Intuit Art Museum is a small museum at 756 N Milwaukee Ave in Chicago, devoted to intuitive, outsider and self-taught art. Its galleries bring together works by artists outside the mainstream art world, with a permanent collection that includes Henry Darger’s drawings and writings. You can also settle into a video-viewing area with comfortable chairs and complimentary coffee, tea and water. The intimate scale makes it easy to take your time with individual pieces; a guided tour can add context about the artists and their work.
Art outside the mainstream
Intuit Art Museum focuses on intuitive, outsider and contemporary self-taught art. The artists it presents have little influence from the mainstream art world and follow their own personal visions. The collection includes work by artists whose experiences and perspectives have often been underrepresented in traditional art settings.
The museum was established in 1991 to present and promote this work. Its permanent collection has grown to more than a thousand pieces. Exhibitions can also include student art, displayed with context alongside other works.
The Henry Darger collection
A central part of the museum is its permanent Henry Darger collection. Darger’s artwork and writings were discovered in 1973, including material connected with The Story of the Vivian Girls. The collection brings together source materials and personal documents, as well as architectural details, fixtures and furnishings from his room.
A reconstructed section recreates the room and studio from Darger’s Lincoln Park home. His drawings and scrolls offer a close look at the work of an artist whose practice developed outside formal art institutions.
Take time with the galleries and videos
The museum’s galleries are compact, so a visit can focus on a small number of works at a time. Exhibitions change, and the specific pieces on view depend on the current rotation. The gift shop carries work by local artists.
A separate viewing area has comfortable chairs and complimentary coffee, tea and water. You can choose from a selection of artist videos. The footage was filmed with a handheld camera, so it may be uncomfortable if you are prone to motion sickness.
FAQ
How long does a visit to Intuit Art Museum take?
Plan for about one to two hours, depending on the exhibitions and how long you spend with the galleries and videos.
What kind of art is at Intuit Art Museum?
The museum presents intuitive, outsider and self-taught art, including work by artists outside the mainstream art world.
Does Intuit Art Museum have a Henry Darger collection?
Yes. Its permanent collection includes Darger’s drawings and writings, source materials and personal documents, along with elements from his room and studio.
Can you watch videos at the museum?
Yes. A viewing area has comfortable seating and complimentary coffee, tea and water. The videos use handheld-camera footage.
