Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art
A vibrant museum dedicated to outsider and intuitive art, celebrating self-taught artists and their unique visions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate viewing
Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant museum dedicated to outsider and intuitive art, celebrating self-taught artists and their unique visions.
"The only museum where I leave thinking, 'Maybe that pile of bottle caps in my kitchen is actually a commentary on late-stage capitalism.'"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance online. It's a quick and easy process.
☕ Enjoy Complimentary Refreshments
Take a break in the video viewing area and enjoy free coffee, tea, and water while watching artist videos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Visionary Art Galleries
Discover art from self-taught artists, often born from unique life experiences and intense personal visions.

Found Object Masterpieces
See how everyday items are transformed into profound artistic statements, challenging conventional notions of art.

Artist Video Lounges
Relax and immerse yourself in artist-created videos, often offering a deeper look into their creative process.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unconventional
Plan for Intimate Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance online. It's a quick and easy process.
☕ Enjoy Complimentary Refreshments
Take a break in the video viewing area and enjoy free coffee, tea, and water while watching artist videos.
2.5 year anniversary! Where do the artists go?
Visiting Chicago from Alabama
🚶♀️ Allow About an Hour
The museum is intimate; an hour is perfect for exploring exhibits and enjoying the video lounge.
✨ Embrace the Eccentric
Prepare for art that's unapologetically unique and thought-provoking. It's a refreshing departure from traditional art.
Resources about Folk Art?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance online. It's a quick and easy process.
☕ Enjoy Complimentary Refreshments
Take a break in the video viewing area and enjoy free coffee, tea, and water while watching artist videos.
🚶♀️ Allow About an Hour
The museum is intimate; an hour is perfect for exploring exhibits and enjoying the video lounge.
✨ Embrace the Eccentric
Prepare for art that's unapologetically unique and thought-provoking. It's a refreshing departure from traditional art.
⚠️ Be Mindful of Motion Sickness
Some videos are shot handheld; if you're prone to motion sickness, be aware before you watch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Intuit as a refreshing and unique art experience, celebrating the creativity of self-taught artists. The museum's intimate size, unconventional exhibits, and welcoming atmosphere are frequently praised, offering a delightful departure from traditional galleries. Some note the videos can cause motion sickness, but overall, it's considered a must-visit gem.
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Intuit Art Museum is a refreshing reminder that you don’t need an MFA—or even a straight line—to make art that matters. Every corner of the place whispers, “Yes, your uncle’s basement sculptures do belong in a museum, if only he’d commit harder.”
The exhibits are unapologetically eccentric: a shrine to the unexpected, where found objects become masterpieces and doodles feel like divine revelations. It’s the only museum where I leave thinking, “Maybe that pile of bottle caps in my kitchen is actually a commentary on late-stage capitalism.”
The space itself is cozy, intimate, and slightly chaotic—perfectly aligned with the art it champions. Five stars for making me question whether I’m an untapped creative genius or just someone with a very cluttered garage.
Would recommend to anyone tired of staring at oil paintings of stern men in wigs."
Kyle Eggleston
"We have been wanting to visit this museum for years and finally got to check it out.
We bought tickets online for $5 each, and it was an easy process. When we arrived a man told us about the exhibits.
The museum is small, with a small gift shop and a few galleries. We spent about an hour looking at the paintings and photographs. There was a video viewing area with easy chairs and complimentary coffee, tea, and water. You could press a button to select a video to watch. There were about 10 to choose from they were all very interesting. The videos were created with a handheld camera, so please be aware if you are prone to motion sickness.
Great museum, will be back!"
Megan Brooks
"Wonderful small art museum, well worth a visit. Recently expanded with some very cool exhibits"
Colm Ronan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Intuit is located in Chicago. Public transportation is a great option, with several bus lines and 'L' train stops nearby. Check your preferred transit app for the most convenient route from your location. Parking can be challenging in the area, so consider public transit or ride-sharing services.
Yes, Intuit is well-served by Chicago's public transportation network. Several bus routes stop within walking distance, and nearby 'L' train stations make it easy to reach from various parts of the city.
Parking near Intuit can be limited and metered. While street parking might be available, it's often competitive. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or public transit to avoid parking hassles.
Intuit is situated in Chicago, but it's not in the immediate downtown core. It's a gem hidden on a typical city street, offering a more neighborhood feel.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be feasible, but it's generally recommended to use public transport or a ride-share for efficiency, especially if you're coming from further afield in the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Intuit is typically very affordable. Tickets are often around $5 per person, making it an accessible art experience. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets at the door. However, buying tickets online in advance is recommended for a smoother entry process and to guarantee your visit, especially during peak times.
Intuit's operating hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website before your visit. They are typically open on weekdays and weekends, but specific times should be confirmed online.
While Intuit is a smaller museum, they may offer special arrangements for groups. It's advisable to contact the museum directly in advance to inquire about group visits or guided tours.
Information about membership programs is best found on Intuit's official website. Memberships often provide benefits like free admission and discounts, supporting the museum's mission.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
Intuit exclusively showcases folk and outsider art. This includes works by self-taught artists, often created outside the mainstream art world, featuring visionary and unconventional styles.
Most visitors find that about an hour is sufficient to explore the galleries and enjoy the video lounge. It's an intimate museum, perfect for a focused art appreciation session.
Intuit frequently features rotating special exhibits that highlight specific artists or themes within outsider art. Check their website for current and upcoming exhibitions.
The video viewing area offers a comfortable space with easy chairs where you can select and watch various artist-created videos. Complimentary coffee, tea, and water are provided.
The art at Intuit is generally thought-provoking and can be unconventional. While many find it inspiring, parents should consider the nature of outsider art, which can sometimes touch on mature themes or intense personal experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is often permitted, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artwork. It's best to check for posted signs or ask staff for clarification.
Special exhibits or particular artworks might have restrictions on photography. Always be observant of signage within the galleries and respect any limitations set by the museum.
The unique and often colorful nature of outsider art provides many visually interesting opportunities. Look for pieces with striking compositions or unusual materials. The overall ambiance of the museum can also be photogenic.
Yes, phone cameras are typically allowed for personal use, provided flash is off and you are not disrupting other visitors. Capturing the distinctive art is a popular activity for many guests.
Absolutely! The unconventional and often vibrant nature of outsider art makes Intuit a fantastic place for unique Instagram photos. Look for pieces that stand out visually and capture the spirit of the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the art is generally engaging, parents should be aware that some pieces might touch on intense personal themes. The museum's video lounge with complimentary refreshments provides a nice break for younger visitors. Consider discussing the art with your children, encouraging them to share their interpretations and what they find interesting or surprising about the pieces.
💡 Art Enthusiasts Seeking the Unique
Prepare to be challenged and inspired by works that are deeply personal and often made with unconventional materials. The intimate setting allows for close examination and contemplation, making it a rewarding experience for those who appreciate art that pushes boundaries and tells compelling stories. Don't miss the chance to explore the artist video lounge for deeper insights.
💰 Budget-Conscious Explorers
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding neighborhood or utilize Chicago's extensive public transit system to keep travel costs low. The complimentary coffee and water in the video lounge also add value to your visit, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable break without extra expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The World of Outsider Art
Visitors to Intuit can expect to encounter a diverse range of mediums and styles. This includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and assemblages often made from unconventional materials. The artists featured at Intuit are celebrated for their unique perspectives and their ability to communicate profound ideas and emotions without adhering to traditional artistic conventions. It's a space that champions the idea that art can come from anywhere and anyone.
The museum's commitment extends beyond just exhibitions; it often hosts performances and lectures, further enriching the understanding and appreciation of intuitive and outsider art. This provides a more holistic experience, connecting visitors with the artists and the cultural context of their work. It's a place that encourages a reevaluation of what constitutes 'art' and who gets to be called an 'artist'.
Navigating Intuit: A Visitor's Guide
A notable feature is the video viewing area, where guests can relax in comfortable seating and watch a selection of videos created by the featured artists. This offers a deeper insight into their lives and creative processes. To enhance the visitor experience, Intuit often provides complimentary coffee, tea, and water in this area, making it a perfect spot to pause and reflect.
While the museum is small, it has undergone renovations to expand its space and improve the visitor experience. The staff are frequently highlighted for their warmth and helpfulness, contributing to the overall positive impression of the museum. It's a place that feels both personal and professionally curated, offering a refreshing art encounter.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit