Free Museum Days in Chicago (2025 Guide)
Free Museum Days in Chicago (2025 Guide)
Chicago is home to some of the best museums in the country — and you don’t always have to pay to visit them. Many world-class museums offer free admission on certain days for Illinois residents. Here’s your updated guide to when and where you can explore Chicago’s top museums for free.
Weekly and Monthly Free Admission Days (Illinois Residents)
Art Institute of Chicago
Free Thursday evenings for Illinois residents from June 5 to September 25 (5–8 pm).
Always free for Chicago teens under 18, kids under 14, educators, Link/WIC cardholders, and active military.
Adler Planetarium
Free every Wednesday evening (4–10 pm) for Illinois residents.
Free daily for Illinois teachers.
Field Museum
Free general admission every Wednesday for Illinois residents (January 8 – August 27).
Teachers and active-duty military also receive year-round free general admission.
Shedd Aquarium
Free for Illinois residents on select winter dates (e.g., Jan 7–9, 14–21, 28–30; Feb 4–6, 11–13, 18–20, 25–27).
Free every Tuesday evening (5–9 pm) from March through August.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
Free for Illinois residents every Tuesday.
Always free for visitors under 18, people with disabilities and their caregivers, military personnel, veterans, first responders, and Illinois teachers.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Free every Thursday for Illinois residents; suggested donation is $10 per household.
Museum of Science and Industry (MSI)
Free on select dates for Illinois residents:
January 13–15, 26–29
February 3–6, 9–13, 18–20, 24–27
June 12 & 19
August 18–19, 25–26
September 2–4, 7–10, 14–17, 22–24, 29–30
October 1, 6–8, 14–15
DuSable Black History Museum
Free for all visitors every Wednesday.
Swedish American Museum
Free on the second Tuesday of each month.
Glessner House
Free for Illinois residents on the first and third Thursdays of each month (1 pm tours).
Additional Special Free Admission Dates
Chicago History Museum
Free on select days:
Jan 20–24, 28–31
Feb 4–7, 11–14, 17, 18–21, 25–28
Mar 4, 12, 27
Apr 16, 30
May 8, 26
Jun 19, 21, 28
Jul 4, 24, 30
Aug 13, 28
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art (Oak Brook)
Free every Wednesday.
Always free for military members and children under 6.
Always Free Museums in Chicago
These museums are always free for everyone, making them perfect for budget-friendly exploring:
National Museum of Mexican Art (Pilsen)
National Public Housing Museum
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Chicago Cultural Center
Smart Museum of Art (University of Chicago)
Hyde Park Art Center
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
21c Museum Hotel Chicago (contemporary art gallery inside the hotel)
The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
What to Know Before You Go
Bring proof of residency: Most museums require an Illinois ID, driver’s license, or a piece of mail to confirm eligibility.
Reserve ahead: Some museums require advance online reservations, even on free days.
Special exhibits may cost extra: Free days typically cover general admission only.
Arrive early: Free admission days can be busy, so plan ahead and consider weekday visits.
Check each museum’s website: Free dates can change, and some museums add or adjust special free days during the year.
Explore Chicago for Free
Whether you’re drawn to art, science, nature, or history, Chicago’s museums offer countless opportunities to discover something new — without spending a dime. Use this guide to plan your next adventure and experience the city’s cultural treasures on a budget.