Art Institute of Chicago: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
4.9
93 Ratings
Chicago
Experience the Art Institute of Chicago like never before with a skip-the-line guided tour. Explore famous masterpieces and learn the stories behind them with an engaging guide.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Art Institute of Chicago - Only the highest quality guide is equipped to introduce you to one of the greatest museums on earth. the Art Institute, one of the world’s great art museums, houses a works that cover centuries of Art & History. Its is also known to have the worlds greatest collection of Impressionist artwork (Even rivaling the Musee D’Orsay in Paris). Your expert guide will help you explore the major artworks and hidden gems from this expansive collection and explain how this iconic American museum differs from its older European counterparts.
What's Included
  • Exclusive semi-private groups of no more than 8 guests
  • Enjoy a 2.5-hour immersive experience
  • All entrance fees included for a hassle-free visit
  • Benefit from skip-the-line access with a semi-private guided museum tour
What's Not Included
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
Additional Information

The Art Institute of Chicago, rivals other leading global institutions such as the Met, Louvre, and British Museum in terms of visitor draw. This 2.5-hour semi-private guided tour, limited to 8 guests, allows you to bypass the queue and discover renowned works with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide.
Featured Masterpieces Usually Include: (subject to artwork availability)

Paris Street, Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte
Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat
Sky Above Clouds by Georgia O’Keefe
Nighthawks by Edward Hopper
A Picture of Dorian Gray by Ivan Albright
America Windows by Marc Chagall
The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso
Inventions of Monsters by Salvador Dali
Four Mona Lisas by Andy Warhol

  • Notes: The museum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with ‘Skip the Line’ or ‘No Wait’ access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
  • A maximum of 8 people per booking
  • This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Location
The Art Institute of Chicago
South Michigan Avenue
Meeting Point: “To The Lions Left”; next to the iconic lion statues (the lion on the left when facing the museum) outside the main Museum entrance on South Michigan Avenue.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(93 Ratings)
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Smcarney
Apr 1, 2024
2 centuries of art - Excellent museum tour. Ben was very informative and took us on an excellent tour of some of the most beautiful paintings at the Art Institute.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
433miraw
Mar 11, 2024
Exceptional Experience - Joe was a sensational tour guide. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable of all the art and architecture in the Art Institute but he accompanied the explanation with interesting and clever anecdotes. It’s obvious why he’s taught Art History at prestigious Universities for so many years. Can’t wait to experience another tour at this amazing Museum.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_d
Mar 3, 2024
Ben was a great guide and... - Ben was a great guide and we had a wonderful time. He took us to different areas of the museum and really explained the paintings well.
Review provided by Viator
301nicoletteg
Feb 14, 2024
A must-see in Chicago! - Had a great time touring with Bernie. The tour was a very good overview of the Art Institute from bottom to top and learned a lot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shawn_h
Feb 2, 2024
We appreciated Mandy’s expertise! - Great tour! We enjoyed Mandy’s art information as she hit the highlights of the Art Institute. We love walking through art galleries but having a knowledgeable guide really makes more of our limited time.
Review provided by Viator
J5948hrjh
Jan 4, 2024
Mandy for the win - Mandy was fantastic. Hit the highlights and several interesting sidebars. Knowledgeable and entertaining. The whole family thoroughly enjoyed it. There is no better way to see this enormous place.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Genethetravlr
Dec 31, 2023
Great experience with Bernie! - Bernie was so great! Very knowledgeable and personable. Loved his blend of humor and facts. Phenomenal tour, I would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiggerjsa
Dec 9, 2023
Just wonderful! - Sarah was just wonderful!! An incredible and intimate experience! We would highly recommend to everyone!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donnaww9008ir
Nov 21, 2023
Viewing amazing art while enjoying a beautiful museum. - Ben was amazing. As an art historian who studied philosophy, he was the perfectly educated guide. Very enthusiastic. I learned so much while having fun. Thanks Ben!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurahmiami_usa
Nov 11, 2023
Amazing experience - Excellent experience Bernie was incredible and gave us a lot of valuable information about the museum and art.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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