Discover free admission days at Chicago’s top museums and cultural spots this year
Chicago: Start 2025 by checking out the city’s amazing museums without spending a penny. Many of them have free admission days throughout the year, so you can enjoy everything from the Adler Planetarium to the Art Institute.
The Adler Planetarium is a great spot for Illinois residents, offering free entry on Wednesdays from 4 to 10 p.m. You can dive into interactive exhibits and learn all about space and astronomy. Plus, teachers from pre-K to 12th grade get in free all year long!
At the Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois residents can visit for free on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays until March 14, with Wednesdays added starting March 5. It’s a fantastic chance to see their famous Impressionist collection and other contemporary exhibitions.
Don’t miss the Chicago Architecture Center, where tickets are just $5 through March 9. They have cool exhibits on architectural innovations, including a scale model of the city and an interactive display about the Great Chicago Fire.
The Chicago Cultural Center is always free and features a variety of exhibits, from Black girlhood to stunning architecture. Just a heads up, access to the Tiffany Dome will be limited due to renovations until April 1.
Families will love the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, which has free admission for veterans and active military members. While there aren’t any free days for the general public yet, Illinois residents can snag discounted tickets for $21.
The Chicago History Museum is waiving fees for Illinois residents on select dates in January and February. It’s a great place to learn about Chicago’s rich history, from its early days to modern times.
Another gem is the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, which offers free admission during regular hours on Wednesdays and weekends. They have fascinating exhibits on Chinese American veterans and immigration stories.
Don’t forget the DuSable Black History Museum, which is free every Wednesday. It’s the oldest independent African American history museum in the U.S. and highlights the contributions of Black individuals in Chicago and beyond.
The Museum of Science and Industry has select free admission days, so check their website for updates. You can explore amazing exhibits like the Coal Mine Experience and the James Bond-themed 007 exhibition.
Illinois residents can also visit the Field Museum for free every Wednesday through March 26. You’ll get to see incredible exhibits like Evolving Planet and Inside Ancient Egypt.
For kids, the Haitian American Museum offers free admission for children under 5, showcasing vibrant works by Haitian American artists. Just remember, they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Illinois Holocaust Museum has free admission on the last Friday of each month, focusing on preserving the memory of the Holocaust and promoting human rights.
The Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission for Illinois residents every Tuesday and for visitors under 18 every day. It features a diverse range of contemporary art from local and international artists.
In Humboldt Park, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture offers free admission year-round, highlighting Puerto Rican heritage and identity.
Meanwhile, the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen is also free year-round, showcasing a rich collection of Mexican and Mexican American art.
For nature lovers, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has Donation Days every Thursday, where you can pay what you can or enjoy free admission to explore their exhibits.
Lastly, the Shedd Aquarium has free admission days this winter, so you can check out their amazing marine life exhibits. Just remember to make a reservation!
Andersonville’s Swedish American Museum offers free admission on the second Tuesday of each month, celebrating Swedish culture and heritage.
