Smart Museum of Art image

Smart Museum of Art

Tourist attraction Museum Art museum

Museum specializing in Asian, European, Contemporary & Modern Art, with over 12,000 objects. People often mention museum, visit, great, free, exhibits, Chicago, exhibit, small, Great, amazing,


Address

5550 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Website

smartmuseum.uchicago.edu

Contact

(773) 702-0200

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (385 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (54) visit (26) great (20) free (19) exhibits (18) Chicago (17) exhibit (16) small (15) Great (15) amazing (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jackie Acker Garland (Chicago Photo M. 11 months ago on Google • 285 reviews
    FREE art museum on the University of Chicago Campus. They had a great exhibit called "Not All Realisms" showing the influence photography can have on telling a story. Come visit here after you see Amanda William's Redefining Redlining Art Installation where she and others planted 100,000 red tulips to visually depict the impact redlining had on the Washington Park neighborhood. Head over to Roux Restaurant afterwards for some delicious biscuits and gravy!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 eva g. 1 year ago on Google • 82 reviews
    I love The place and The innovative approach and passionate museum staff who do a lot to make the museum as welcoming and open for everyone as possible! We were so lucky to visit one of the concerts which was truly amazing and intense experience. I cried how good it was.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 John K. 4 years ago on Google • 278 reviews
    It’s a small art gallery located near the Uchicago library. It’s full of fancy modern art pieces. It does not take long to see all the exhibition, but I liked it very much. Creative installments made of tar paper, plastic straws, and cards are just amazingly cool. It’s a free exhibition, so if you are near it’s a definitely a place to go.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carlos De Sa G. 3 years ago on Google
    My partner and I went from Houston, Texas to this museum 2 weeks ago and the experience was incredible. It’s such a beautiful and well maintained place. It took us approximately 5 hours to walk all around this huge building, walking at fast paced, so I would recommend you to go in the morning, start from the bottom floor and work your way up the 4 levels. Don’t forget to use the map to guide yourself through. You’ll find a lot of workers that are willing to help you on anything you need, as you walk around. Here are some pictures of a couple things that stood out to me the most. I hope you all enjoy your visit!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kimberly G. 4 years ago on Google
    I was born and raised in this community. And as so very proud that I now so of the Clinton 12. They made a way for me , my children and my grandchildren to be able to attend the public schools.. And to be treat like we all human beings.. Thank you Clinton 12.. RIP Uncle Alford Williams and Uncle Maurice Soles
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr. B. 6 years ago on Google
    Be illin
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shawnna M. 4 years ago on Google • 175 reviews
    Museum was little but free. Very enjoyable. Only downside is having to parallel park. But if you can parallel park not a problem. Parking was free though.

  • 5/5 Deborah W. 4 years ago on Google
    Educational information always
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trav M. 3 years ago on Google
    I can say without a doubt that this is the best art museum that I've ever been to! Honestly it is amazing and you will see some of the most famous pieces of art in the world here. This place will definitely give you a new appreciation for art and there's something here for everyone. Whether you are an art lover or not, I still think this museum should be on everyone's to see list. I highly doubt I will ever find another museum that will move me as much as this museum had. This is a place that needs more than just an hour or two to fully appreciate and you could spend a whole day here and still not get the full appreciation.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Max von A. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a well maintained intercontinental location where some east coast style meets the midwest charm of various centuries. The museum is an ultimate necessity for anyone who plans to visit any museum in the Middle West, especially for those who already have any interest in any art. Everybody will need a whole day to check out the Louvre of Illinois.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denise G. 4 years ago on Google
    I learned some black history today that I knew nothing about.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 VINCENT R. 4 years ago on Google
    The historical significance of being able to visit and breath the air of culture, community and the true history and gift to the ideals of America made by the descendants of the kidnapped Black Africans. Just another reason why African American History must be included in the mainstream curriculum.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heidi S. 5 years ago on Google
    I really enjoyed our family visit here. My 4th and 6th grader were engaged by the short film and the scavenger hunt. I took time to read the many narratives about the days surrounding the Clinton 12 and the bombing of Clinton highschool and learned so much. The museum is small, but we took about an hour to read and experience it all. Definitely worth a visit and a donation.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael P. 5 years ago on Google
    Took an opportunity to visit the site where a relative is among those honored.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fatboy 6 years ago on Google
    This really is a wonderful place,off the main road a really good history class for both adults and children "Must See " to understand what the children and adult's seen while growing up in the south in the 1950 's and some battles are still happening today.From the plantation, battlefields ,schools and the streets today.check it out :::
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alyssa W. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited "The Happening" celebrating Bob Thompson marking the end of his exhibition. They had live music, food trucks, painting for the guests and so many other activities. We had a great time, the employees and students all seemed to really enjoy the atmosphere. Sherry was great and seemed to know a lot about the art as well as the artists. She also talked to everyone and made sure they were informed, she literally was everywhere we turned.😂 I will definitely visit again for the next exhibition!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Cécile! 10 months ago on Google
    Only a dozen art works from the permanent collection is visible (nothing extraordinary), so check out if you're interested in the two temporary exhibitions before going.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Faux P. 3 months ago on Google • 153 reviews New
    I had come here as a teacher for the students of cool classic during a family event where they were passing out clay. So sadly, I did not get to experience the entire museum, but what I did see and learned about Ruth Duckworth was quite enlightening to see what she had done and overcome for her art to stand proud.

  • 5/5 Jenny A. 5 years ago on Google • 143 reviews
    Great FREE museum. Small but mighty! Wonderful exhibits, friendly staff, nice little coffee counter. Love Nick Caves Soundsuit, and the Mark Rothko! We take our out of town visitors here. It's a great resource for the area!

  • 3/5 William M. 8 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Free for art lovers. Have to pay fpr parking though
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex J. 1 year ago on Google • 43 reviews
    Excellent exhibit! And free! One great thing about a university art museum, is that they're not obliged to show all the classics and organize their exhibit in the standard ways (chronologically, stylistically) as a national museum is. They can't really highlight a different story with their curatorial choices, such as the diversity of Monochrome art in the exhibit a few weeks ago, Monochrome Multitudes.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christine D. 1 year ago on Google • 13 reviews
    I've been coming to this museum since I was a 1st year at UofC over 10 yrs ago, I've always felt welcome and warmth from the staff here. The museum itself usually has an exhibit dedicated to art education, so the overarching theme here is to welcome outsiders into the art space - it's a literal extension of the classrooms located across the garden area, serving to offer art education and experience to the larger public. There are also free storage lockers so you can view the exhibits unencumbered, and indoor/outdoor tables and seating. Nowadays, I bring my kids with me and the museum staff always goes out of their way to make sure my kids fully enjoy their time here. We all love the Smart Museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Tiktok R. 5 years ago on Google
    Very good paintings and sculptures inna poritate images
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 deborah 4 years ago on Google
    Although I know nothing about art,but the place is nice
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Troy K. 3 years ago on Google
    They have such an amazing collection of art here. I'm someone who is a bit of a history buff and to see what our ancestors have painted and the beauty that they have portrayed is astonishing. Next to the DIA this is one of my favorite museums to explore. Absolutely gorgeous.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonah C. 3 years ago on Google
    The Art Institute is my happy place. Their exhibits alone make The AI noteworthy. But exploring the exhibits and displays you don't often hear about is where the true magic lies. A must is the miniature rooms in the basement. Love love love. Your imagination will go wild.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Belle P. 3 years ago on Google
    It’s been too long since I visited the museum and I’m so pleased that I went back. All things COVID considered, I felt comfortable with the number of people they allowed inside and the distance between parties. I really loved the interactive aspect. They’ve included audio with some of their art pieces. You can download their app and learn insightful details behind certain art pieces. I can’t wait to go back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dee T. 3 years ago on Google
    I was impressed at the level of cleanliness here during the pandemic. I disliked the virtual lines for the Monet exhibit. I go to museums and exhibits to get away from the usage of my cellular device. I appreciate the old school procedures without the dependency of technology. Otherwise this would've been a 5 star visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 review 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) There is a lot to see at the entrance fee of $20, but there is nothing famous and it is wide, so it is good to walk a lot. (Original) 입장료$20에 볼건 많지만 유명한건 없고 넓기에 많이 걸어서 걷기 운동 하기 좋음^^
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manoj M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Swami vivekanand (Original) Swami Vivekanand
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wheelie House Wire M. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing place!!! The video presentation was so great. Incredible exhibit. Take your children and grand children!!! Take yourself!!! Wow.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 RAMONA T. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place. AWESOME!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dahn C. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful museum. The display is both modern and high tech and preserving of the original era it teaches about. Staff is knowledgeable and sincerely passionate.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rich M. 4 years ago on Google
    Historical site that is definitely worth a detour to visit. Small exhibit inside covers the events that too place there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 EVERYDAY S. 4 years ago on Google
    A VERY NOBLE TRIBUTE TO THOSE BRAVE KIDS & COMMUNITY. I PASSED THRU THERE ON MY WAY TO VIGIL FOR JERRY WEAVER.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Diamond 4 years ago on Google
    Was very informative. Nice set up. I learned a lot. Doesn't take long and it's free. I suggest if you have kids, stop by . They might learn something.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mark B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben S. 4 years ago on Google
    Fascinating center. Worth the trip off of the interstate to hear the story of the Clinton pioneers. The whole story is told both the good and the bad which is so important.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Crystal G. 5 years ago on Google
    What an amazing and humbling experience! I had never heard of the Clinton 12. I encourage everyone to visit to learn more about American history!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeannie G. 5 years ago on Google
    Everyone should visit this historical site!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S 5 years ago on Google
    Excellent little museum about local history!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eugene M. 6 years ago on Google
    A great place to learn about the history of integration and segregation in Tennessee, especially the contributions of the Clinton Twelve.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fernando O. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent small museum, great curator job with the collection.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 MICHAEL M. 2 years ago on Google
    Paid rideshare to get there + admission + rideshare to get back to view tiny museum dominated by 1 exhibit blaming others & assuming no responsibility~very political.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lee N. 1 year ago on Google
    From the pics and reviews I saw, I was somehow expecting more items on permanent display. When I visited, there were essentially only two artists / exhibits, so I was underwhelmed by the variety. Before you go, look to see what's on exhibit to know what you might be able to expect.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Preston C. 4 months ago on Google • 41 reviews
    Very small but well curated gallery on the University of Chicago campus. I found it very thought provoking.

  • 5/5 Kim K. 4 years ago on Google
    The Smart Museum of Art is a delightful and educational experience; that embraces the essence of community! The docents bring the exhibits alive in a manner that is refreshing, entertaining and compliments both the University of Chicago and the city's heritage. What is also remarkable; admission is free; rare in today's market-share of museums and exhibits.

  • 4/5 Hassan A. 6 years ago on Google
    It worth to visit if you love arts. The good thing is no admission fees required.

  • 5/5 w. l. 4 years ago on Google
    Contemporary art works are pretty good there.

  • 3/5 Naomie G. 3 years ago on Google
    Not too big of a museum and timed entry keeps the number of visitors low.

  • 5/5 Larry L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great art. Friendly. With refreshments. Eye opening.

  • 4/5 Shauna K. 4 years ago on Google
    Kind of small exhibits but always interesting pieces shown here!

  • 5/5 Alexa L. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the space here it allows for all types work to be admired in many different ways.

  • 5/5 Charles B H. 4 years ago on Google
    A great free museum.

  • 3/5 angela m. 4 years ago on Google
    Very cool place

  • 4/5 Frank S. 4 years ago on Google
    Quick cool clean

  • 5/5 Clare S. 4 years ago on Google
    Free admission, really unique exhibits!

  • 5/5 vivek k. 4 years ago on Google
    Great art

  • 4/5 Andrew S. 4 years ago on Google
    Visited the special exhibit on onceptual art from China. Loved the tower of human fat.

  • 5/5 Moses M. 4 years ago on Google
    Must see.

  • 5/5 Dalia S. 4 years ago on Google
    They have a great display and the people working there are really nice and helpful. Great place to bring your kids to explore and learn.

  • 4/5 Crystal F. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the museum and art work. Will return!

  • 3/5 Alberto A. 4 years ago on Google
    It's okay not really my cup of tea but I am sure others will enjoy more than me

  • 5/5 Sharvon F. 4 years ago on Google
    First time visiting the Smart Museum and I was very impressive.

  • 5/5 Marlon L. 4 years ago on Google
    Spacious interior. Very well curated.

  • 5/5 Brendan Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent space and curation

  • 5/5 Paul S. 4 years ago on Google
    the art and political meta is cerebral AND sublime!

  • 5/5 Kate M. 4 years ago on Google
    The curators bring new art and ideas to the Hyde Park area. Always worth a visit

  • 5/5 Janey F. 4 years ago on Google
    Worked with this team before on branding and email campaigns. Good culture, exceptional work and talent throughout the organization

  • 5/5 David S. 4 years ago on Google
    Really great space and interesting curation

  • 4/5 Rex H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Quiet and fresh! (Original) 幽靜、清新!

  • 3/5 Ahmed A. 4 years ago on Google
    There are other better place you can visit in Chicago

  • 5/5 Anna G. 4 years ago on Google
    Great exhibit space and free!

  • 5/5 Chantilly L. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful exhibit! The staff is well informed in the artist and answered all my questions. Highly recommend

  • 5/5 Lee I. 4 years ago on Google
    Fun little museum, doesn't cost to get in and there is a good amount of stuff to look at. I attended a work shop getting to black smith a little bit, so much fun! And I'm amazed that it was free!

  • 5/5 Robert R. 4 years ago on Google
    I love this quick art fix

  • 4/5 Natalie W. 4 years ago on Google
    Solid way to spend 45 mins to an hour at this free museum.

  • 5/5 Caitlin A. 4 years ago on Google
    The Smart Museum is small, an easy and engaging place to visit. It's easily accessible by public transit and there is a parking garage nearby. Exhibitions, which rotate, are really tremendous, tending towards the avant garde but including the historical and always celebrating the vast diversity of the art world.

  • 5/5 Jennifer H. 4 years ago on Google
    Don’t miss the exhibition “Fieldwork” by Tara Donovan, it’s amazing. She uses slinkies, index cards, straws and more to create large pieces of work. It’s on until 22 September 2019. This was a highlight during my week in Chicago.

  • 5/5 Harold C. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing art in an amazing urban center. I can't believe you can get so close to so many masterpieces (from classical and impressionists to modern). And It's across the street from Millennial Park with restaurants and free concerts. Wow!

  • 5/5 Sharvon F. 4 years ago on Google
    We had took a tour of the museum and did art work.

  • 4/5 Jean M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Lets see current works for free (Original) Permet de voir des oeuvres actuelles et ce gratuitement

  • 5/5 Barb L. 4 years ago on Google
    The new director of the Smart has transformed this museum into a completely updated space. The exhibits featured are truly amazing!

  • 5/5 Dylan 4 years ago on Google
    Great exhibits

  • 3/5 Darell L. 3 years ago on Google
    I am not a very artsy person, but I decided to come here on a whim. My girlfriend and I were already in the LA area, so we stopped by at around 11am. There are parking spots across the street, but we parked in the parking garage and paid $15 with validation.

  • 5/5 elliot v. 3 years ago on Google
    This is one of the best museums in Chicago. You could literally spend hours here. The staff is super friendly and helpful. This place is like a amaze. You could defiantly get lost for hours looking at art. They also have a modern wing. I suggest going to Millennium Park and taking the sliver bridge to the museum for a cool experience and view of the city. The store has awesome items to choose from. I legit love this place.

  • 5/5 Mathieu L. 3 years ago on Google
    The Monet exposition is really great right now. Great paintings. There is a limited quantity of people inside thanks to a "virtual line" in place. Check in when you arrive, visit the rest of the museum and come when it is your turn.

  • 5/5 A day in life with P. 3 years ago on Google
    This place was beautiful. Beautiful artwork/exhibits. Everyone here was friendly and helpful. Can’t wait to come back!

  • 5/5 Da-Wang W. 3 years ago on Google
    The Art Institute of Chicago has a wide collection of art works (e.g., Japanese art, contemporary art, American art, Latin American art, European art), and it also offers really good space to just sit down and enjoy the tranquillity (e.g., members lounge and the dining area can have access to the fountain in B1, the outdoor space nearby the contemporary art area). The Impressionism part is definitely a must-see for the first-time visitor! Also, it provides some special exhibitions every now and then, which I find mostly very interesting!

  • 5/5 Kaitlyn Z. 3 years ago on Google
    I can get lost in this museum (literally LOL) so much great art to look at!

  • 5/5 Daniel T. 3 years ago on Google
    A must for every art lover. So glad this is in our city.

  • 4/5 LOGISTICS MADE E. 3 years ago on Google
    Good museum.

  • 5/5 V T. 3 years ago on Google
    We’re members and we used to love going to the members’ lounge before covid & checking out all the special exhibits before they were open to the public. My favorite exhibits include the miniature rooms located in the basement, the Impressionism pieces and the textiles. They also have 2 great gift shops and the staff have always been friendly and helpful. We love this museum and try to go often. Also check out the lovely little gardens next to the front entrance.

  • 5/5 Emmanuel R. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the best art collections in the world

  • 5/5 Mary O. 3 years ago on Google
    Great staff with responsible precautions for covid.

  • 5/5 Romario De F. 3 years ago on Google
    First off, I would like to give a shout out to the staff, specfically Alicia! I first encountered Alicia in the photography area, they were very warm and welcoming. She informed me about the new exhibitions but also gave me some insites about other artists I should check out outside of the institute!

  • 5/5 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) You can see wonderful works up close. It makes me feel very luxurious and rich when I watch the explanation slowly. There are also shops where you can buy small pictures, small items, and books that explain a number of works you have just seen. (Original) 素晴らしい作品が間近に見られます。 説明を見ながらゆっくり鑑賞する時間はとても贅沢で豊かな気持ちになります。 小さな絵や、小物、見たばかりの作品の数々が説明されている本などを購入できる売店もあります。

  • 5/5 Kyle H. 3 years ago on Google
    The tiny rooms are cool

  • 5/5 Anthony T. 3 years ago on Google
    This was just what I needed

  • 5/5 Raquel A. 3 years ago on Google
    Top places to visit in Chicago!

  • 5/5 Tarik H. 3 years ago on Google
    Fabulous museum!

  • 5/5 Larry A. 3 years ago on Google
    Everything is fabulous.. Easy to find, amazing displays..

  • 5/5 Mark W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for famous painters. Monet, picasso, Van Gogh. Ancient and medieval also

  • 5/5 timothee m. 3 years ago on Google
    Simply beautiful.

  • 5/5 SCG 3 years ago on Google
    World-class art museum, loaded with treasures. My favorite part is the modern/contemporary wing.

  • 5/5 Jimmy B. 3 years ago on Google
    The Art Institute is my happy place. Love it

  • 5/5 ramesh k. 3 years ago on Google
    Very large museum showing huge number of art pieces from all over the world from ancient times THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, Chicago IL US NA

  • 5/5 Laraine G. 3 years ago on Google
    This is my favorite art museum in the world. We love to travel but I always come home to this wonderful place.

  • 5/5 Melli 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Really favorite place! There are so many different works of art in the Chicago Art Museum, among which you can see works by famous artists such as Gogh and Monet. Personally, it was better than the New York Metropolitan. I liked Monet's paintings, so I think I watched the haystack series. Will definitely visit again later 🥺 (Original) 정말 좋아하는 장소! 시카고 미술관엔 정말 다양한 미술작품들이 있는데, 그중 고흐,모네처럼 유명한 작가의 작품도 볼수있다. 개인적으로는 뉴욕 메트로폴리탄보다 더 좋았었음. 모네 그림을 좋아해서 건초더미 연작을 열심히 봤던것같다. 나중에 꼭 다시 방문할 예정 🥺

  • 5/5 Joanne Ratkowski R. 3 years ago on Google
    What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Love! Can spend a whole day here, sitting and contemplating.

  • 5/5 Hello 3 years ago on Google
    Can I put my drawing on your wall?

  • 5/5 Peniche Loeza Diego S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A must see for everyone visiting Chicago (Original) Una visita obligatoria para todos los que esten visitando Chicago

  • 4/5 MAX's Life In M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Memorandum (Original) 備忘禄

  • 5/5 Manuel O. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) another must see in chicago! (Original) otro imperdible de chicago!

  • 5/5 Lani S. 3 years ago on Google
    Such an amazing collection of art! I highly recommend going at least once in a lifetime!!!

  • 4/5 Jason 3 years ago on Google
    Want to see the American Gothic in person? I sure did. Lots of great stuff in the permanent collection. Really cool modern architecture.

  • 5/5 Park S. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my fave places. It has great masterpieces. Definitely recommend visiting when in Chicago!

  • 4/5 Genevieve L. 3 years ago on Google
    Totally loved the place. How I wish we had more time to explore around but even so, the couple of hours we were there were all worth it. I went with my daughter and her 2nd grade class for a field trip. We all learned a lot in a short amount of time. The place was packed but still VERY clean. I just wish that the planetarium is much more available for everyone. The place also have shows for it's guests to enjoy.

  • 5/5 ROCHELLE N. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful. Always loved coming here. You guys are great at your updated art displays. Always something to look at to clear my mind

  • 3/5 Edgar C. 3 years ago on Google
    Interesting place. Only downside is they had some rude staff members that totally ruined my visit.

  • 5/5 Lee D. 4 years ago on Google
    An outstanding display of the history of the first desegregated public high school in the South. Films and exhibits (and maybe individuals from the time like on our visit today) tell the story.

  • 5/5 Shirley B. 4 years ago on Google
    I learned so much I didn't even know about

  • 5/5 Norma T. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent presentation of historical events.

  • 5/5 Clayton H. 4 years ago on Google
    Small museum telling a big and important story of 12 African American students who were the first to integrate a state supported high school in the South.

  • 5/5 paul n. 3 years ago on Google
    Good arts and cultural location.

  • 5/5 Miss Audrey W. 4 years ago on Google
    Super Intellegent

  • 5/5 Delena W. 4 years ago on Google
    Very informative.

  • 5/5 Laurie P. 4 years ago on Google
    Very informative. I am glad we stopped on our way through the area.

  • 5/5 Heather H. 4 years ago on Google
    Local and national historic spot. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Sarah F. 4 years ago on Google
    A very neat and educational tribute. The building the museam is in was origonally a segregated elementary. The history is priceless. Free! Make sure to finish your sidetrip with a lunch at Hoskins. Its a pharmacy with an old soda shop diner inside. Food was great and the atmosphere was a once in a lifetime experience.

  • 5/5 Shannon H. 4 years ago on Google
    Pretty good place to work

  • 5/5 brian b. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit for history. Very well done.

  • 5/5 sean b. 4 years ago on Google
    Inspiring and amazing

  • 5/5 Vickie W. 4 years ago on Google
    If you haven't been...go and experience ...and learn about this period of time in Clinton's history! Very well done!

  • 5/5 Brad W. 4 years ago on Google
    Educational

  • 5/5 Beverly S. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place!

  • 5/5 Debbie R. 5 years ago on Google
    Wonderful outdoor concert

  • 5/5 Brian S. 6 years ago on Google
    Great piece of local history.

  • 5/5 Rachel E. 6 years ago on Google
    Bunches of good information

  • 5/5 Serena g. 6 years ago on Google
    Very educational and a good place for learning about our city and the history of the town

  • 5/5 Shenida T. 6 years ago on Google
    History love it

  • 5/5 christopher v. 2 years ago on Google
    The friendly style of the folks in charge, the picnic tables, the free parking and finally the fantastic art with explained credits, made this the best experience I've had this year.

  • 5/5 Lashanta B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great variety and great service

  • 4/5 efrain q. 4 years ago on Google
    A nice place to see some stranger art which I liked alot. It's a bit small but gives your more time to involve yourself in the art around.

  • 4/5 Gira K. 4 years ago on Google
    Always free and exhibitions change every few months! Good place to see some art if you are around the hyde park area.

  • 4/5 You C. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice modern art. A bit small though. Good for a half hour walking tour.

  • 5/5 a s. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful gallery space, outstanding architecture, wonderfully scale to the neighborhood. Best of all, astonishingly caring, knowledgeable, and kind staff.

  • 1/5 Maritza T. 2 years ago on Google
    It was the worst museum I ever been too besides a couple of paintings of Kerry james Marshall and other European and Asian paintings I loved but OVERALL didn’t see anything extravagant and no sculptures. I also didn’t like how the lady told me to take off my jacket because of the fur of artworks but there was no reason to because there wasn’t any! I wish their would’ve updated the artworks on the site DONT RECOMMEND!

  • 5/5 M D. 2 years ago on Google
    Hands down a wonderful museum! Sherry was one of the best employees of the museum. She was engaging and shared her heart for art! This museum is a must see!

  • 5/5 Cameron C. 2 years ago on Google
    Sherry was an amazing guide who shared personal and heartfelt anecdotes. The exhibits are truly eye opening. And it's FREE.

  • 2/5 Jasmine K. 1 year ago on Google
    We were disappointed to travel all the way in the rain to find out they had just shipped off the exhibit to another museum and that there was a very small, single room, exhibit remaining. It seems they don’t have a “permanent” collection and don’t notify of exhibit changes on the website. We were really looking forward to seeing the amazing art in recent reviews.

  • 5/5 ron s. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent small art museum. Located in University of Chicago campus. Best of all is the free admission.

  • 5/5 Jorge B. 1 year ago on Google
    The garden area around the museum was great. I did not go inside, I was outside for a jazz concert. Parking was virtually feet from the garden area.

  • 2/5 Vittorio C. 1 year ago on Google
    We went in this very small museum and only stayed a little bit this time because there were no particularly impressive exhibits. The attendant was very pleasant though. Last time was better though.

  • 5/5 Luvn I. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience! Our tour guide was awesome. Very well put together and informative.

  • 5/5 Dmitrii T. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice small and free museum with some considerable art objects. If you're passing by, it's definitely worth to visit.

  • 4/5 GRV 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting collection of modern art. Some very thought provoking. The museum is of moderate size which means you can see everything in 2 hours. Of course spend more time if you wish.

  • 5/5 Tanner B. 1 year ago on Google
    I love the Smart Museum. It’s free, the staff is always very friendly, and every exhibition I’ve seen here has been very well done and thought provoking. I appreciate a small museum that has a high quality mission.

  • 3/5 Cintia P. 1 year ago on Google
    This is s very tiny museum with very limited exhibitions. If you are in the area, it is OK to visit, but definitely not worth down here if you are in the town. It is free!

  • 4/5 Mahlon 11 months ago on Google
    Absolutely loved this place. The artwork was thought-provoking. Loved the lineup and the offerings in the gallery. Can not wait to return during my next visit to Chicago.

  • 3/5 Rick C. 8 months ago on Google
    Tiny museum. Free but they take donations if you are feeling geneous. Metered parking outside. Won't need more than 20 ninutes

  • 5/5 Jeffrey I. 1 month ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    The Smart Museum of Art in Hyde Park is a gem located on the campus of the University of Chicago in the Windy City. As one of Chicago's many fantastic art museums, the Smart showcases its world-class collection in a spacious setting that always delivers pure aesthetic bliss, even in the midst of bitter Chiberia winds howling outside. The Smart boasts an impressive assembly of paintings, sculpture, photography, and other creative works from across time periods and cultures. From Monets to Warhols, visitors can observe art representing diverse eras and perspectives. And with the Oriental Institute and Robie House nearby, the Smart is perfectly positioned to complete one's cultural exploration of this iconic neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. As you stroll the Smart's airy halls adorned with brilliant art, don't forget to gaze out the towering windows at Hyde Park's famed Midway Plaisance—a historic trail where you might spot joggers braving Chicago's gusty breezes. Few other institutions match the inspired atmosphere of thoughtful contemplation that this treasured museum cultivates in the heart of the City of Big Shoulders. Whether you're an art aficionado or just looking for a mesmerizing way to spend an afternoon, the Smart Museum of Art deserves a place at the top of your Chicago itinerary.


Call (773) 702-0200 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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