The Art Institute of Chicago Launches 'Indoor GPS'

Each tour includes six to ten works of art with short texts as well as turn-by-turn directions and maps made possible by the museum's new indoor positioning system. Additional features of the app include descriptions of and directions to current exhibitions at the museum; the ability to learn more about specific works by accessing the Art Institute's website, complete with videos on many of the works; and directions to amenities such as restrooms and restaurants. Tours will be periodically added to the app, leading to a library of options for visitors every time they come to the museum. While the turn-by-turn navigation works best at the museum, the app also allows users to "tour" the Art Institute from an El platform, living room, or line at the grocery store.

The Art Institute will continue to offer the popular Acoustiguide audio tours of the museum, available at both the Michigan Avenue and Modern Wing entrances and outside certain special exhibitions. With the audio tours and the new Wi-Fi tours app, the works of art at one of the world's greatest museums have become even more accessible--at the fingertips of visitors both inside and outside of the Art Institute.