The Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago's Grant Park, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world. Recognized for its curatorial efforts and popularity among visitors, the museum hosts approximately 1.5 million people annually.
Located in downtown Chicago, the Art Institute is one of the world’s great art museums, housing a collection that spans centuries and the globe.
If you love art and culture, then I highly recommend Chicago, which is just a three-hour-drive from home. You can easily spend the whole day at the Art Institute of Chicago, but that’s just the tip of the cultural iceberg in the Windy City. Other attractions include the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Museum of Contemporary Art. And the good news is, they all have good wheelchair access.
The Art Institute of Chicago welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its programs and services accessible to everyone. We offer a range of resources and programs designed specifically for adults and children with disabilities.
Michigan Avenue Entrance
111 South Michigan Avenue
Ramp access is available, but drop-offs are not permitted.
Modern Wing Entrance
159 East Monroe Street
Ramp access is available, and a dedicated drop-off lane is available from the eastbound lanes of Monroe Street.
Accessible Parking
The following garage spaces offer accessible parking near the Art Institute. Please note that they do not accept oversized vans.
INSIDE THE MUSEUM
Elevators are located throughout the museum for access to all levels. A TDD/TYY–equipped phone is available for use in the Michigan Avenue lobby. All auditoriums are equipped with designated wheelchair areas.
Complimentary Wheelchairs
Manually operated wheelchairs are available free of charge at both of the museum’s admission counters on a first-come, first-served basis—no reservation required. Personal wheelchairs are always welcome.
Mobility Devices
Manual and electric wheelchairs are welcome in all areas of the museum. Single-seat scooters and knee scooters, both manual and electric, are also permitted, as are walkers, crutches, canes, braces, and other similar manual devices.
In order to ensure the safety of our visitors as well as the artwork, other types of mobility devices, including tricycles, carts, hoverboards, and Segways, are not permitted. If your mobility device is not permitted, the museum will provide a manually operated wheelchair free of charge, first-come, first-served, and will store any electric or battery-operated devices in a nonpublic area during your visit. Please note that the museum is unable to store devices with liquid fuel of any kind.
Elevators are located throughout the museum for access to all levels. A TDD/TYY–equipped phone is available for use in the Michigan Avenue lobby. All auditoriums are equipped with designated wheelchair areas.
