Chicago: Art Institute Skip-the-Line Tour with Guide

Top rated
5 out of 5 stars
5
41 reviews
Activity provider:
Babylon Tours Chicago
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Chicago: Art Institute Skip-the-Line Tour with Guide
Top rated
5 out of 5 stars
5
41 reviews

Experience some of the world's most famous pieces of art on a guided tour of the Art Institute of Chicago. Explore great art, before the doors even open to the general public.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Skip the line through a separate entrance
Live tour guide
English
Private or small groups available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
S
Szn – United States

Heath was great. He was informative, answered our questions and kept the tour moving so we could complete the tour in a timely fashion. I appreciated the background he provided on the artists, the various pieces of art and especially on "nighthawks" and "american gothic".

5
5 out of 5 stars
L
Lenora – United States

Our guide Mandy was super knowledgeable about the art and stories of the artists, Chicago, and a lot of fun

Select participants and date

Highlights

  • Take a guided tour with an art expert
  • Enter the museum 30 minutes before public opening hours
  • Experience Picasso, Hopper, Cassat and many more artists up close
  • Get your money back if you're not satisfied

Full description

Experience a guided tour around some of the world’s greatest and most iconic art pieces at the Art Institute of Chicago. Avoid the crowds and lines and meet your expert guide at the Institute 30 minutes before opening time. Explore the expansive collection, learning more about both contemporary and classic pieces.

Although the museum usually hosts 1.79 million people per year, you will be able to stroll among the pieces at leisure, getting up close and personal with works by famous and infamous artists like Edward Hopper, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol.

The Art Institute of Chicago is home to the greatest collection of Impressionist artwork in the world. Your guide will provide expert information on the collection and the museum’s history and hidden gems.

Includes

  • Priority access 30 minutes before the general public
  • Expert Guide
  • Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back
  • Food and drinks
  • Tips
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Wheelchair tours under request only

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments

Meeting point

Meet your guide “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. For any URGENT matters please call/text your guide. Their contact details were sent to your email by the morning of your tour, simply look for Babylon Tours. (think of checking spam folder)

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Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • This tour has a maximum of 8 guests per guide for a more intimate and personalized experience
  • The semi-private tour has a minimum requirement of 2 participants to run (an alternative date or full refund will be offered if the minimum is not met)
  • No large bags or suitcases are allowed
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved. The semi-private tour is not available for those with walking disabilities or wheelchair users
  • Please provide full names, mobile phone number, and email you can be reached on during your trip

From $90 per person

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5
5.0 out of 5 stars

based on 41 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.9/5
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5
5 out of 5 stars
S
Szn – United StatesJune 23, 2025 – Verified booking
Heath was great. He was informative, answered our questions and kept the tour moving so we could complete the tour in a timely fashion. I appreciated the background he provided on the artists, the various pieces of art and especially on "nighthawks" and "american gothic".
5
5 out of 5 stars
L
Lenora – United StatesJune 17, 2025 – Verified booking
Our guide Mandy was super knowledgeable about the art and stories of the artists, Chicago, and a lot of fun
5
5 out of 5 stars
T
Tushar – IndiaMay 8, 2025 – Verified booking
Heath was a perfect guide who paced the tour well and his knowledge on art helped us appreciate it even better. He quickly understood what we liked and focused on it

Product ID: 398524

Activity provider:
Babylon Tours Chicago

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