Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago has collected 300,000 works to house in its permanent collection and 30 ever-changing special exhibitions. You do not have to be an art connoisseur to visit the Art Institute. The gallery talks, lectures, performances and extensive collection of art that ranges from Byzantine paintings to authentic American Indian garb ensure that there is something for everyone. The Art Institute of Chicago aims to make art more approachable and interesting, and it does so by educating the public about the true contexts of the art by teaching about its history and culture.