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Art Institute of Chicago

AC rating

2

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Despite the fact the Art Institute of Chicago offers many programs for those with disabilities, the parking situation is tough because the east side of the Museum is under construction. This restricts wheelchair access to the Michigan Ave entrance only making wheelchair users walk from public parking garages instead of being dropped off at the door.


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Each year more than 1.3 million visitors flock to the museum to behold their encyclopedic art collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity and representing cultures from around the world.
Accessible Chicago tips its hat to the Art Institute for its many offerings for the physically-challenged, and those with visual impairments. You can find out more about these offerings by going to the Art Institute's website

Wheelchair Designed Exhibits such as the two computer programs designed for wheelchair access are on permanent view in Gallery 156. You can call the Department of Museum Education, at (312) 443-3680, for specific program offerings or the Visitor Services TDD/TTY number (312) 443-3890 from 9:00 to 5:00 weekdays for more information.

Accessibility by wheelchair is available at Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 443-3600


maps and directions

Wheelchair accessible parking is located in the following garages near the Art Institute. Normally the best parking garage is with Millennium Park Garage because it is right across the street from the rear entrance of the Art Institute.

However for three years, 2006-2009 there will be construction on Monroe at the rear of the Art Institute in order to build the Modern Wing of the Art Institute. So for now use one of the following parking garages and enter at the Michigan Avenue ramped entrance shown on the previous page for Trip 7. You will have to walk a little south on Michigan and use the ramp at the front of the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue.

Millennium Park garage (enter at Columbus Drive and Monroe Street), with 8’ clearance in some sections and an elevator at the exit.

East Monroe Street garage (enter at Columbus Drive and Monroe Street), with 6’ 8" clearance and exit ramps at Monroe Street.

Grant Park North garage (enter at Michigan Avenue between Madison and Randolph), with 8’ 6" clearance for vans and an elevator at the exit.
You will have to walk a little south on Michigan and use the ramp at the front of the Art Institute on Michigan. Elevators immediately inside access all floors. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available free at both entrances on a first-come, first-served basis. Telephones located in the lobbies have volume control and are lowered for access; a TDD/TTY equipped phone is available in the Michigan Avenue checkroom. Auditoriums are equipped with designated wheelchair areas. Upon entry, please pick up a Museum Access Information Guide, also available in large type and Braille.

The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 443-3600