How much does it cost to go to the Art Institute?The cost of your general admission ticket depends on if you live in Chicago, someplace else in Illinois, or elsewhere, and if you’re a student or a senior. Please refer to our ticketing chart. And remember, admission is always free for members and children under 14.Do general admission and Fast Pass tickets include access to special exhibitions?Both general admission and Fast Pass tickets allow you to see all of the museum’s nonticketed exhibitions. Both general admission and Fast Pass tickets allow you to see all of the museum’s nonticketed special exhibitions. Occasionally, exhibitions—like spring 2026’s Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color—require an additional paid ticket that you can add to your order when checking out online or on-site.
Do CityPASS® tickets include access to special exhibitions?CityPASS® tickets allow visitors to access all nonticketed exhibitions—and to bypass the general admission lines at entrances. Simply present the QR code from your CityPASS® confirmation email at the ticket-scanning podiums to enter the galleries. Learn more about sing up to 49% off admission with CityPASS® tickets.
Occasionally exhibitions require an additional ticket, like this spring’s Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color. CityPASS® holders who would like to add special exhibition tickets to their order in advance of their visit are able to email [email protected]. Otherwise, we suggest arriving at the museum early (the museum opens at 11:00 a.m.) to purchase special exhibition tickets, as we expect this highly anticipated exhibition to be quite popular.
Do tickets allow reentry?Yes, a ticket is good for the full day for which it is issued. That means you can visit for a while, lee to relax in one of our gardens or take a stroll in Millennium Park, and then come back in for more art.
Do members need tickets?No, members never need tickets and never he to wait in admission lines. Simply show your member card and photo ID at the ticket-scanning podiums to enter the galleries.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance of my visit?Ordering advance tickets, including free tickets for Illinois residents, is encouraged.
What about free tickets? Can I get those online in advance?Illinois residents and Chicago teens can reserve their tickets online in advance. Free tickets for children can also be reserved online. However, to receive some free ticket types—for Illinois educators, WIC/LINK cardholders, University Partners, Corporate Partners, members of the military and their families—visitors should stop by the admissions desks on the day of your visit.
Do I he to pay for tickets for my kids?Admission for children under 14 and Chicago teens under 18 is always free. Please reserve free tickets in advance online.When does the Art Institute offer free admission?Our next free days for Illinois residents will be on the following days, from 11 a.m. through closing every day we’re open (5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 8 p.m. on Thursdays):
Free December Weekdays: December 1–18 Free Winter Weekdays: January 5–February 28Learn more about our ongoing free admission opportunities, including for the following groups:
Kids under 14Chicago teens under 18Students who attend one of our University Partner schoolsLINK and WIC cardholdersIllinois educatorsActive-duty military and their families (Armed Services Day–Labor Day)Does free admission include access to special exhibitions?Free tickets include access to all nonticketed exhibitions but not ticketed exhibitions. Illinois residents, Chicago teens, and those including child tickets can add a special exhibition ticket when they reserve ahead online. (Exhibition tickets for children up to age 14 are free but still need to be reserved.) Those not able to get their tickets in advance are encouraged to inquire about the ailability of special exhibition tickets when they check in. We suggest arriving at the museum early—the museum opens at 11:00 a.m.—as ticketed exhibitions tend to be quite popular.
Are there any rules to visiting or how tickets can be used?By visiting or communicating with the museum, you agree to comply with our visiting terms and conditions.
Please note that contributions are not refundable or transferable. All categories, benefits, and prices are subject to change. Membership benefits may not be refunded, resold, exchanged, or transferred. General admission tickets and membership benefits may not be used for group visits or for commercial purposes. Any unauthorized use may result in a membership or general admission tickets being revoked.