popular print—on view now through January 6, 2025.
Please note that during busier times, a virtual line will be used for The Great Wave. Simply scan the QR code when you arrive at the gallery.
Hear the stories behind the art—straight from artists, experts, and community members.
Who's Visiting?
FAQs
All FAQs
Ordering advance tickets, including free tickets for Illinois residents, is encouraged but not required. Tickets can be purchased on-site.
Both general admission and Fast Pass tickets allow you to see all of the museum’s nonticketed special exhibitions. Occasionally, exhibitions require an additional paid ticket that you can add to your order when checking out online.
We have two dining spaces that are open to all visitors: the Café offers an array of fresh seasonal dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and desserts, and the Modern Bar offers lighter fare plus a full coffee, tea, and beverage menu.
Additionally, the Member Bar at Terzo Piano, a space for our Art Institute members, provides free coffee and tea as well as wine, beer, cocktails, and light snacks for purchase. Learn more about our dining options.
Admission is currently free for Illinois residents on Thursday evenings, 5:00–8:00, through September 26, 2024.
Our next free hours for Illinois residents will be the following days:
-Monday, October 21, 11:00–5:00
-Monday, October 28, 11:00–5:00
-Monday, November 4, 11:00–5:00
-Monday, November 11 (Veterans Day), 11:00–5:00
-Friday, November 22, 11:00–5:00
-Monday, December 2, 11:00–5:00
-Thursday, December 5, 11:00–8:00
-Friday, December 6, 11:00–5:00
-Monday, December 9, 11:00–5:00
-Thursday, December 12, 11:00–8:00
-Friday, December 13, 11:00–5:00
Learn more about our ongoing free admission opportunities, including for the following groups:
-Kids under 14
-Chicago teens under 18
-Students who attend one of our University Partner schools
-LINK and WIC cardholders
-Illinois educators
-Active-duty military and their families (Armed Services Day–Labor Day)
Yes, our checkrooms are free for all visitors. Bags and backpacks larger than 13 x 17 x 4 inches are not allowed in the galleries and must be checked, but we cannot accept food, beverages, flowers, or balloons in the checkroom, and they are not permitted in the museum spaces that house art. Learn more about which items are and are not permitted in the museum.
The museum’s North and South Gardens are usually open throughout the summer months, Thursday–Monday, during museum hours. The gardens regularly close for major special events that bring increased crowds downtown, such as the NASCAR Street Race, Lollapalooza, and the Democratic National Convention.
