How to Beat the Crowds at the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago costs $32 for non-resident adults. It's open 11 am to 5 pm, until 8 pm on Thursdays, and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Buy online, arrive at 11 am, and see Nighthawks, American Gothic and A Sunday on La Grande Jatte first. Free Thursday evenings for Illinois residents are busy.
- Non-resident adults
- $32
- Chicago residents
- $27
- Illinois residents
- $20
- Under 14s
- Free
- Hours
- 11 am to 5 pm, Thursday until 8 pm
- Closed
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays (check before you go)
- Best time
- 11 am on a Monday or Friday
- Time to allow
- 3 hours
How busy is the Art Institute?
Crowds gather at the famous paintings, especially the Impressionist galleries and Nighthawks. Weekends and rainy days are busiest, and free Thursday evenings bring big local crowds. The Modern Wing is usually calmer.
Before you go, check how busy the Art Institute of Chicago is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for US holidays, school breaks and weather.
Check today’s crowds at The Art Institute of Chicago →Best (and worst) times to go
- 11 am opening: the masterpieces with space.
- Monday or Friday: calmer than weekends.
- Thursday evening (non-free weeks): relaxed.
- Worst: weekend afternoons and free Thursdays.
Our hourly forecast for the Art Institute shows how busy each hour is expected to be on your date.
Check today’s crowds at The Art Institute of Chicago →