art institute of chicago private tour

Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Guided Museum Tour

• Skip-the-Line Private Museum Tour
• Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You
• Duration 2.5 Hours
• Wheelchair Friendly
• All Entrance Fees
• Entry/Admission - The Art Institute of Chicago
• Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
• Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
• The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA Meeting Point: “To The Lions Left”; next to the iconic lion statues (the lion on the left when facing the museum) outside the main Museum entrance on South Michigan Avenue.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• A maximum of 8 people per booking
• Notes: The museum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• The Art Institute of Chicago

Similar experiences

• You'll start at The Art Institute of Chicago 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA Meeting Point: “To The Lions Left”; next to the iconic lion statues (the lion on the left when facing the museum) outside the main Museum entrance on South Michigan Avenue. See address & details
• 1 The Art Institute of Chicago Stop: 3 hours - Admission included Only the highest quality guide is equipped to introduce you to one of the greatest museums on earth. the Art Institute, one of the world’s great art museums, houses a works that cover centuries of Art & History. Its is also known to have the worlds greatest collection of Impressionist artwork (Even rivaling the Musee D'Orsay in Paris). Your expert guide will help you explore the major artworks and hidden gems from this expansive collection and explain how this iconic American museum differs from its older European counterparts. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• smcarney 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 2 centuries of art Excellent museum tour. Ben was very informative and took us on an excellent tour of some of the most beautiful paintings at the Art Institute. Read more Written April 1, 2024
• 433miraw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceptional Experience Joe was a sensational tour guide. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable of all the art and architecture in the Art Institute but he accompanied the explanation with interesting and clever anecdotes. It’s obvious why he’s taught Art History at prestigious Universities for so many years. Can’t wait to experience another tour at this amazing Museum. Read more Written March 11, 2024
• 301nicoletteg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must-see in Chicago! Had a great time touring with Bernie. The tour was a very good overview of the Art Institute from bottom to top and learned a lot. Read more Written February 13, 2024
• Kevin B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Museum Experience Done Better. Wonderful experience! Samantha was pleasant, accommodating, and very knowledgeable. Her guidance made the Art Institute museum far more interesting and informative. So many things we would have missed without her insight. This was a great value! Read more Written January 18, 2024
• J5948HRjh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Mandy for the win Mandy was fantastic. Hit the highlights and several interesting sidebars. Knowledgeable and entertaining. The whole family thoroughly enjoyed it. There is no better way to see this enormous place. Read more Written January 4, 2024
• Genethetravlr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience with Bernie! Bernie was so great! Very knowledgeable and personable. Loved his blend of humor and facts. Phenomenal tour, I would highly recommend! Read more Written December 31, 2023
• PhillipK562 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Great Overview Mandy was a knowledgeable and engaging guide who obviously enjoys sharing world class art with visitors. Although we have previously visited the Art Institute we saw many new works and learned a great deal about the history of the city and art museum. Read more Written December 14, 2023
• Tiggerjsa 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Just wonderful! Sarah was just wonderful!! An incredible and intimate experience! We would highly recommend to everyone!! Read more Written December 9, 2023
• dina329 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Getting the most from your visit Meghan provided a great tour of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was so knowledgeable and encouraged interaction with all of us. So glad we chose to explore the museum in this fashion. Well worth the fee. Read more Written December 9, 2023
• donnawW9008IR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Viewing amazing art while enjoying a beautiful museum. Ben was amazing. As an art historian who studied philosophy, he was the perfectly educated guide. Very enthusiastic. I learned so much while having fun. Thanks Ben! Read more Written November 21, 2023
• Jill B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun at the AI Mandy was fantastic! Dynamic, fun and knowledgeable! I saw parts of theArt Institute I had never seen before. The time with her flew by! Read more Written November 18, 2023
• geraldc762 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Friday morning stroll through the art museum The art museum was very interesting. Our guide was accommodating and interactive. She was very knowledgeable, and she was very easy to talk to. Read more Written November 17, 2023
• LauraHMiami_USA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience Excellent experience Bernie was incredible and gave us a lot of valuable information about the museum and art. Read more Written November 11, 2023
• annesE9507RA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worth the money Bernie was so very knowledgeable about Chicago, art history and the Art Institute in general. The backstory he had for each artist/art period added so much to the experience. He was very kind, funny and willing to answer any questions we had. Highly recommend! Read more Written November 11, 2023
• stancapper 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fanastic!!!! I can't recommend this tour highly enough, especially if you are lucky enough to get Sara as your all-star guide. She was informative, engaging, knowledgeable, passionate...I could probably list another ten adjectives, but you get the point. Every piece of art she talked about came alive, and her talk about each piece enhanced tenfold our appreciation of what we were experiencing. She encouraged responses and engagement from our group. A small but telling example of hor prepared and professional she was could be found in the times she would show us a picture on her phone related to the art we were viewing. There was none of that soul-sapping, energy-depeting, will-to-live-draining wait time while someone looks for a picture on their phone. The organization she displayed was simply awesome. It was one of those tours where even after two and a half hours, you are disappointed that it is over. We could have listened to Sara talk about paintings, sculptures, stained glass, etc. until the museum closed. I know this probably sounds like hyperbole, but I waited a day to write this review because I didn't want to write it on the post-tour high. As you can see, I am still thrilled (as is my wife) with our tour. What a wonderful experience. Read more Written November 4, 2023

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Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Guided Museum Tour provided by Babylon Tours Chicago

COVID19 Rescheduling Policy: Book With Confidence! No Penalty For Rescheduling As Many Times As Necessary

Artistry Unbound: Private Skip the Line Tour at the Art Institute of Chicago

Indulge in exclusivity: private guided journey through chicago's art masterpieces.

• Babylon Tours Chicago

From $102.17

Discover more about this tour

Only the highest quality guide is equipped to introduce you to one of the greatest museums on earth. the Art Institute, one of the world’s great art museums, houses a works that cover centuries of Art & History. Its is also known to have the worlds greatest collection of Impressionist artwork (Even rivaling the Musee D’Orsay in Paris). Your expert guide will help you explore the major artworks and hidden gems from this expansive collection and explain how this iconic American museum differs from its older European counterparts.

Highlights Generally Include: (if artwork is not on loan or being restored etc.)

Paris Street, Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte Sunday on La Grande Jatte – Georges Seurat Sky Above Clouds – Georgia O’Keefe Nighthawks – Edward Hopper A Picture of Dorian Gray – Ivan Albright America Windows – Marc Chagall The Old Guitarist – Pablo Picasso Inventions of Monsters – Salvador Dali Four Mona Lisas – Andy Warhol

“Semi-Private” means group size is never more than 8 guests maximum.

“Private Tour” means tour guide exclusively for you.

Prices Vary Based on Group Size

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Private Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Tour

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How Our Tours Work

All of our tours are private, not public. So the tour is arranged just for you and yours.

• We recommend using our online booking tool for up-to-date availability.
• Select your tour experience and set your preferred date and time.
• Our booking system will help you select the right guide from our team of art historians based on the guides' availability.
• Tell us a bit about your interests and private group. We'll customize your tour from there.
• Your confirmation will show where the guide will meet you at the museum.
• Private tours for 1 - 4 people in your group booked online* are $225 per hour (a $5 discount over tours booked via email or phone).
• All tours have a two-hour minimum.
• Additional people and/or additional time have an additional fee.
• Museum admission needs to be added for each person. This will be added during your booking.
• We'll get your tickets ahead of time for you. So you can skip the lines!

Prefer a personalized booking experience?

* For those who need a bit more service via email and phone, our pricing is $225 per hour for 1 – 4 people. Larger groups are $50 per adult, $25 per child.

Real Art Historians, not scripted actors

ART SMART's art guides are primarily graduate-level professional art historians from top universities who have their fingers on the pulse of the art world.

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Art institute of chicago private tour with wine.

A private guided tour, including a complimentary glass of wine, led by a real art historian.

Private, Personalized Tour at the Art Institute of Chicago

Take a private, guided tour through the expansive collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Led by a real art historian, not a docent; your tour guide will be able to answer all of your questions and give you the best possible experience. Based on the information you provide us with, you tour can be customized to fit the interests and passions of each member of your group. At the beginning or end of the tour your guide will join you and your group at one of the Art Institute’s upscale restaurant bars, where you can relax and chat about all things art and culture. You will have the option to purchase treats and beverages a la carte.

What to Expect on Your Private VIP Tour at the Art Institute of Chicago

When you complete the booking process you will receive an email that contains details about where to meet your guide. According to the information you provide us, we will create a tour to fit your group’s preferences and interests. During the tour, we’ll use our signature conversational style that keeps everything fun and fresh, even as you are learning and exploring.

Along the way you may see:

• Masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir, Seurat, Gauguin, and Van Gogh
• Highlights of the Thorne Miniature Rooms. This unique collection offers a view of European residences from the 16th century through the 1930s and American homes from the 17th century to 1940, all in miniature format
• Matisse, Miró, Picasso, Pollock, and Warhol in the Modern Wing
• René Magritte, Time Transfixed
• James Whistler’s Mother
• Grant Wood’s American Gothic
• Seurat’s Sunday on La Grande Jatte
• Medieval and Renaissance Arms & Armor Collection

Pricing for this tour starts at $500 for 2 hours, plus admission.

Museum Details

Open Daily 10:30am – 5:00pm

Thursday Until 8:00pm

Book Yours Now

2. select tour length.

3. Booking Summary

4. payment details, pricing questions.

Private tours for 1 – 4 people in your group booked online* start at $225 per hour (a 5% discount over tours booked via email or phone). All tours have a two-hour minimum. Additional people and/or additional time have an additional fee. Museum admission needs to be added for each person. This is added during your booking. We will get your tickets ahead of time for you. So you can skip the lines!

* For those who need a bit more service via email and phone, our pricing begins at $225 per hour for 1 – 4 people. Larger groups are $50 per adult, $25 per child.

Description.

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The Art Institute of Chicago: private skip-the-line tour

Enjoy a private tour of the Art Institute of Chicago. Skip the line and explore the Institute's best masterpieces with the help of an expert guide.

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The inside story

Founded in 1866 as a free art school and gallery, the Art Institute of Chicago is now among the most visited museums in the USA and worldwide. It is currently located in the Historic Boulevard District of Chicago and attracts around 1.9 million visitors annually.

The museum features a collection of more than 300,000 works of art including Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, American art, Old Masters, industrial graphic design, and more. Discover more than 30 paintings by Claude Monet , masterpieces by Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Matisse, and Vincent van Gogh in the permanent collection. Among the most important works of the American collection are American Gothic by Grant Wood and Edward Hopper's Nighthawks.

In addition to paintings, the Art Institute houses other valuable treasures. Explore the Thorne Miniature Rooms at the museum and admire 1:12 scale interiors showcasing American, European and Asian architectural styles from the Middle Ages to the 1930s.

In the Touch Gallery, specially designed for the visually impaired, the museum guests can experience several works through the sense of touch. Artifact lovers will appreciate the opportunity to admire the Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman galleries , which hold the mummy case of Paankhenamum and other interesting objects.

The Art Institute of Chicago is open from Thursday to Monday from 11 am to 6 pm, and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The museum can easily be accessed by car, public transit, and on foot. There are public parking garages nearby for those arriving by car, while the city's L train and almost all of the buses have stops within a few blocks away.

How to get there

Art Institute Of Chicago Announces New Exhibition FOUR CHICAGO ARTISTS

The exhibition will include work from Theodore Halkin, Evelyn Statsinger, Barbara Rossi, and Christina Ramberg.

The Art Institute of Chicago has announced Four Chicago Artists: Theodore Halkin, Evelyn Statsinger, Barbara Rossi, and Christina Ramberg on view from May 11–August 26, 2024. Gathering together 95 drawings, sketchbooks, prints, photograms, quilts, paintings, and ephemera from these four iconic Chicago artists, this exhibition will showcase how their lives intersected across generations to shape the visual culture of our city. 

Chicago experienced an explosion of resident artists after World War II, yet the city did not have the commercial gallery network to support them. This allowed local artists to be more creative about where to show their work without competing with each other for space. These circumstances fostered a communal spirit that spanned generations. Despite the 20-year separation between Theodore “Ted” Halkin and Evelyn Statsinger, and the generation of Barbara Rossi and Christina Ramberg, each of these artists shared a commitment to personal authenticity and a talent for inventing original, imaginative compositions inspired by the world around them. 

“All the artists in this exhibition studied at the School of the Art Institute, where the faculty guided them to use the city and its cultural institutions to enlarge their basis for expression,” said Mark Pascale, Janet and Craig Duchossois Curator, Prints and Drawings. 

While formally educated at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, all of these artists were informally inspired by the city's cultural resources—from the Field Museum to Maxwell Street Market. This led each of them to develop highly unique practices. The resulting works are as visionary as they are true to feeling, centering the transformation of shape, line, and color into otherwise incommunicable meaning. On a material level, these values translated into pieces that reworked found and imagined sources into new forms—from Rossi's use of dish rags to evoke hair ringlets, to Halkin's reconfiguration of architectural landscapes to make fantastical worlds, to Statsinger's experimental patterns, and Ramberg's unique lens that could turn a corset into an urn. 

This show is complemented by the concurrently running  Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective , the first comprehensive exhibition devoted to the iconic Chicago artist in more than 30 years.

Four Chicago Artists: Theodore Halkin, Evelyn Statsinger, Barbara Rossi, and Christina Ramberg is curated by Mark Pascale, Janet and Craig Duchossois Curator, Prints and Drawings; Stephanie Strother, research associate, Prints and Drawings; and Kathryn Cua, curatorial assistant, Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University.

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