The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and finest art museums in the world. Founded in 1879, the museum is a permanent home to a collection of more than 300,000 works of art. It contains iconic works from artists such as Pablo Picasso's The Old Guitarist, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, and Grant Wood's American Gothic. If you are planning to visit the institute, you must note that you will have to reserve the ticket in advance. Check out the guide to the Art Institute of Chicago Tickets and learn more about the prices.
Art Institute of Chicago Tickets
The prices may vary for different individuals. Check out the price structure below:
| General Admission | Chicago Residents | Illinois Residents | Fast Pass | |
| Children | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Teens (14-17) | $19 | Free | $16 | $29 |
| Students | $19 | $14 | $16 | $29 |
| Adults | $25 | $20 | $22 | $35 |
| Seniors (65+) | $19 | $14 | $16 | $29 |
| Members | Free | Free | Free | Free |
The Fast Pass allows visitors to bypass the general admission lines at entrances. You can skip the lines and get expedited access to the ticketed special exhibitions.
Art Institute of Chicago Hours
You must also check the timings of the museum to plan your trip conveniently. Note that the first opening hour of the museum is reserved for the members. Therefore, you should plan your trip accordingly and check the timings before booking your tickets.
| Day | Members | Public |
| Monday | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed | Closed |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM |
The museum is free for the following individuals:
- Children under the age of 14
- Chicago teens under the age of 18
- Active-duty military and their family members
- Illinois educators
- Link and WIC cardholders
- Students who attend Institute’s University Partner schools
You must visit the admission counter to redeem the free ticket and get entry to the museum.
Frequently Asked Question
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes, you need to reserve your entry in advance. You may go through the Art Institute of Chicago’s website to purchase the tickets or the member card.
Does a general admission ticket include access to special exhibitions?
A general admission ticket allows you access to multiple nonticketed special exhibitions at the museum. You will be required to pay additional for some special and occasional exhibitions.
Does the ticket allow re-entry?
With a general admission ticket, you can enter or re-enter the full day for the date it has been issued.
Do members need to buy tickets?
Members do not need to buy tickets or wait in lines. They will have to show their member cards and photo ID for fast access and expedited entry to the museum.
Art Institute of Chicago Tickets – Summing Up
We hope this handy guide answers all your concerns related to Art Institute of Chicago Tickets. If you have any doubts, feel free to comment below. Stay tuned to Scott and Ben for more such guides and updates.