Best art museums in Chicago: discovering the city's artistic wonders

Chicago is known for its dedication to art and culture. The best art galleries in Chicago are known for housing world-famous paintings from renowned artists. The Art Institute of Chicago, for example, features paintings by Pablo Picasso.

Art galleries in Chicago are undoubtedly held in high regard. However, you can also experience the city's art and culture in the outdoors. This is possible with different walking tours. People with disabilities can participate in these tours as the places are wheelchair-accessible.

The icing on the cake is the amazing architecture of the city. Chicago is known for being the site of the earliest skyscrapers, and many of its famous landmarks were built in the early 20th century. You should go sightseeing in Chicago to learn more about these buildings.

If you want to know more about art in Chicago, check out this list of the best art museums.

Best art museums in Chicago

1. Marvel at world-famous art pieces at the Art Institute of Chicago

Enjoy an Art Institute Skip-the-Line Tour with Guide to enjoy this museum, which is known for housing the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art pieces outside the Louvre. Some of the most important masterpieces in history can be seen in this museum.

Highlights:

You will access the museum 30 minutes before the public opening hours. This means you don't have to deal with crowds.

Address and opening hours:

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States. Open Thursday-Monday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

2. Immerse yourself in Chicago's street art scene on an art tour

Chicago is known for its impressive street art. On this Chicago Street Art Tour, you can explore this art form in neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Logan Square. You will be able to see the artists create the pieces right in front of you.

Highlights:

You will be walking with a tour guide who will explain the history and inspiration behind each piece of art.

Address and opening hours:

N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA. Various tour times.

3. Widen your horizons at the National Museum of Mexican Art

If you're trying to learn about Mexican culture, you must visit the National Museum of Mexican Art. This museum houses the largest collection of Mexican art in the country. You will find more than 18,000 seminal pieces from the old Mexican tribes. To share the rich diversity of Mexican culture, the museum also hosts cultural programs like music and symposia.

Highlights:

You should consider visiting the museum when there are world-class events.

Address and opening hours:

1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

4. Check out paintings from famous artists at the Smart Museum of Art

The Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago has a permanent collection of more than 15,000 pieces. The modern art collection of the museum contains paintings by Walt Kuhn, Diego Rivera, and Arthur Dove, among other famous artists. You will also find pieces of Asian art, European art, and contemporary art in the museum.

Highlights:

This museum offers free admission and is open to the public.

Address and opening hours:

5550 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Best design museums in Chicago

5. Delight in the beauty and history of Art Deco skyscrapers

The Art Deco Skyscraper Walking Tour will give you insight into the decorative style that characterizes the Roaring 20s. You will explore the exteriors and interiors of the most notable skyscrapers of the city, including the St. Jane Hotel and the Hampton Inn. Throughout the tour, your guide will cover the origins of this decorative art style.

Highlights:

This tour is led by an expert who is trained at the Chicago Architecture Center. It includes entry into 5 iconic Art Deco buildings, in addition to the Chicago Architecture Center.

Address and opening hours:

30 North LaSalle, 30 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA. Variable start times.

6. Take the Golden Age Walking Tour to explore architectural landmarks in the city

Chicago landmarks are famous all around the world. On this Chicago Architecture Walking Tour, you will learn about historic buildings from the Golden Age, a period which mostly covers the early 20th century. These landmarks include museums, skyscrapers, and concert halls.

Highlights:

The highlight of this tour is a visit to the Chicago Cultural Center, a building that is known for having the world's largest Tiffany dome.

Address and opening hours:

111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA. Various start times.

7. Explore the architectural gems on a cruise

You can explore the major landmarks of Chicago on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. This Chicago Architecture Speedboat Cruise uses a speedboat and features a trained and experienced tour guide. Aside from learning about Chicago's amazing architecture, you will enjoy the thrill of riding a speedboat.

Highlights:

You'll get to sail under the famous bridge of the Chicago River.

Address and opening hours:

Exhibition Hall A, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Various start times.

Alternative museums in Chicago

8. Delve into the history of Chicago at the Chicago History Museum

Chicago has had a fascinating history, and you can learn about it with this Chicago History Museum Ticket. This museum shows the city's history using various displays, including photographs and artifacts. You will also get interesting information from Chicago's oral history. An interesting display in this museum is the first passenger car to operate on the L train system of the city.

Highlights:

The ticket includes a complimentary coat check and a walk along the Jaffee History Trail.

Address and opening hours:

1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-4:30 PM.

9. Learn about famous authors at the American Writers Museum

Over the past few centuries, American writers have helped shape the culture of the country. You can learn about the most important authors in the history of the USA with this American Writers Museum Entry Ticket. Visitors can also try to write a story on an old typewriter.

Highlights:

Kids under the age of 13 can access the museum for free.

Address and opening hours:

Crain Communications Building, Chicago, IL 60601, USA. Open Thursday-Tuesday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

10. Learn about Chicago and its rich history at Willis Tower

A Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket offers amazing Chicago skyline views, including city landmarks and water bodies. As you go through the floors of the building, you will see museum-quality exhibits that show the history and culture of the city. You will also watch a movie that shows the history of Willis Tower and other landmarks.

Highlights:

On Willis Tower, you can use a viewfinder app to get details on different city landmarks.

Address and opening hours:

Willis Tower, Chicago, IL 60606, USA. Open Monday-Sunday, from 9:00 AM-10:00 PM.

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Chicago?

The Art Institute of Chicago selects free admission days for specific durations. On the other hand, the Museum of Contemporary Art has free tickets on Tuesdays.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth
visiting in Chicago?

Some hidden art museums include the National Museum of Mexican Art and the DuSable Museum of African-American History.

Which art museums in Chicago have works by famous artists?

The Art Institute of Chicago has paintings from famous artists like Van Gogh and Warhol.

Are the art museums in Chicago wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the best art museums in Chicago have facilities for people with physical challenges. These include the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Are there any art museums in Chicago that are suitable for
children and families?

Yes, all art galleries in Chicago are suitable for kids and families. The best ones include the Smart Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago.