Visitor FAQs
Getting to the Museum
Is the admission and programming at the Smart really free?
Yes! The Smart is always free and open to all, including exhibition admission and programs.
If you’d like to support the Smart’s mission of remaining a free educational art institution, consider donating and becoming a SmartPartner.
When is the Smart open?
The Museum is generally open to the public Tuesday through Sunday; 10 am – 4:30 pm. However, please check our Hours & Directions page for upcoming exceptions before planning your visit to account for installation closures and university holidays.
Where should I park?
Garage parking is available one block from the Smart Museum, in the University’s Campus North parking garage located on 55th Street and Ellis Avenue. There are also metered visitor and accessible parking spaces available in the Young parking lot located just to the west of the Museum.
Free street parking is accessible near the Museum along S Ellis Ave and E 56th St. Availability varies based on time of day and university programming. Please note that street parking is highly limited.
Visit the Smart’s Parking page for more details and maps.
Accessibility
Is the Museum accessible?
Yes! Visitors who require accessibility accommodations can park immediately west of the Smart, in the Young parking lot. Please note that this is a paid hourly lot. Additionally, there is a ramp into the galleries from the west entrance and a single-user restroom available.
Please ask at the information desk if you require any assistance, and visit our Accessibility page for more information.
Are wheelchairs and strollers permitted in the galleries?
Yes!
The Smart Museum’s galleries are accessible to wheelchair users and others who cannot use the stairs. A ramp into the galleries is located at the west doors. Please ask at the information desk if you require any assistance. A complimentary wheelchair is available next to the coat closet.
Visitors may use strollers throughout the Smart. A ramp into the Museum’s galleries is located on the west side of the lobby. Strollers may also be stored in the coat closet or at the information desk.
What if I can't read the gallery labels?
Large-print label packets for exhibitions are available at the Guest Services desk and from gallery attendants.
QR codes within the galleries and through the Bloomberg Connects app also allow for selected audio tours and Google Translate support.
Museum Policies
What isn't allowed in the galleries?
Please help the Smart protect the artwork in the galleries!
- Please do not touch the art. To avoid accidents, be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from works of art, cases, and platforms at all times.
- Before entering the galleries, check large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas in a locker or at the information desk. The bag check is complimentary.
- Please dispose of any food, drink, or gum.
- Write and sketch only with pencils. If needed, pencils are available at the information desk.
- Please silence your cell phone.
- Flash photography is prohibited.
Does the Smart have bag and coat check?
Bag and coat check services are complimentary.
Lockers are available for use by our visitors and are located just around the corner from the museum entrance. Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas are not allowed in the galleries and should be checked in a locker or at the information desk. The Smart Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
What is the Smart's photo policy?
Visitors are welcome to take photographs or videos for personal, noncommercial use in the Smart Museum’s galleries, under the following guidelines:
- Photos must be taken using existing lighting only—flash photography and the use of external lighting equipment is prohibited.
- Photos may be taken with a hand-held camera or cell phone. Use of professional video cameras, tripods, or other equipment is not allowed.
- Selfie sticks are not allowed.
- In some cases, works on loan from other institutions or individuals may not be photographed. Such works will be clearly marked with a “no photography” icon on the label or near the work. For clarification on what is permitted, please consult with our information desk on the day of your visit.
What is the Smart's sketching policy?
Sketching is allowed in the Smart Museum’s galleries, but for the safety of the artwork, please follow these guidelines:
- Use only graphite pencil or graphite stick in the galleries.
- No crayon, charcoal, Conté crayon, ink, or chalk is allowed in the gallery spaces. Any dry media however is acceptable for use in the Museum’s lobby. No spray fix is allowed in the building.
- No wet media (e.g., paints) are allowed in the galleries.
- Use only a handheld notebook or sketchpad (no larger than 14 × 17 inches).
- Do not use any wall surface, pedestal, or platform to prop up work.
- Do not block passageways in galleries.
What's On View
How can I check what's on view?
View our on-view exhibitions page for the most up-to-date information. Admission is always free.
Where can I buy an exhibition catalog?
Exhibition catalogues are available to order online through our Publications page and are distributed via UChicago Press. Note that selected publications may be distributed more widely across online stockists such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart. If an archival exhibition catalog is out of stock online, please contact Elisabeth Oster, communications and publications associate, at [email protected]. The Smart may be able to find a copy on the museum premises or provide a digital reference for research and education-based purposes.
Publications related to the currently on-view exhibitions are also available for purchase on site at the Smart Museum of Art via the Guest Services front desk.
Events & Tours
How can I learn about upcoming programming?
Visit the Smart’s online calendar to view upcoming exhibition, university, and family programming. Printed seasonal programming highlights are available at the front desk. Programming is always free and open to all.
How do I schedule a tour?
Individual patrons and general public are welcome to attend a public tour by checking the Smart’s programming calendar. Self-guided select audio tours are always available in-gallery and online via the Bloomberg Connects app or QR code labels.
- Are you a peer institution or adult-serving organizations? Community tours can be requested through an online form, subject to availability and staff capacity.
- Are you a K–12 school or educator looking to schedule a field trip? The Smart offers free guided educational tours via our request form.
- Are you a university class looking to schedule a class collections or exhibition visit? The Smart offers personalized visits to make the Smart an extension classroom with up-close object study via our request form.
- Are you an indpendent researcher looking to study the Smart’s collection in-person? Request a visit via an online form, subject to capacity.
Can I rent the Smart's space for my own event?
Yes! The Smart’s lobby and courtyard space are available for private and public event rentals. The museum has hosted book launches, birthdays, weddings, alumni reunions, fundraisers, banquets, and more.
For more information and to fill out a request form, visit the Host Your Event page.
Support the Smart
How do I get member benefits and support the Smart?
The Smart’s free admission and upcoming exhibitions would not be possible without our generous community of friends and partners! As a thank you, the Smart offers member-only benefits, preferred access to programming, and free reciprocal admission to select museum partners.
To view the full list of SmartPartner benefits and to learn more about supporting the Smart, visit our SmartPartners page.
Looking for other ways to support the Museum? Learn more about gifts of art, planned giving, endowment gifts, annual fund, and corporate partnerships.
How do I donate an artwork to the Museum?
The Smart welcomes proposed gifts of art. All proposed gifts are reviewed by the curatorial team to determine a work’s alignment with the Smart’s collection plan and our ability to care for and conserve each piece in perpetuity.
The development team can assist you with your proposed gift, including information regarding bequests and planned giving. For all inquiries, please contact [email protected] with the following information:
- Name of the artist(s)
- Title of the work, if known
- Work’s creation date
- Artwork medium
- Artwork dimensions
- Work’s current location and condition
- Ideally, at least one high-resolution photograph