Art Institute of Chicago

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Chicago, United States

1 Locations

A renowned museum dedicated to the collection and display of art and artifacts, including South Asian works.

CCI Score

30.23

-0.01% April 18

Latest Event

Art Institute Repatriates Buddha Sculpture to Nepal

The Art Institute of Chicago returned a 12th‑century Buddha sculpture to Nepal as part of its provenance research, but its announcement omitted reference to influential donor Marilynn Alsdorf. This repatriation move supports cultural restitution while the lack of full transparency raises ethical concerns about donor influence.

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DISSENTER

Art Institute of Chicago is currently rated as a Dissenter.

+25 to +44 CCI Score

These companies are vocal in their opposition to authoritarian regimes. They publicly criticize oppressive policies and engage in advocacy efforts to promote accountability and transparency, even if their actions aren’t as extensive as those of Moral Leaders.

Latest Events

APR

01

2025

Art Institute Repatriates Buddha Sculpture to Nepal
12.67

The Art Institute of Chicago returned a 12th‑century Buddha sculpture to Nepal as part of its provenance research, but its announcement omitted reference to influential donor Marilynn Alsdorf. This repatriation move supports cultural restitution while the lack of full transparency raises ethical concerns about donor influence.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

April 1

By returning a culturally significant Buddha sculpture to Nepal, the museum supports decolonial and anti‑authoritarian efforts in cultural restitution. This action enhances community accountability and acknowledges historical injustices, despite being somewhat undermined by omissions regarding donor ties.

Art Institute of Chicago Returned Statue to Nepal, Omitting Link to ...
-20

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 1

The museum’s failure to disclose its link to donor Marilynn Alsdorf in the announcement compromises transparency and accountability in its provenance reporting. This omission raises concerns about the influence of wealthy donors on curatorial decisions and undermines ethical practices.

Art Institute of Chicago Returned Statue to Nepal, Omitting Link to ...
FEB

23

2024

Investigation into Nazi-looted Drawing at Art Institute of Chicago
-62.38

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office filed a 160‐page motion on 23 February 2024 alleging that the Art Institute of Chicago exhibited 'willful blindness' regarding the provenance of a drawing by Egon Schiele, suspected to be Nazi-looted. Despite previous court rulings supporting its lawful ownership, the filing raises serious concerns over the museum's ethical practices related to the handling and acquisition of artworks with problematic histories.
-70

Supply Chain Ethics

April 1

The allegation of 'willful blindness' in verifying the provenance of an artwork with links to Nazi looting points to significant ethical oversights in acquisition practices. This raises concerns over the museum's commitment to ethical responsibility and due diligence in handling artifacts with potentially looted origins, thereby contributing to the perpetuation of historical injustices.

Art Institute of Chicago accused of holding onto Nazi-looted Egon Schiele
OCT

05

2023

Workers Ratify Historic Contract at Art Institute of Chicago
77.17

The Art Institute of Chicago reached an agreement with its employee union after over a year of negotiations, ratifying its first contract that promises pay raises, improved career opportunities, and affordable healthcare, thereby protecting workers’ rights.
+90

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

April 1

The ratification of the workers' contract is a significant advancement for labor rights at a major cultural institution. It directly improves wages, benefits, and working conditions, aligning with progressive, anti-fascist values by supporting worker empowerment and equity in the workplace.

Art Institute of Chicago Workers Ratify First Contract
SEP

27

2023

Art Institute of Chicago Secures Landmark Union Contract
72.72

Unionized employees at the Art Institute of Chicago and its affiliated school secured their first contract, which guarantees significant wage increases and addresses longstanding workplace culture issues by improving benefits and protections for workers.
+85

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

April 1

The successful union negotiation, resulting in comprehensive wage increases and improved working conditions, marks a strong pro-worker move. This contract directly addresses issues of workplace mistreatment and aims to elevate the rights of lower-paid staff, aligning with anti-authoritarian and pro-labor principles.

Art Institute of Chicago Union Finalizes First Contract, Secures 'Across the Board' Wage Increases
SEP

13

2023

Workers Ratify Union Contract at Art Institute of Chicago
63.92

Over 500 employees of the Art Institute of Chicago and its affiliated school ratified their first union contract, securing immediate wage increases, bonuses, and improved labor conditions.
+75

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

April 1

The ratification of a union contract by over 500 workers demonstrates a significant advancement for worker rights and fair labor practices. The secured wage increases and one‑time bonuses represent positive developments in labor conditions, reinforcing the importance of collective bargaining and anti‑authoritarian labor policies.

Workers at the Art Institute and Its School Ratify Union Contract
AUG

17

2023

Art Institute of Chicago Union Contract Ratified
67.68

After 15 months of negotiations, over 500 unionized workers at the Art Institute of Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago ratified a landmark contract that secures significant pay raises, improved job security, and enhanced workplace transparency.
+80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

April 1

The ratification of the union contract represents a significant progressive step in bolstering workers' rights. By securing notable wage increases, establishing a higher minimum wage, and instituting procedures for internal job postings and layoff notifications, the institution demonstrates a strong commitment to fair labor practices and employee transparency, opposing authoritarian labor policies.

Unionized Workers at the Art Institute of Chicago Have Ratified a ‘Landmark’ First Contract, Ending 15 Months of Negotiations
JUN

15

2022

Workers Protest Over Delayed Fair Contract at Art Institute of Chicago
-45.14

Employees at the Art Institute of Chicago demonstrated on the museum’s front steps to demand progress in contract negotiations, following their vote to unionize over a year ago. The protest highlights management’s delays in addressing fair labor practices.
-60

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

April 1

The company's management is criticized for dragging its feet in contract negotiations despite a union vote. This inaction undermines fair labor practices and worker rights, reflecting an authoritarian approach to labor relations that dismisses the needs of employees.

Art Institute of Chicago workers protest for fair contract
AUG

03

2021

Art Institute of Chicago Employee Unionization Effort
55.20

Approximately 60 museum workers initiated a unionization drive amid concerns over opaque decision-making, layoffs, and increased workloads. The workers are demanding better wages, benefits, and greater transparency in management, positioning this effort as a push for stronger labor rights.
+80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

April 1

The unionization initiative is a progressive move by employees seeking to address issues of worker exploitation and inequity. Their demand for fair wages and benefits, combined with opposition to anti-union management practices, reflects strong support for labor rights and equitable working conditions.

Art Institute of Chicago Employees Are Trying to Unionize, Saying They Are Overworked and Underpaid