Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago

  • April 14 2026
  • Within Walking Distance
Overview
Getting To and From
Inside the Venue
Onsite Accessibility
Our Guidelines
Comments
About
Renowned art museum holding nearly 300,000 works from all over the world, spanning many centuries.
Getting To and From
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
No
On-site parking is not available. Bus parking on-site is not available, the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau offer complete parking options and incentives for buses.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Yes
Yes
Drop-offs are permitted at the museum’s Modern Wing entrance at the traffic pullout on the eastbound lanes of Monroe Street (east of Michigan Avenue). The bus drop-off location for the museum is the southwest corner of Monroe Street and Columbus Drive along the curb. If you have a charter bus, please drop off and pick up groups on Columbus Drive, just south of Monroe Street. Buses may not load and unload on Monroe Street nor in the circle driveway off of Columbus Drive.
Off site Parking
Yes
Yes
Accessible parking is located in several garages near the Art Institute. Please note that they no longer accept oversized vans.

Millennium Park Garage
Entrance at Columbus Drive and Monroe Street, with 6’ 8’ clearance in some sections and an elevator at the exit

East Monroe Street Garage
Entrance at Columbus Drive and Monroe Street, with 6’ 8” clearance and exit ramps at Monroe Street

Grant Park North Garage
Entrance at Michigan Avenue between Madison and Randolph, with 6’ 6” clearance for vans and an elevator at the exit
Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
The museum offers two entrances: the doors to the original 1893 building are at 111 South Michigan Avenue, and the 2009 Modern Wing can be entered at 159 East Monroe Street. Drop-offs are permitted at the museum’s Modern Wing entrance at the traffic pullout on the eastbound lanes of Monroe Street (east of Michigan Avenue).
Site Map/Floorplan
Yes
Yes
A 'Museum Map' link is available on the main navigation, but details about accessibility features marked on the map are not specified on the accessibility page.
Inside the Venue
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
The museum offers two entrances: the doors to the original 1893 building are at 111 South Michigan Avenue, and the 2009 Modern Wing can be entered at 159 East Monroe Street. Drop-offs are permitted at the museum’s Modern Wing entrance at the traffic pullout on the eastbound lanes of Monroe Street (east of Michigan Avenue).
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
No
Yes
Inferred from accessible entrance availability
Security Checkpoint
Yes
Yes
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Yes
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.
Accessible Seating (Theater)
Not specified on the accessibility page or related pages.

Getting To and From

Find essential details on parking, drop-off points, and accessibility to make your visit smooth and hassle-free.
Check the table below for more information.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
No
On-site parking is not available. Bus parking on-site is not available, the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau offer complete parking options and incentives for buses.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Yes
Yes
Drop-offs are permitted at the museum’s Modern Wing entrance at the traffic pullout on the eastbound lanes of Monroe Street (east of Michigan Avenue). The bus drop-off location for the museum is the southwest corner of Monroe Street and Columbus Drive along the curb. If you have a charter bus, please drop off and pick up groups on Columbus Drive, just south of Monroe Street. Buses may not load and unload on Monroe Street nor in the circle driveway off of Columbus Drive.
Off site Parking
Yes
Yes
Accessible parking is located in several garages near the Art Institute. Please note that they no longer accept oversized vans.

Millennium Park Garage
Entrance at Columbus Drive and Monroe Street, with 6’ 8’ clearance in some sections and an elevator at the exit

East Monroe Street Garage
Entrance at Columbus Drive and Monroe Street, with 6’ 8” clearance and exit ramps at Monroe Street

Grant Park North Garage
Entrance at Michigan Avenue between Madison and Randolph, with 6’ 6” clearance for vans and an elevator at the exit
Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
The museum offers two entrances: the doors to the original 1893 building are at 111 South Michigan Avenue, and the 2009 Modern Wing can be entered at 159 East Monroe Street. Drop-offs are permitted at the museum’s Modern Wing entrance at the traffic pullout on the eastbound lanes of Monroe Street (east of Michigan Avenue).
Site Map/Floorplan
Yes
Yes
A 'Museum Map' link is available on the main navigation, but details about accessibility features marked on the map are not specified on the accessibility page.

Inside the Venue

Get to know what to expect indoors—from seating layouts to restrooms and concessions.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
The museum offers two entrances: the doors to the original 1893 building are at 111 South Michigan Avenue, and the 2009 Modern Wing can be entered at 159 East Monroe Street. Drop-offs are permitted at the museum’s Modern Wing entrance at the traffic pullout on the eastbound lanes of Monroe Street (east of Michigan Avenue).
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
No
Yes
Inferred from accessible entrance availability
Security Checkpoint
Yes
Yes
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Yes
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.
Accessible Seating (Theater)
Not specified on the accessibility page or related pages.

Onsite Accessibility

Learn about ramps, elevators, restrooms, and other accessible features available during your visit
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Restrooms
Yes
Yes
Not specified on the accessibility page or related pages.
Elevators
Yes
Yes
Accessible parking garages (Millennium Park Garage and Grant Park North Garage) have elevators at the exit. The general accessibility page mentions 'Visitors with Mobility Needs' which implies elevator access within the museum, though specific locations are not detailed.
On-Site Dining
Yes
Yes
We’re thrilled to be partnering with culinary leaders Levy and Boka Restaurant Group as well as Executive Chef Jay Labs to bring a rotating selection from the city’s hottest eateries to our two dining spaces and our Member Bar.

Please note that all dining locations are accessible only to visitors with a ticket or membership; there is no direct public access. Reservations are not needed, and payment is by card only. Also be aware that seating in our dining spaces is reserved for dining patrons; outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Theater, Auditorium, etc. (Museum)
 
Our Guidelines
1. Make Accessibility Info Easy to Find - Dedicated Website Accessibility Page

Clearly post detailed accessibility information online, covering parking, entrances, interior pathways, site plans, and more.


2. Include All Mobility Devices

Consider walkers, canes, crutches — not just wheelchairs. Provide specifics for a variety of mobility needs. Include people who use different devices in the conversation.

3. Go Beyond ADA Compliance

ADA is the minimum. Strive for real-world accessibility through thoughtful design and ongoing improvements.

4. Visibility = Accessibility

If disabled visitors aren't present, barriers may exist. Transparency and preparation are the keys to inclusion. Empower everyone to attend.

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