This is a world class museum for adults which pretty good food options too. But want to note the kid focus. There is a center near the entrance to the modern wing across from gift shop where kids can choose art adventures, create. a book with a map and art pieces of their choice. You then go with the kids to the things they have chosen (and of course can linger here and there along the way.). Took my 5 year old grandson and he loved choosing the fantastic creatures theme and then choosing his 5 pieces of art. He loved finding them, talking about them and then doing the activities in his book. Really engaging way to let a kid steer the experience -- and you can repeat this many times on many visits with different themes. First rate. After our adventure which took us all over the museum we returned where he was able to choose a photo post card. We then made collages. Great staff, fun activity. Great way to develop a love of museums and art.

Place is overwhelmingly huge and you will need not only 1 day but maybe 3 to actually enjoy the entire building's exhibitions. We when as part of a city pass and the entrance was for free however you still need to go online and get register. The lines where long but not for the city pass so I really recommend to get that if you can. I really enjoyed all the exhibitions and definitely need to go back and see what we had left. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepare to walk a whole lot.

I went to the museum as a child and young adult. I always loved the Impressionists and remember the first time I saw the Chagall Windows. After traveling throughout the world and visiting many museums, I rank Chicago’s Art Institute the best. I may be biased but find the museum still enchanting.

Tip have your home town museum card - they have a great reciprocal program (not listed on website). Place has century's of art and buildings. The buildings span rail lines and many levels. The room numbers will help you find the Hopper, Renoir, Wood, Seurat, Cassatt or O'Keeffe. Docents are very helpful when you do not know your building that you are in.... There are two places to grab a bite. The Market has hot meals and a bar plus outdoor seating while the Modern Café is coffee and snacks.

I thought this was a fantastic gallery. There is an enormous collection of varying types of art. There is more than enough for everyone, and I found plenty that I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it when I had expected I had not. Stand outs were some of the miniatures in the basement, don’t miss these!

You do not need reservations but it is less busy the earlier you go. You are spoiled by choice within eras, styles or subject. Hard to see everything in one day. The downside is the buildings are a rabbit warren of corridors and rooms and we found the map almost incomprehensible. The sheer volume of artworks, and so many by masters, makes it hard to pick out any particular favorites. Having said that the Tiffany window in the main staircase is astonishing and inspirational. On the downside, we thought the all black , all white and similar canvases in the contemporary art section were a waste of space. I hope they did not cost much. The self-order food court was easy and quick.

Spent about 3 hours walking around. They have a great collection covering various time periods. I really enjoyed it. I do with there was more seating inside some of the rooms to take in the art a bit longer. It was busy for a Thursday afternoon.

Allow plenty of time to do the collections at this large museum/gallery justice. There are of course many famous pieces of art to see, but you will also happen upon other interesting items if you don't rush between all the best-known ones. We were disappointed that the cafe did not offer more seating options - we were there on a Thursday when the Institute stays open late, but only one cafe remains open after 4pm. When you are spending many hours wandering galleries, you appreciate the chance to sit down while having some refreshment, and although we did manage the first time to find a table, we thought we would return for another drink later on but there were just no seats available so we didn't purchase anything in the end.

the current exhibit of Resmedios Varo's work is worth the trip if you see nothing else. I like the way this museum flows from room to room, you don't feel that you are missing anything. there is a lot of walking and not very great directions, e.g. try to find the cafeteria when you walk in. Also the food in the cafe is nothing to write home about. I had the curried chicken sandwich on a ciabatta roll, ordered at a Kiosk and picked up at a very sterile counter, and there was very little, rather dry filling with no lettuce or accompaniment. One work of art after another, one greater than the next. So much to enjoy! They reciprocate with very few other art museums so don't expect your membership from home to get you in.

Haven’t been here since my youth but enjoyed 3-4 hours here on recent trip to Chicago. It was amazing but plan to sit and rest every hour or so. The Thorne miniature rooms kept me occupied for a good hour to start. Amazing walk through interior design since the 1700s in America and Europe. The Roman sculpture gallery is almost a religious experience. I spent the most time in the pre 1900 American wing (Winslow Homer and Hudson River School) and the French impressionist gallery. Food: I initially trekked way up the stairs to the cafe above the Modern wing but it was way overcrowded, no sandwiches and $15 for a snack of grapes and cheese! Instead really enjoyed a late lunch at the marketplace which has a nice view out into the back courtyard —- was excellent but pricey at $35 and enjoyed a a caprese sandwich on ciabatta and French onion soup and a juice. They were closing around 3:30-4 it seemed though. So many other highlights. Everything was immaculately clean, quiet and patrons were generally polite but expect congregations that move slowly around the iconic works. Better to move on and come back later when they clear out as they seem to go in spurts. Well worth the price if you are an art lover!