In the Modern Wing's Ryan Learning Center
159 East Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
On a laptop or desktop computer
Have your printer ready!
What is JourneyMaker?
JourneyMaker is a digital tool that allows your family to create your very own tour of the museum. Choose one of eight storylines—like Superheroes, Time Travelers, or Strange and Wild Creatures—and then select works from the museum’s collection within that story. After you’ve made your selections, print out your personalized Journey Guide, which includes information, activities, and wayfinding directions. Then head into the museum for an art-filled adventure!
How many unique Journey Guide combinations are there?
With eight storylines and over 250 works of art, there are over 262,000 unique journeys your family can create.
What ages is JourneyMaker suitable for?
Anyone can use JourneyMaker—in the Family Room or at home—but it is best for families with children ages 3–12.
Can groups use JourneyMaker?
The best way for groups larger than 4–6 to use JourneyMaker is to access the online version before visiting the museum. Larger groups can break into smaller ones to work together on creating journeys online, and then use those Journey Guides once they come to the museum.
Is JourneyMaker available in languages other than English?
JourneyMaker will be available in Spanish, Chinese, and Polish in January 2017.
How were works of art chosen for JourneyMaker?
The works of art selected represent the diverse collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. There are some tried-and-true family favorites—like the Thorne Miniature Rooms and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte—and also works of art that might be less well known and yet exciting for families to explore.
Can I access JourneyMaker on my mobile device?
JourneyMaker is optimized for laptops and desktops. It is not available on mobile at this time.
I can’t get my Journey Guide to print properly. What should I do?
If you’ve pressed the print button on the final screen and nothing happens, JourneyMaker gives you the ability to reprint your Journey Guide. When you select reprint, you’ll have the option to save the guide to your desktop. You can then try printing it from your desktop. Also, be sure to set your printer to single-sided printing so that you are able to fold it as instructed into a small booklet.
Will my printed guide look the same if I use JourneyMaker at home or at the museum?
If you print JourneyMaker in the museum’s Family Room, your guide will print in full color, with a full map of the museum, and on tabloid-sized paper that you can then fold into a booklet using an origami technique.
Does my JourneyMaker guide get me into the museum for free?
Admission to the Ryan Learning Center is always free, and admission to the museum is always free for children under 14. However, those 14 and over need tickets or an Art Institute membership to enter the galleries.
Free admission is also offered to:
Learn more about admission policies.