Public Art in Chicago
Discover sculptures, murals, installations, museums, and galleries in Chicago. Your guide to public art worth exploring.
Museums
American Writers Museum
Modern literary center with immersive displays on famed writers like Emily Dickinson & Jack Kerouac.
View details →
Art Institute of Chicago (Modern Wing)
The Art Institute of Chicago is dedicated to fostering a profound appreciation for the arts through an extensive collection that spans centuries and cultures. It offers an array of exhibitions, events, and educational programs catering to diverse audiences, making art accessible and engaging for everyone. What distinguishes the institute is its commitment to free admission for Illinois residents during select periods, reflecting its mission to inspire all individuals through artistic experiences.
View details →
Art Institute of Chicago Columbus Drive Entrance
The Art Institute of Chicago is a renowned art museum that houses an extensive collection of artworks spanning centuries and cultures. Its mission is to inspire and educate the public through accessible exhibitions, free daily tours, and programs for diverse audiences. Unique for its rich history and iconic status, the museum offers both large exhibitions and intimate showcases of lesser-known works.
View details →
Hyde Park Art Center
Nonprofit visual arts center exhibiting work by emerging or under-recognized contemporary artists.
View details →
Intuit Art Museum
Museum focused exclusively on folk & outsider art, also offering performances & lectures.
View details →
Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
Downtown museum showcasing post-World War II paintings, sculptures, photos, videos & performances.
View details →
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Museum offering programs & events, with a U.S.-focused permanent collection & rotating exhibits.
View details →
National Museum of Mexican Art
Some 18,000 paintings, photographs, sculptures & more are housed at this art museum.
View details →
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) serves as a vibrant space celebrating Puerto Rican arts, culture, and heritage. It offers exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement that connect visitors to the diverse artistic expressions of Puerto Rico and its diaspora.
View details →
Smart Museum of Art
Museum specializing in Asian, European, Contemporary & Modern Art, with over 12,000 objects.
View details →
The Art Institute of Chicago
Renowned art museum holding nearly 300,000 works from all over the world, spanning many centuries.
View details →
The Arts Club of Chicago
Public fine art exhibits & performances on the ground floor of a stately members-only cultural club.
View details →
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
Museum & cultural center featuring contemporary Ukrainian-American art, concerts & readings.
View details →
WNDR Museum
Multi-sensory, contemporary installations by artists including Yayoi Kusama.
View details →Collections
Agora
Modern sculpture of 106 headless 9-ft. cast iron figures by Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz.
View details →
Chicago Public Art Group
The Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG) is dedicated to enhancing public spaces through community-focused art initiatives. They believe in the importance of art as a means of engagement that gives every community a voice, while simultaneously preserving and innovating within the public art landscape of Chicago.
View details →
Cloud Gate
Huge outdoor sculpture shaped like a bean & allowing for views from its many mirrored sides.
View details →
Crown Fountain
Public sculpture with 2 50-ft. LED towers & a reflecting pool, by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa.
View details →
Flamingo - Alexander Calder
Alexander Calder's large abstract sculpture, or stabile, was unveiled to the public in 1974.
View details →
Franz West: Millennium Park
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports creatives and expands access to the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods by organizing a variety of events, exhibitions, and grants that encourage community engagement and artistic expression. They aim to enrich the cultural life of the city, transforming public spaces into interactive art environments and celebrating diverse artistic voices.
View details →
Grant Park
312-acre centerpiece of Downtown housing some of the city's busiest attractions.
View details →
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this bandshell in Millennium Park hosts various musical events.
View details →
Millennium Park
24.5-acre green space with a video display, the reflective "Bean" sculpture & an outdoor theater.
View details →
Ronan Park Sculpture Park & Healing Garden
The North River Commission is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and sustainable community through economic development, education, arts and culture, and environmental initiatives. They offer various programs and events aimed at engaging local residents and enhancing the quality of life in Albany Park, making them a unique engine for community building and progress.
View details →
Sculpture Garden
Chicago, IL 60611, USA
View details →
Sculpture Garden
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is the nation's oldest independent African American museum, committed to educating all people about Black history and culture. With over 15,000 pieces in its collection, the museum offers exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that highlight works by notable artists and significant historical events, making it a unique cultural hub. Its mission emphasizes the importance of understanding history for the benefit of future generations.
View details →
Sculpture Garden Gallery
Venue Logic is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences by offering a range of unique event spaces, including the Sculpture Garden Gallery, Skyline Loft, and Rockwell on the River. Each venue combines historical charm with modern design, providing clients with tailored services for weddings, corporate events, and more, all delivered with exceptional service and creativity.
View details →
Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park
Small area in Grant Park with walking paths amid ornamental gardens, plus summer music festivals.
View details →
Ulysses S. Grant Monument
The Chicago Park District aims to provide quality recreational opportunities and sustainable green spaces, ensuring access for individuals of all ages, identities, and abilities in every neighborhood. They offer a wide range of programs, events, and facilities that promote wellness and community engagement, making them a unique resource in the area.
View details →
Untitled by Pablo Picasso
Untitled 50-ft., 160-ton Cor-Ten steel sculpture by artist Pablo Picasso, dedicated in 1967.
View details →Galleries & Studios
ABJ Civic Arts Center
The Annie B. Jones Civic Arts Center is dedicated to empowering youth through cultural, artistic, and community initiatives. They offer programs that focus on community engagement, personal development, and creative expression, all aimed at fostering sustainable change and leadership among young individuals. Their unique approach combines arts, activism, and entrepreneurship to address the challenges faced by the community.
View details →
Beverly Arts Center
The Beverly Arts Center, located on Chicago's South Side, has been dedicated to building community through diverse, high-quality arts programming, education, and entertainment since 1967. It offers a variety of courses and events spanning multiple disciplines, including dance, visual arts, music, film, and theater, making it a unique hub for art enthusiasts of all ages.
View details →
Chicago Center for Arts & Technology
The Chicago Center for Arts & Technology (CHICAT) is dedicated to igniting hope and providing socio-economic advancement pathways for underserved youth and adults through the intersection of art and technology. Established in 2017, CHICAT offers a nurturing environment with access to artist-led classes and vocational training, aiming to empower individuals in communities like North Lawndale, Little Village, and Pilsen. Their mission emphasizes creativity and the belief that every person has inherent value, facilitating equitable opportunities for all through innovative learning.
View details →
Chicago Cultural Center
Free art & shows in an 1897 Beaux-Arts building with vaulted lobby, mosaics & 2 stained-glass domes.
View details →
Chicago Urban Art Retreat Center
The Chicago Urban Art Retreat is dedicated to using art as a vehicle for social justice and personal growth. They offer various community-focused activities, workshops, and exhibitions, allowing artists of color to connect and showcase their work. What makes them unique is their commitment to addressing social issues through creative expression, providing a nurturing space for all community members.
View details →
Epiphany Center for the Arts
Epiphany Center for the Arts is a vibrant cultural hub located in Chicago, dedicated to fostering community through the arts. The center offers a diverse range of events including live music performances, art exhibitions, and immersive experiences that blend various artistic disciplines. What sets Epiphany apart is its unique blend of historical architecture with innovative programming, creating a space where creativity and culture thrive.
View details →
Greenleaf Art Center
Greenleaf Art Center, located in Rogers Park, provides studio and exhibition space for over seventy area artists. Established in 1990, it fosters a vibrant arts community through events like Open Studio and Exhibition, creative salons, and member showcases, making it a unique hub for local creativity.
View details →
Kimball Arts Center Chicago
Kimball Arts Center is a vibrant hub of creativity in Chicago, located next to the 606 Trail, where Logan Square meets Humboldt Park. With over 15 years of experience, they offer unique spaces for independent businesses to thrive, fostering collaboration within an inclusive and open-minded community.
View details →
Lincoln Park Cultural Center
The Chicago Park District is committed to providing individuals of all ages and abilities with access to high-quality recreational activities, wellness programs, and sustainable green spaces throughout the city. Their mission focuses on inclusivity, ensuring that parks and facilities are accessible to everyone in the community, enhancing quality of life through various events, programs, and services.
View details →
NEIU Fine Arts Center Gallery
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is a diverse, student-centered institution committed to providing accessible higher education and fostering social mobility. With over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs, NEIU focuses on personalized learning in small class settings led by dedicated faculty, making it an inviting environment for students from various backgrounds. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution since 1997, NEIU prides itself on its inclusive community that supports creativity and personal growth.
View details →
Old Town Art Center
The Old Town Art Center focuses on providing specialized seasonal art classes for individuals of all skill levels. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention from instructors across a variety of visual art mediums including drawing, oil painting, watercolor, pastels, and acrylics, making it a unique community hub for art enthusiasts.
View details →
OPEN Center for the Arts
OPEN Center for the Arts is dedicated to fostering creativity and community engagement through diverse art offerings including exhibitions, workshops, and public art installations. Their unique combination of cultural activities aims to inspire and connect individuals from various backgrounds, making art accessible to all.
View details →
Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
The University of Chicago fosters a vibrant artistic community that engages students, faculty, and the broader public through diverse cultural opportunities. It offers a rich array of programs in music, theater, visual arts, and much more, striving to inspire creativity and intellectual growth. Unique in its integration of art and scholarship, UChicago serves as a beacon for cultural dialogue and artistic innovation in the South Side of Chicago.
View details →
The Bridgeport Art Center
Bridgeport Art Center serves as a vibrant creative hub for artists, designers, and professionals across various mediums in Chicago. It offers artist studios, event spaces, and art galleries, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity thrives. Known for its unique blend of historical architecture and modern innovation, the Center hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and community events.
View details →
The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago
The Firehouse Community Arts Center is committed to interrupting the cycle of violence among youth and young adults in North Lawndale through the transformative power of arts and faith. They offer a range of programs focusing on outreach, mediation, and personal development, all designed to foster creative expression and community unity.
View details →
Visual Arts Center
10435 S Spaulding Ave, Chicago, IL 60655, United States
View details →Wilmette Arts Guild
Chicago, IL 60619, USA
View details →
Zhou B Art Center
Zhou B Art Center is a vibrant art hub that fosters creativity and community engagement through exhibitions and events. Their mission is to support both local and international artists while providing a unique platform for art education and collaboration. What sets them apart is their commitment to showcasing diverse artistic expressions, particularly during their monthly 3rd Friday events, which bring together artists and the community.
View details →
