CHICAGO, IL.- Chicago’s Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, recognized worldwide as one of the few institutions dedicated solely to championing the work of self-taught and outsider artists, will officially reopen to the public as the Intuit Art Museum (IAM), Friday, April 25, 2025, following a transformative $10 million renovation and expansion of its current facility at 756 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago’s eclectic West Town neighborhood. In tripling its footprint, the new Intuit Art Museum will dramatically update its exhibition, programming, and learning spaces for the showcase and study of self-taught art, defined as work made by artists who work outside the mainstream and have developed a serious artistic practice. Some artists may have faced societal, economic, or geographic barriers to pursuing extensive training in the arts.
Now encompassing three floors over 18,000 square feet, among the dramatically enhanced spaces that will welcome Intuit visitors are four exhibition galleries: A first-ever gallery dedicated to works from Intuit’s permanent collection (seldom on view up to now), two for the presentation of timely, thought-provoking special exhibitions, and one that will flex between special and collection exhibitions; a dedicated education and art-making studio; a flexible community gathering space to host performances, lectures and activities for visitors; a revamped gift store featuring an array of unique, fun and artist-made products; and a reimagined Henry Darger Room and interpretive exhibition, showcasing the art and life of the iconic Chicago outsider artist over the span of two floors. Intuit’s staff is especially proud of the physical upgrades to accommodate all guests, including a new passenger elevator, interior staircases, and an accessible and welcoming entryway.
“It’s rare that a museum gets the opportunity to rebuild, reimagine and rebrand everything from the ground up—physical space, digital experience, even name and logo. Our aim in undertaking this massive renovation was to create the most welcoming and relevant museum space in Chicago, if not the country,” said Intuit President and CEO Debra Kerr. “The redesign and expansion maintain the facility’s edgy character while incorporating the physical improvements needed for guest accessibility, creating a welcoming, safe, community epicenter for experiencing art and the authentic narratives of self-taught artists. We are incredibly grateful to the City of Chicago and key supporters to whom we pay tribute with recognition in spaces throughout the museum, including Susann Craig, the Duchossois Family, Jean and Lewis Greenblatt in honor of Caelan Mys, Kohler Co., JoAnn and Scott Lang, Jan Petry, Douglas O. Robson of San Francisco, Robert A. Roth, and Cleo Wilson.”
“The April opening of IAM will magnificently culminate years of planning and our ambitious ‘Intuit - Just Imagine!’ capital campaign. Special appreciation goes to the City of Chicago for its $5 million Community Development Grant in 2022, as part of then-Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot’s Chicago Recovery Plan,” added Intuit Board Chair Scott Lang. “I am incredibly proud of the entire Intuit Board and Staff, which have stayed true to our goals of providing both onsite and online guests a rich museum experience; drawing thousands of new local, national and international visitors to Intuit and this incredible, historically underrepresented genre of art; and strengthening Intuit’s arts education programs for teachers, students and learners of all ages. It has been 10 years in the making to create the new Intuit Art Museum, which ensures the sustainability of one of Chicago’s cultural gems for generations to come.”
Said Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth, " Intuit’s reopening as the Intuit Art Museum represents a bold new chapter for Chicago's cultural landscape. This renovation not only strengthens our city’s commitment to artists but also ensures a welcoming and accessible space where people can engage with the transformative power of artistic expression. We are proud to support an institution that highlights voices too often overlooked and one that cultivates deeper connections between the community and creativity.”
“Intuit has long been an important community hub contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the 27th ward. With this significant reopening, the neighborhood welcomes visitors from around the city and around the world to experience the world-class art exhibitions on view at the new Museum. Intuit will be a hidden gem no more!” offered Vice Mayor of Chicago and 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr.
Intuit has occupied its 756 N. Milwaukee Avenue address since 1999 (after its founding in 1991). The expansive renovation project started in Fall 2023, led by the Chicago-based team of Doyle & Associates (architect), Pepper Construction Company (general contractor) and Steven D. Thompson (consultant).
