Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago (must see)
Perched atop a grand set of stone steps and guarded by its iconic lion statues, you'll discover the Midwest's most extensive art museum. Within the colossal Beaux-Arts structure, this institution proudly displays an expansive array of artworks from diverse regions worldwide. It is notably enhanced by a comprehensive assortment of modern and contemporary pieces featured in the Modern Wing, an architectural marvel designed by the renowned Italian architect, Renzo Piano.
Organized chronologically, the extensive European Collection spans from the Middle Ages to 1950, encompassing a substantial assortment of Renaissance and Baroque art and sculptures. Yet, its primary attraction lies in its nearly 400 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Meanwhile, the American Arts collection comprises approximately 5,500 paintings and sculptures spanning from the 1600s to 1950. Additionally, the loans from the Terra Foundation collection encompass paintings and works on paper, as well as a diverse range of decorative arts, including furniture, glass, and ceramics from the 18th century to the present (notably, the silver collection stands out). Among the must-see attractions are beloved Chicago gems such as the Thorne Miniature Room and Chagall's remarkable stained-glass creation, "American Windows".
Why You Should Visit:
The diverse collection encompasses paintings, drawings, sculptures, and designs that span from ancient times to the contemporary world. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a rich array of artworks from various eras and regions, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, European, Asian, African, and Native American art. Additionally, you can delve into the museum's extensive and comprehensive photography collection, making it a truly enriching cultural experience.
Organized chronologically, the extensive European Collection spans from the Middle Ages to 1950, encompassing a substantial assortment of Renaissance and Baroque art and sculptures. Yet, its primary attraction lies in its nearly 400 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Meanwhile, the American Arts collection comprises approximately 5,500 paintings and sculptures spanning from the 1600s to 1950. Additionally, the loans from the Terra Foundation collection encompass paintings and works on paper, as well as a diverse range of decorative arts, including furniture, glass, and ceramics from the 18th century to the present (notably, the silver collection stands out). Among the must-see attractions are beloved Chicago gems such as the Thorne Miniature Room and Chagall's remarkable stained-glass creation, "American Windows".
Why You Should Visit:
The diverse collection encompasses paintings, drawings, sculptures, and designs that span from ancient times to the contemporary world. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a rich array of artworks from various eras and regions, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, European, Asian, African, and Native American art. Additionally, you can delve into the museum's extensive and comprehensive photography collection, making it a truly enriching cultural experience.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Art Institute of Chicago on Map
Sight Name: Art Institute of Chicago
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois
Create Your Own Walk in Chicago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour
Additional to scenic views of the lake, the boats, and the city skyline, the Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions on the waterfront – for kids as well as adults – that draw nearly ten million people annually, making this Chicago's most visited spot. Yes, some may see it as a “tourist trap”, but it is worth the time and money to spend some time here, so take this self-guided walk... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Chicago Old Town Walking Tour
Settled in 1850 by German immigrants, Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood is a popular destination for locals and visitors who cater to the entertainment venues, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutiques – all of which have turned an area once referred to as the “Cabbage Patch” into an attraction that rivals Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Magnificent Mile.
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Loop District Architecture Walking Tour
Chicago features an outstanding architectural legacy, having long been connected with some of architecture's most important names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Holabird & Root, and others. The multi-layered Loop District, in particular, offers an extensive number of Chicago’s famous architectural “must-sees” – from modern skyscrapers to historic buildings... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Chicago Chinatown Walking Tour
Tucked away just south of the Loop, the Chinatown of Chicago was established in 1912 and is considered one of the best examples of American Chinatown. While it may be one of Chicago’s smallest neighborhoods geographically, it is big on character, colors, sights, sounds, and flavors. Here, you’ll find a wide range of unique boutiques, specialty shops, religious sights, authentic Chinese... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Chicago Introduction Walking Tour
Chicago, perched on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, is a city steeped in history and urban vibrancy. Known by numerous nicknames such as the Windy City and the City of Big Shoulders, it boasts a skyline marked by towering structures. The area of today's Chicago, initially inhabited by Native American tribes, saw its first European-settled reference as "Chicagou" in 1679, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour
The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world’s great avenues – or Chicago’s version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Chicago Souvenirs: 15 Distinct Local Products to Bring Home
One of the most fascinating cities in the U.S., if not the whole world, Chicago has no shortage of things closely associated with it, often due to their direct origin (blues, gangstership, etc.), so one might literally be spoiled for choice as to what to choose as a "piece" of Chicago to...