Mission

The purposes for which the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) was formed in 1879 are: to found, build, maintain, and operate museums, schools, libraries of art, and theaters; to provide support facilities in connection therewith; to conduct appropriate activities conducive to the artistic development of the region; and to conduct and participate in appropriate activities of national and international significance. The AIC encompasses both the museum and the school. The School, located in the heart of Chicago, is part of a thriving art community. The museum's collection now encompasses more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world, and the school's graduate program is continually ranked as one of the best in the country.