Museum Tour: Early Access with Art Historian Guide

Beat the crowds at the Art Institute of Chicago with an expert guide. Discover masterpieces and their stories in an exclusive, intimate tour.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • The Art Institute of Chicago - Our expert guide will take you on a journey to explore one of the world’s premier art museums. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking inspiration, our tour of the Art Institute promises an unforgettable experience. Along the way they will discuss some or all of the following art works:…
What's Included
  • Skip-the-Line Semi-Private Guided Museum Tour (Group Size of 12 or Less)
  • All Admission Fees
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Beat the crowds with an expert art historian guide on this exclusive early morning tour. Immerse yourself among the masterpieces housed within the acclaimed museum and listen as your guide brings each piece to life by sharing the story behind it. Let your guide lead you to the most important pieces of the 300,000-strong collection, taking the hard work…

Location
The Art Institute of Chicago
South Michigan Avenue
Guide will be standing near the North Lion (the one on the left as you face the main entrance to the museum).
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(276 Ratings)
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Amy
Jul 28, 2025
Well, worth the cost! - Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We had listen to this venue before, but never on a guided tour. It was well worth the money!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tonya
Jul 26, 2025
Awesome tour - Robert, our tour guide, was engaging and extremely informative. He had a genuine appreciation for the artists' backstory. We loved the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markmy6457cx
Jul 26, 2025
Review of Richton - Richton was very knowledgeable about the art and we really enjoyed the background he gave about the artists and the time period.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daaa48
Jul 25, 2025
Excellent Highlights Tour - I can highly recommend Chicago Museum Tours. I very much enjoyed the tour with Michelle. She’s very knowledgeable, personable, passionate, and a great story teller.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P1133xdemilys
Jul 25, 2025
Great Tour; worth every penny - This guided tour of the Art Institute was amazing! Michelle is a wonderful tour guide with such a gift for story telling and a wealth of art knowledge. I highly recommend anyone take this your!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melaniej625
Jul 21, 2025
Art Institute of Chicago with Joel - The Art Institute was number one on my Chicago bucket list. It did not disappoint. We felt like we were guided by a celebrity tour guide. Two people asked us how we were lucky enough to find him, and another asked him for his contact information as we toured. Joel's heart was completely into showing us his favorite pieces. He was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. It was nice to explore in a small group with early admission. He also provided us with some tips on what to see in Chicago on the rest of our visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traveling561
Jul 20, 2025
Educational and Entertaining - The tour was well-organized, educational and entertaining! I went with my husband - neither of us has an art background - and the tour provided a fast-paced and memorable overview of a few of the most recognizable artists. Our tour guide was Robert, who was excellent!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_b
Jul 20, 2025
Our tour guide, Robert,... - Our tour guide, Robert, was outstanding! Great command of the subject matter and great presentation to us. Very friendly! The whole tour was very enjoyable and worth the price!
Review provided by Viator
Marksz6636gb
Jul 19, 2025
Art Institute of Chicago tour. - Efficient, knowledgeable well spoken guide Robert. 2 1/2 hours flew by. The highlights were explained and there were several 10 minute on your own moments to explore.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cora_d
Jul 26, 2025
Our guide was... - Our guide was knowledgeable but there were times I had a hard time hearing him. It was not crowded at the start but without the audible headset it was a challenge to hear our guide midway the tour
Review provided by Viator
From $84
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).