Keep your mind and wallet happy! Free museum days in Chicago for winter 2025

Chicago’s rich cultural landscape offers numerous opportunities for Illinois residents to explore its world-class museums without the burden of admission fees. For 2025, several institutions have designated free admission days, allowing locals to immerse themselves in art, history, science, and more. Below is a curated list of museums offering free entry, along with their schedules and websites for further information.

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the world’s oldest and largest art museums, the Art Institute houses over 300,000 works, including masterpieces like “American Gothic” by Grant Wood and “Nighthawks” by Edward Hopper. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission on select days.

•Free Admission: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from Jan. 6 to March 14, 2025.

•Hours: 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

•Address: 111 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago

•Website: Art Institute of Chicago

Field Museum

Renowned for its extensive natural history collections, the Field Museum offers insights into our planet’s past and present. Illinois residents can explore its exhibits for free on designated days.

•Free Admission: Every Wednesday throughout the year for Illinois residents.

•Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

•Address: 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago

•Website: Field Museum

Adler Planetarium

As the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, the Adler Planetarium offers interactive exhibits and sky shows. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission during specific evening hours.

•Free Admission: Every Wednesday evening from 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

•Address: 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago

•Website: Adler Planetarium

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

As one of the largest science museums in the world, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry offers interactive exhibits that inspire and educate. Illinois residents can take advantage of free admission on select days.

•Free Admission: Check the museum’s website for updated free admission dates for Illinois residents.

•Hours: 9:30 a.m–4 p.m.

•Address: 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago

•Website: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Shedd Aquarium

Home to a diverse range of aquatic life, the Shedd Aquarium provides immersive experiences for visitors. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission on select evenings.

•Free Admission: Check the aquarium’s website for updated free admission dates for Illinois residents.

•Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

•Address: 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago

•Website: Shedd Aquarium

Chicago History Museum

Delving into the city’s rich past, the Chicago History Museum offers free admission to Illinois residents on select days.

•Free Admission: Jan. 20-24, 28-31; Feb. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, 2025.

•Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

•Address: 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago

•Website: Chicago History Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Showcasing contemporary art from around the globe, the MCA offers free admission to Illinois residents on specific days.

•Free Admission: Every Tuesday for Illinois residents.

•Hours: 10:00 a.m.-9 p.m.

•Address: 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago

•Website: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

Dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans, the DuSable Museum offers free admission on select days.

•Free Admission: Every Wednesday.

•Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

•Address: 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago

•Website: DuSable Museum

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Focusing on nature and conservation, this museum offers free admission to Illinois residents on designated days.

•Free Admission: Every Thursday.

•Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

•Address: 2430 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago

•Website: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

National Museum of Mexican Art

Located in the Pilsen neighborhood, this museum offers free admission year-round, showcasing Mexican art and culture.

•Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

•Address: 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago

•Website: National Museum of Mexican Art

Smart Museum of Art

A hidden gem at the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art features a diverse collection of historical and contemporary works. Admission is always free for all visitors.

•Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

•Address: 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago

•Website: Smart Museum of Art

Tips for Visitors

Be sure to bring proof of Illinois residency (such as a state ID or utility bill) to take advantage of free days. Check each museum’s website for updated schedules, special exhibits, and additional guidelines before visiting.