The Best Art Museums in Chicago, Illinois

Finding the best art venues in the culturally-diverse city of Chicago can seem like a daunting task. In fact, CenterStageChicago.com lists 452 galleries, museums and exhibitions in Chicago alone. Fortunately, you've come to the right place for finding the biggest and best museums fast. Read on for tips and information on six of the best art venues Chicago has to offer.

The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
Phone: (312) 443-3600
Price of Admission: $12.00 for adults, children under 12 Free
Website: http://www.artic.edu/aic/

The Art Institute of Chicago was founded nearly 125 years ago, and has been a staple of Chicago artistic expression ever since. Housing both a school and museum, this museum has grown through adversity, having originally been built on the rubble of the 1871 Chicago fires. Today, the Art Institute of Chicago houses myriad exhibits and permanent collections, including a gallery comprised solely of Japanese screens by famed architect Tadao Ando.

Museum of Contemporary Art
220 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL
Phone: (312) 397-4010
Price of Admission: $10.00 for adults, children under 12 Free; Free on Tuesdays
Website: http://www.mcachicago.org/

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) focuses on the greatest art of our time, dating from 1945 to present day. The MCA is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, and houses a restaurant owned by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck.

National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 West 19th Street
Chicago, IL
Phone: (312) 738.1503
Price of Admission: Free
Website: http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) in Chicago carries the unique distinction of being the largest Latino cultural organization in the United States. The NMMA houses one of the largest collections of Mexican art in the Country, including textiles, folk art, paintings, sculptures, photography and more.

Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art
Northwestern University
40 Arts Circle Drive
Evanston, IL
Phone: (847) 491-4000
Price of Admission: Free
Website: http://www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu/

Located on Chicago's North Shore, this museum - affectionately known as "The Block" - was founded in 1980. In addition to its growing permanent collection, "The Block" displays several special exhibits each year.

Smart Museum of Art
University of Chicago
5550 South Greenwood Avenue
Chicago, IL
Phone: (773) 702-0200
Price of Admission: Free
Website: http://smartmuseum.uchicago.edu/

The Smart Museum of Art is located on the University of Chicago's Hyde Park campus. Their permanent collections include more than 10,000 pieces spanning the last 5000 years. One strength of the Smart Museum of Art is it's Asian artwork and artifacts.

Museum of Contemporary Photography
600 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
Phone: (312) 663-5554
Price of Admission: Free
Website: http://www.mocp.org/

The Museum of Contemporary Photography is the only museum in the Midwest with a sole focus on contemporary photography. Founded in Chicago around 1984, the Museum is constantly on the lookout for local and international artistic photography. Their collections include both traditional and more eclectic thought-provoking photographic art.