About
The Art Institute of Chicago is an art museum at 111 South Michigan Avenue, in the heart of downtown Chicago, Illinois. It is often called the AIC, and it is one of the best-known art museums in the United States.
What to see
The museum is especially known for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Visitors come to see works by Monet, Renoir and Seurat, and the galleries devoted to these painters are a central reason to plan a visit. Even a short stop among these canvases gives a clear sense of how the movement changed the way artists looked at light, colour and everyday life.
Planning your visit
- Location: Downtown Chicago, on South Michigan Avenue, easy to reach on foot from the city's central streets.
- Best for: Lovers of painting, especially French art of the late nineteenth century, and anyone wanting a focused museum visit.
- Contact: +1-312-443-3600.
The area around it
Because the museum sits in the centre of the city, it pairs easily with other downtown stops. Chicago's riverside, its shopping streets and its architecture are all within walking distance, so a visit to the museum can be one part of a longer day in the city.