The Art Institute of Chicago: Private 2-Hour Tour

Explore The Art Institute of Chicago with expert guides. Discover centuries of art, from classical to contemporary, on a private 2-hour tour.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • The Art Institute of Chicago - Embark on a captivating 2 hour journey through the heart of creativity with a private tour of the Art Institute. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking inspiration, our tour of the Art Institute promises an unforgettable experience. Unleash your imagination and let our highly trained…
What's Included
  • Early Admission on Morning Tours
  • Wheelchair Friendly
  • All Entrance Fees
  • Skip-the-Line Private Museum Tour
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation to/from Museum
Additional Information

Let our expert local guides share their passion with you for The Art Institute of Chicago on this private 2 hour tour. As you traverse the hallowed halls, you’ll discover an extraordinary collection spanning centuries and cultures, from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works. Our expert guides will illuminate the stories behind each…

Location
111 Michigan Ave
Michigan Avenue
All tour start beside the North Lion outside the main entrance to the museum on South Michigan Ave. The North Lion is the one on the left as you face the Art Institute.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(114 Ratings)
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Erik_o
Jun 28, 2026
A Wonderful Afternoon at the Art Institute - Mark provided an excellent experience at the Art Institute. He was knowledgeable, fun and really brought the art to life from the Renaissance to Picasso. It is a wonderful museum and great tour. We enthusiastically recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Brice
Jun 22, 2026
Everything and more!!! - Absolutely mind blowing🤯 What a beautiful building and amazing exhibits. A must! Need days and days to experience everything. Will definitely do it again ❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B8822ejjohns
Jun 20, 2026
Great tour at Chicago Institute of Art - Colleen was our guide and she was great! Easily understood and knowledgable. The whole tour was pleasant! Thank you so much,
Review provided by Tripadvisor
488olmanr
Jun 9, 2026
Outstanding guided tour at a World-Class Museum ⭐ - This is the second-largest museum in the United States, so the most advisable option is to take a guided tour. Arnold, our guide, contacted me the day before the visit to offer his assistance. His knowledge is invaluable, and he is an excellent communicator, which allows him to share his expertise in a highly engaging and effective way. At the end of the guided tour, he offered those of us who were interested a pass to re-enter the museum in case we wanted to go out for lunch afterward. And indeed, it was absolutely worth returning to see the miniature rooms created by Narcissa Niblack Thorne, a section where one can easily spend two hours without noticing the passage of time. And, of course, it's a must to revisit the Picassos and the Monets. Picasso’s The Old Guitarist says so much about its creator before he became famous that it is an essential stop, as is the iconic reference of American Gothic, which is not to be missed. Thank you very much, Arnold. Excellent tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O4692xumeghanb
Jun 8, 2026
Great solo activity - My guide Mark provided a wonderful and easy paced tour through the museum from top to bottom. I learned a lot about art history and felt like I got a free college seminar. 10/10 recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marthahorst
Jun 1, 2026
Wonderful insights! - Our tour guide, Kim, gave our group insights not only into the art but also the technological and historical context of it. I loved the “big picture” approach. Wonderful tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
136lorettaf
May 16, 2026
How to maximize your time at the Art Institute of Chicago - My first, but hopefully not the last visit. I had one day to get an overall of the best and most of the Institute. I checked online and made an appointment for a semi-private tour and early entry. Arnold checked with me the day before and the day of to make sure I was on track to meet and spend the time. He was on time and very thoughtful as to what I wanted to see. There was one other very delightful person in our group. He was extremely knowledgeable and able to explain in terms I understood the history of the painting and artist. We were able to tour the highlights and then some of the museum. If my stamina would have lasted I could have easily spent the entire day there. I prided myself on lasting six hours - two with Arnold and four on my own. I did spend time on a coffee and snacks. Good decision on my part.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
548ericy
May 15, 2026
Arnold was such an engaging and knowledgeable tour guide. One of the best ever I’ve encountered. - Arnold was such an engaging and knowledgeable art historian. He is amount the best I’ve encountered.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N6530xpmichellep
May 13, 2026
Macy's Group - Art Institute of Chicago Tour - Macy was an exceptional tour guide. I have visited the Art Institute several time, but her insight gave me a new perspective on my favorite pieces. They were other pieces that she pointed out that I had never appreciated before her commentary. I would definitely go again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless67438737122
May 2, 2026
Exceptional Experience - What a great experience. This was the perfect way to see the Institute for first time visitors. Our guide, Scout, truly made the experience exceptional. She was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Five plus stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $80
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).