When people think of things to do in Chicago, their minds usually jump to deep-dish pizza, The Bean, or the Willis Tower. But, some visitors—especially the more culture-hungry ones—may remember the iconic Art Institute of Chicago, which stands tall on South Michigan Avenue. It’s one of the oldest and largest museums in the country, home to some of the world’s most famous pieces, and of recent, a “transformative” collection of 16th-19th century French art. Not to mention, Barack and Michelle Obama had their first date there—but that’s beside the point.
Beyond the grand façade and its world‑famous pieces, it’s the quirks, history, and big bronze lions guarding its entrance that make it so distinctly Chicago. And now, a new way to experience it all is a Candlelight concert series that fills the galleries with intimate classical tributes to beloved artists.
Things you didn’t know about the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago connects the city’s old-school glamour with its forward-looking edge. Its original Beaux-Arts building from 1893 sits side by side with the Modern Wing designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Renzo Piano, bridging past and present day Chicago. The same sense of time-travel happens inside too: major postwar and French art gifts, along with recent landmark donations, have helped push the museum firmly into the top tier of global art institutions.
It’s encyclopedic collection of over a quarter‑million works spans 5,000 years and includes pieces like Edward Hopper’s ‘Nighthawks’, Grant Wood ‘American Gothic’, and Van Gogh’s ‘The Bedroom’. Oh, and remember the museum scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off? Yep, that was filmed here—and you can stand in front of Georges Seurat’s ‘A Sunday on La Grande Jatte’ just like Cameron did.
How to get to the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute is easy to reach on public transit: take the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, or Purple lines to Adams/Wabash (one block west), or the Red/Blue lines to Monroe a short walk away, with ‘L’ fares around $2.50. Buses also stop right out front on Michigan Avenue, and Metra’s Van Buren and Millennium stations are just a block or two away. If you’re driving, follow the museum’s guidance and use nearby Millennium Garages or pre-book a discounted spot via parking apps.
Experience the Art Institute of Chicago after hours
Candlelight concerts will debut at the museum in January, bringing a range of evening programs that fill this Chicago landmark with classical music and bathe its galleries in candlelight. So whether you’re there for the music, curious to soak up the building without diving into the art, or just chasing the ambiance, this is a pretty perfect way to experience the museum after hours.