If there is any unifying truth in 2025 that binds Chicagoans together, it's that we can all agree that everything has become too darn expensive in our beautiful city. Rent prices are through the roof, buying a carton of eggs requires taking out a second mortgage, and people are selling naming rights to their firstborn children just to get a tank of gas! Perhaps that last one is a bit of an embellishment, but it comes with a pinch of truth that it's difficult to find a decent deal on pretty much anything these days.
That's why it's never been a better time to check out one of Chicago’s free museum days this month and enjoy an engaging and educational day out on the city’s dime. Listed below are the upcoming discount dates for some of our favorite Chicago museums!
Ader Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium offers a variety of discounted tickets throughout the year. Upcoming free museum days include:
- Every Wednesday evening from 4–10 p.m.
All tickets must be purchased online and in advance. Admission is always free for Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12).
Museum of Science & Industry
A world of wonder awaits at the Museum of Science & Industry, which offers free admission for Illinois residents on select dates each month. The remaining November days are:
- Monday, Nov. 17, and Tuesday, Nov. 18
The Museum of Science and Industry is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade).
Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum offers free entry for Illinois residents on the following dates:
- Wednesday, Nov. 19
Admission is always free for active-duty military and veterans, active-duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12.
Photo by: Field Museum
Field Museum
The Field Museum offers free basic admission on Wednesdays throughout the month, including:
Wednesday, Nov. 19, and Wednesday, Nov. 26
Free admission tickets are only available on site and only include access to general admission exhibitions. Reservations ahead of time are not accepted.
Shedd Aquarium
Everybody's favorite aquatic escape offers free entry in the evenings from 5-9 p.m. on Thursdays this month, including:
Thursday, Nov. 13, Thursday, Nov. 20, and Thursday, Nov. 27
Reservations are required ahead of time for free tickets, and some service fees may apply. Free admission is limited to Illinois residents only.
Read more on Chicago Star:
Dusable Museum
The Dusable Black History Museum & Education Center offers free admission for all every Wednesday, with this month's dates including:
Wednesday, Nov. 19, and Wednesday, Nov. 26
Online booking in advance is currently required for all visitors. Admission is always free for military and first responders.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Be inspired at this showcase of cutting-edge modern art. The Museum offers free entrance on Tuesday evenings between 5-9 p.m. The remaining November dates include:
Tuesday, Nov. 18, and Tuesday, Nov. 25
The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for visitors under age 18. Visitors with disabilities and their caregivers receive free admission, as well as the following: members of the military, police, fire departments, and veterans, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers.
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