Art Institute of Chicago

In addition to permanent collections that include Pablo Picasso’sThe Old Guitarist, Edward Hopper’sNighthawks, and Grant Wood’sAmerican Gothic, the Art Institute hosts about 30 special exhibitions each year. These special exhibits showcase the talents of the museum’s world-renowned curatorial staff and highlight specific elements within collections, scientific research, and other innovations. Even the building itself is a work of art—it was constructed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, which later became the World’s Fair.

You may visit the museum independently or as part of a group walking or Segway tour. Purchase skip-the-line access so you can spend more time browsing the collections than waiting in line. Admission to the institute is included in both the Chicago CityPASS and Chicago Explorer Pass cards. It’s also a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.