Free museum days in Chicago: Your guide to exploring on a budget

World-class art, ancient mummies, wild science experiments, and underwater creatures, all without spending a dime. Chicago’s museums are offering dozens of free admission days. 

Art Institute of Chicago
Masterpieces await — for free.

• Free for Illinois residents:

  • Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from Jan. 6 to March 14

  • Thursday evenings from June 1 to Sept. 25

• Always free for: Chicago teens under 18, children under 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators

• Tickets must be reserved online in advance

Adler Planetarium
Launch into space for less.

• Free every Wednesday evening from 4 to 10 p.m. for Illinois residents

• Always free for Illinois pre-K through 12th grade teachers

• All tickets must be reserved online in advance

Chicago History Museum
Dig into the city’s stories.

• Free days for Illinois residents:

  • Jan. 20–24, 28–31

  • Feb. 4–7, 11–14, 17, 18–21, 25–28

  • March 4, 12, 27

  • April 16, 30

  • May 8, 26

  • June 19, 21, 28

  • July 4, 24, 30

  • Aug. 13, 28

• Always free for: active-duty military and veterans, Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, residents under 18, and kids under 12

Field Museum
Unearth natural wonders.

• Free every Wednesday from Jan. 8 to June 25 for Illinois residents

• Free tickets include general admission exhibits

• Always free for: Illinois teachers and active military personnel

• Online reservation required

Shedd Aquarium
Dive into aquatic adventures.

• Free for Illinois residents:

  • Jan. 7–9, 14–21, 28–30

  • Feb. 4–6, 11–13, 18–20, 25–27

• Free evening hours from 5 to 9 p.m.:

  • March 4, 11, 18, 25

  • April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

  • May 6, 13, 20, 27

  • June 3, 10, 17, 24

• Always free for: EBT cardholders, Chicago police officers and firefighters, active-duty military, and educators from IL, IN, MI, and WI

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Where science meets imagination.

• Free days for Illinois residents:

  • Jan. 13–15, 26–29

  • Feb. 3–6, 9–13, 18–20, 24–27

  • April 20

  • June 12, 19

• Always free for: U.S. military (active and veterans), Illinois POWs, Chicago police and firefighters, and Illinois teachers

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Celebrate Black history and culture.

• Free admission for all every Wednesday

• Always free for: military, first responders, University of Chicago students, Park District employees, and Illinois public school students

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Cutting-edge creativity for everyone.

• Free for Illinois residents every Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Always free for: visitors under 18, those with disabilities and their caregivers, military members, veterans and their families, and Illinois teachers

• Pay-what-you-can admission policy

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Get closer to nature.

• Free admission for Illinois residents every Thursday

• Suggested $10 donation per household

• Always free for: children under 2, active-duty military and their families, and Illinois teachers

Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier
Play your way through learning.

• Always free for veterans and active military with valid ID

Swedish American Museum
Explore Scandinavian heritage.

• Free admission every second Tuesday of the month

• Children under 1 always free

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Remember, reflect, and learn.

• Free for all on the last Friday of every month

• Reserve tickets online in advance

Museums that are always free
No need to check a calendar — these Chicago gems are free every day:

• National Museum of Mexican Art

• National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

• Museum of Contemporary Photography

• 21C Museum Hotel Chicago

• Smart Museum of Art

• Hyde Park Art Center

• Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

Whether you're a lifelong Chicagoan or just visiting, there’s no shortage of culture waiting for you, no wallet required.