Welcome to Chicago! Below you will find information on traveling to, from, and around the Windy City. There are many ways to explore Chicago while you are here. These subject-specific guides can help you get started.
Be sure to check back in the coming months for more details on arts and entertainment events in the city during the conference. Be sure to also check the Program Schedule page for information on group tours to institutions around the city.
Air Transportation
O’Hare International Airport is located 17 miles from downtown and is easily accessible by taxi, shuttle, or the CTA blue line. More information on shuttles, taxis, and public transportation to and from O’Hare can be found here.
Midway International Airport is located 10 miles from downtown and is easily accessible by taxi, shuttle, or the CTA orange line. More information on shuttles, taxis, and public transportation to and from Midway Airport can be found here.
Transportation Around Chicago
Sears Tower. Image Courtesy of Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc.
The CTA operates the ‘L’ trains as well bus service within the city of Chicago. Use the CTA Trip Planner to figure out the quickest route to your destination using the online planner, mobile device application, or phone number. A one-way fare on the ‘L’ is $2.25, a one-way fare on the bus is $2.00, and a day pass is $10.00.
Bicycles are readily available for rent at many locations near the Art Institute, and there is easy access to a path along Lake Michigan.
Choose Chicago has more information on getting around Chicago, and also provides printable, user-generated maps that allow you to choose your destinations and explore different neighborhoods.
Accommodations
There is no official conference hotel. You are welcome to choose from many excellent hotel options in the downtown Chicago area. Some recommendations within walking distance of the Art Institute include the Silversmith, Hotel Burnham, JW Marriott, Chicago Athletic Association, Congress Hotel, Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District (includes breakfast), Comfort Suites (includes breakfast), Intercontinental Chicago, and Hostelling International Chicago.
Things to Do in Chicago
Just next door to the Art Institute, the Grant Park Music Festival in Millennium Park provides evening concerts in the Pritzker Pavilion, including
The Art Institute of Chicago. Roofline View. Photo credit: James Iska, the Art Institute of Chicago.
rehearsals during the day on weekdays.
There is also a summer film series which takes place in Millennium Park and other parks around the city.
If you are a baseball fan, the Cubs will be in town and playing several games during the conference.
Getting to Columbus
After the conference, there are several ways to travel from Chicago to Columbus. Here are a few options:
The drive from Chicago to Columbus takes approximately 5.5 hours. There are many places to rent a car in downtown Chicago; you can find more information about driving routes to Columbus here, and you can find a live map featuring current traffic patterns here.
Flights from Chicago to Columbus are between 1-1.5 hours. See Air Transportation above for information on getting to and from O’Hare and Midway International Airport.
Megabus provides service from downtown Chicago to Columbus, an 8-hour trip, for approximately $30.
Top Image: The Art Institute of Chicago. Michigan Avenue Entrance. Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Edward Kemeys, Lions. Bronze with Green patina. Gift of Mrs. Henry Field, 1898. 1a-b. The Art Institute of Chicago. The lions are the registered trademarks of the Art Institute of Chicago.