Your tour begins with an orientation to this overwhelming labyrinth of collections; you'll learn about its founding patrons and deep ties to the history and culture of Chicago. After discussing your party’s unique interests and priorities, we set off into the galleries. During this 3-hour crash course, the identity of each artwork will be placed in context both geographically and thematically. Our route may take a number of twists and turns throughout the museum according to your group's interests. 

The most popular collections within the museum are the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist pieces, so your expert will make sure to discuss a few works within this sphere in detail. With selections from Toulouse-Lautrec to Mary Cassatt, we will select carefully to enable a rich narrative within this era. A must-see in the Art Institute is A Sunday on La Grand Jatte by George Seurat, an example of what is now known as pointillism. If your group is interested, we will devote time to the works of van Gogh, Cézanne, Gaugin, and other famous artists within this collection. From there, we may continue onto the modern collections, picking out revered Picasso’s before studying Chagall’s stained glass.

The Asian Collection, designed by Japanese architect Tado Ando, is another highlight of our tour. You’ll experience works spanning nearly five millennia from China, Korea, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and the Near and Middle East. From there, venture into the American Art collection, which is home to iconic pieces like Hopper's Nighthawks and Grant Wood's American Gothic.

Your journey continues through the Medieval and Renaissance Art collection, which has recently been restored and offers a beautiful contrast to the more popular styles on show. We may even venture into the Byzantine and Ancient Galleries to examine less familiar periods of art.

Our tour will leave you with an increased awareness of the Art Institute's importance for the city of Chicago and its place on the world stage. You'll gain a fuller appreciation of the museum's eclecticism, architecture, and the movements and eras of art contained therein. Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Art Institute of Chicago.

For this tour, your tickets are pre-purchased which allows you to skip the ticket office line upon arrival at the venue. You may still have to wait in a security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.