CHICAGO MUSEUM FIELD GUIDE
Art Across Cultures: An Hourlong Virtual Classroom from the Art Institute of Chicago
A one-hour virtual program that guides students through two artworks to explore cultural perspective and personal identity—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Art Across Cultures: An Hourlong Virtual Classroom from the Art Institute of Chicago.
Delivered by the Art Institute of Chicago, Art Across Cultures is a focused, hour-long virtual visit that draws on objects from across the museum’s vast collection to show how artists transmit and respond to their cultures. Students examine two artworks and use student-centered strategies to reflect on identity and place in the world.
Highlights
Experience Highlights
Cross-cultural pairings from a world-class collection
The program selects two artworks from across the museum to highlight different cultural worldviews and artistic responses, offering direct comparison and discussion.
Student-centered conversation and reflection
Facilitated strategies center learners, prompting students to consider their own sense of self and place in the world through guided discussion of the artworks.
Accessible for classrooms and individual students
The virtual format accommodates whole classrooms, hybrid groups, or students joining individually, making the program adaptable to many learning contexts.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
The hour unfolds as a focused exploration: participants look closely at two selected objects, hear contextual prompts from museum educators, and engage in guided reflection that connects the works to students’ own identities and perspectives.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits—and when to look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The virtual experience runs for 1 hour.
Intended for Grades 2–12 and Transition Programs. One adult is required per program; in Inclusive Teaching and Self-Contained Classrooms up to one adult per student is permitted.
If students join individually, each student should have access to their own device to participate.
If you do not see a suitable date or time, call (312) 443-3907 to explore alternative availability.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the program?
The experience is 1 hour long.
What grade levels is this for?
The program is offered for Grades 2–12 and Transition Programs.
How many artworks do students study?
Students engage with two artworks during the session.
Can whole classrooms or hybrid groups participate?
Yes; the program can serve whole classrooms together, hybrid classrooms, or students joining individually on their own device.
Is an adult required to be present?
Yes. One adult is required per program; in Inclusive Teaching and Self-Contained Classrooms, up to one adult per student is permitted.
What if I don't find a suitable date or time?
Call (312) 443-3907 to explore alternative availability for virtual scheduling.