The Art Institute of Chicago has opened up much of its digital archive to the public. Now, website users have unrestricted access to over 44,000 images  under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license.
View the collection here

What this means, according to the Art Institute, is that these images can be downloaded for free on the artwork’s pages. In addition, the Institute has also enhanced image viewing capabilities on object pages, allowing viewers to see the works in greater detail.

You can explore the cryerson and Burnham Archives, search by architect or artist, or by city.

There is also a Visual Artist Oral History Archive under development. Suggested topics for the interviews include:
academic study, family background, cultural influences, gallery affiliations, exhibitions, awards, artistic influences and the role of Chicago in their work and career.  Explore the oral history archive here

Screenshot of Art Institute of Chicago website