An Enchanting Art Institute Visit

By: Jocelyn Almarales

Having an immersive experience while being a student is hard work, but you can have a fabulous experience at the Art Institute of Chicago for free. The Art Institute of Chicago has free general admission and admission to special exhibitions for all City Colleges of Chicago students. 

The Art Institute of Chicago is located at 11 S Michigan Ave, right in the heart of the city. It’s open Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Queen Margaret of Spain (about 1606) by Andrés López Polanco (Photo credit: Jocelyn Almarales )

Since the Art Institute is downtown it would take approximately 1 hour by public transportation (which I suggest). If you are planning to use public transportation, take the brown line since it goes all around the skyline and the landscape is worth the time. 

Once you arrive, go to the kiosk, tell the representative that you are a CCC student, and show your student ID. You will receive a free ticket for general admission and special exhibitions (if any).  The Art Institute of Chicago has a wide range of artwork, from paintings to sculptures, with a diverse origin for each piece. 

Each painting represents an era of world history, "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper. This painting captures late-night diner patrons, exploring themes of isolation and urban life in mid-20th-century America.

On the lower level of the Art Institute, you will find the photography section that captures the lives of several people throughout the years like the Brown Sisters. On the same level you can find the tiny rooms, which honor its name, are a compilation of miniature rooms each one from different eras. One from the French luxurious dining halls to more modest Connecticut living rooms. 

If you are not an art person or find museums boring, I think the Art Institute of Chicago is an experience that is worth every second of your visit. The most impressive part is that you can see the brushwork of every single artist.

It is calming since you can feel the emotions of each artist through their work. From sculptures, paintings, crafts, and more you are going to find your favorite part of the Art Institute.