Chicago Art Galleries

The Chicago area is home to a number of art galleries and museums. One of the world’s greatest art collections is housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, at Monroe and Michigan. The Museum of Contemporary Art features post-WWII works, and is located at Chicago and Michigan. There are also special interest museums, such as the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, and the Terra Museum of American Art. Downtown city-supported galleries include the Illinois Art Gallery at The Thompson Center, the City Gallery located in the Water Tower, and Gallery 37 at Randolph and Michigan.

Near North Side
The neighborhood of Near North Side contains the largest concentration of art galleries in Chicago. This area is delineated by Chicago Ave to the north, the Merchandise Mart to the south, Orleans Street to the west and Dearborn to the east.

Near North Side & The Loop
The Magnificent Mile area along Michigan Avenue supports roughly 25 galleries, from Oak Street to the Chicago River. These include The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the River East Art Center near Navy Pier.

West Town & Lincoln Park
The art district of Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Lincoln Park supports a solid art community, with the area around the intersection of North-Milwaukee-Damen being home to the largest population of working artists in Chicago.

Old Town and The Clybourn Corridor also house some galleries.

Lower West Side
Pilsen is recognized as an artists’ neighborhood, with most of its galleries around Halsted and 18th Street in the Chicago Art District and East Pilsen. Randolph Market, the West Loop Gate and other near west areas between downtown and Chicago Avenue and Halsted comprise the West Side district.