Few art museums are cool enough to get a cameo in a John Hughes movie, but the Art Institute of Chicago isn't just any art museum. Named the best museum in the world by TripAdvisor in 2014, its architecturally stunning space is packed with masterpieces by artists like Monet, Seurat and Picasso. Many of them appear in the famous museum scene in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but to get a full sense of the scope of the museum's collection, you'll have to visit it in person.
Best and worst time to go to the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute can get quite crowded on weekend afternoons, especially when a high-profile exhibition is about to close. To avoid long entry lines, try to arrive before 12 p.m., or better yet, visit the museum on a weekday. Another time to avoid is Thursday nights — the museum stays open late and offers free admission for Illinois residents, drawing enormous crowds.
Must see/do at the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute is home to a world-class collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including Seurat's "La Grande Jatte" and Caillebotte's "Paris Street; Rainy Day." That's a great starting point for your visit. Afterwards, bask in the blue light of Chagall's "America Windows," commissioned to celebrate America's bicentennial, before heading on to the Modern Wing. There, head to the third floor to see classic Picasso canvases including "The Old Guitarist" and "The Red Armchair."
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is in the $20 range for adults from out of town. (Illinois residents get discounted admission.) If you know anyone in Chicago, though, ask around-they may have a friend with an Art Institute membership who can get you in as a guest. Children under 14 are always free.
Parking and public transportation to the Art Institute of Chicago
Set in the heart of the Loop, the Art Institute is a quick walk from every major El line. Get off at the Monroe stop for the Blue or Red line, or the Adams stop for any other, and walk east. It's perfectly fine to taxi there if you're in a rush, but try to avoid driving-parking downtown is limited and expensive.
Food at the Art Institute of Chicago
A meal of gourmet pizza, stir-fries, or panini sandwiches at the cafeteria-style Museum Café will generally cost $10–$30; more if you order beer or wine at the café's full bar. Caffe Moderno in the Modern Wing serves lighter fare, such as sandwiches, soups, and pastries ($3–$12), as well as cappuccinos and lattes made with Illy espresso ($3–$5). The museum's upscale third-floor restaurant, Terzo Piano, is a local favorite for brunches or special occasions; expect your meal of chef-driven modern Italian food to cost $30–$60.
Insider tip for visitors to the Art Institute of Chicago
Most visitors speed through the Alsdorf Galleries of Indian, Southeast Asian, and Himalayan art on their way to the Modern Wing, but that's a mistake. This small but carefully curated collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculpture is one of the best sights in the museum.
Author's bio: Nathalie Lagerfeld is a Chicago-based writer and art nerd who previously blogged for the Groupon Guide to Chicago.
