The Art Institute of Chicago
FAQs

Student Tours

Q: How do I register for a tour?
A: First, read through the Guided Tours page. Complete the online application and you’ll receive a confirmation or message that we cannot accommodate you in a couple of weeks.

Q: Have you received my student tour application?
A: Due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to respond to status inquiries UNLESS your request was sent more than two weeks ago.

Q: When and how will I receive my confirmation?
A: As soon as we schedule your group, we will mail your confirmation to the school address listed on your application, unless otherwise indicated by you, within two weeks of receipt of your application. If the application is incomplete, contains incorrect information, or there are special circumstances or requests, it may take up to a total of four weeks.

Q: How will I know if my request cannot be accommodated?
A: If the Art Institute is unable to honor your original request, we will attempt to contact you to make other arrangements, whether it be alternate dates or tours. If there is nothing at all available to fulfill your request, you will receive a letter stating this.

Q: How far in advance do I need to send in my application?
A: We need to receive your application a minimum of two weeks in advance and no more than six months in advance. See the Student Tours page for the date acceptance schedule as well as no touring dates.

Q: Can I bring my class for a tour on the weekend?
A: Teacher-led groups are welcome any day the museum is open, but they still must submit the application. Guided tours are available on Saturdays only, no Sundays. We need a minimum of four weeks to schedule a Saturday guided tour.

Q: How do I register a tour for my university students?
A: Go to the Group Sales page for information on how to register a university or adult group.

Teacher Resource Center

Q: What is the Elizabeth Stone Robson Teacher Resource Center?
A: The Teacher Resource Center is a facility for educators that houses teacher resource materials for research, loan, and/or purchase.

Q: Are only teachers allowed in the Teacher Resource Center? Who is allowed to use it?
A: The Resource Center is intended for use by teachers, art volunteers, parents, and other educators, although anybody can use it.

Q: What are the hours of the Teacher Resource Center?
A: The Teacher Resource Center's regularly scheduled hours are:
September–May:
Tuesday–Friday: 1:00 to 4:00
Saturday: 11:00 to 4:00
June–August:
Tuesday–Friday 1:00 to 4:00
Other times by appointment


Paul Frankl. Mantle Clock, 1928/29. Gift of Susan and Jerome Kahn through the Antiquarian Society.

Q: How do I purchase materials? Can I purchase an item over the phone?
A: Materials can be purchased online, by phone, or by fax.

  1. Submit an order form online and make your credit-card payment by calling (312) 443-3719 or by mailing a check to:
    Teacher Resource Center
    Art Institute of Chicago
    111 S Michigan Ave
    Chicago, IL 60603-6110
  2. Fax (312) 606-0496
  3. Phone (312-443-3719) if paying by credit card.

Q: How do I return the materials I borrowed from the Teacher Resource Center?
A: Materials borrowed can be returned in two ways:

  1. In person at the museum’s loading dock, 125 E. Monroe, Mon–Fri: 8:00–6:00,
    Sat–Sun: 9:00–5:00. Package must be clearly marked "Teacher Resource Center." Or at the Teacher Resource Center. (Use the drop box when the Teacher Resource Center is closed.)
  2. By mail to: (Please insure each item for $30)
    Teacher Resource Center
    The Art Institute of Chicago
    111 S. Michigan Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60603-6110

Q: Where is the Teacher Resource Center? How do I get to it?
A: The Teacher Resource Center is located on the lower level in the Kraft Education Center.

Q: How do I renew my annual Teacher Pass?
A: Teacher Passes can be renewed in the Teacher Resource Center.

Q: Can students draw in the galleries? What can they use?
A: Students can draw in the galleries with pencil and paper.

Q: How do I get added to your mailing list and/or e-newsletter for teachers?
A: Please send an e-mail to trc@artic.edu with your name, mailing address, and e-mail address.

Teacher Programs

Q: How do I register for a workshop?
A: There are three steps to register for a workshop:

  1. Check the Teacher Programs calendar.

  2. Pay. Please note that your space will not be reserved until payment is received. (This step is not necessary for Open House). Please either call (312) 443-9092 with your credit-card information or mail a check payable to Teacher Programs to:

    Teacher Programs
    The Art Institute of Chicago
    111 S. Michigan Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60603-6110

  3. Confirm. After payment is received, you will receive a confirmation letter telling you that you are officially registered for the workshop.

Q: Is there still space available in a particular workshop?
A: Please e-mail teacherworkshops@artic.edu or call (312) 443-9092 to find out.

Q: What upcoming workshops are you offering?
A: See the list of upcoming teacher workshops.