Free Chicago Museum Days
Image from Museum of Science and Industry
Chicago boasts an impressive number of acclaimed museums and cultural institutions. All across the city, there are museums to document the history and culture of a variety of people, topics, and interests. Most of these public institutions feature free days at certain times of the year. Check out our list of free days for Chicagos most popular museums.
Oriental Institute Of The University Of Chicago
This is yet another great museum to visit in the windy city, but its worth noting that while they dont technically offer free admission, they do accept donations of just about any amount.
The Oriental Institute has permanent galleries focused on ancient Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia, Nubia, Syria, Anatolia, and other ancient Near East locations.
As with most museums, they also provide limited exhibits that rotate every few months, each devoted to subjects related to ancient Eastern culture.
Hours
- 10 am – 4 pm | Tue-Sun
- Closed on Monday & major US holidays
The suggested donation amount is $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12.
Museum Of Contemporary Photography
- mocp.org
- 663-5554
The MoCP is the worlds premier college art museum dedicated to photography. As an international hub, we generate ideas and provoke dialogue among students, artists and diverse communities through groundbreaking exhibitions and programming. Our mission is to cultivate a deeper understanding of the artistic, cultural and political roles of photography in our world today.
Founded in 1976 by Columbia College Chicago as the successor to the Chicago Center for Contemporary Photography, the Museum of Contemporary Photography began collecting in the early 1980s and has since grown its collection to include more than 15,000 objects by over 1,500 artists. The MoCP is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
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Mccormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
99 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601 312.977.0227
Chicago has the most moveable bridges in the world. Get an inside look literally, at these complex structures at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. The museum is not offering free days at this time, but admission for adults is only $6.
220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, 312.280.2660
- Neighborhood: Magnificent Mile / Streeterville
2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, 773.755.5100
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has the most hands-on activities of any museum in the city.
2022 Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Free Days :
What Type Of Id Do I Need For Illinois Resident Free Days Or The Chicago Resident Discount
All adults in your party are required to show a photo ID with an Illinois address to receive free admission on Illinois Resident Free Days or a Chicago address to receive the daily Chicago resident price children do not require proof of residency if they are accompanied by a resident adult with the appropriate ID. Current college and university IDs are valid proof of residency for students living in Illinois or Chicago while attending school.
If a residents photo ID does not list their current address in Illinois or Chicago, secondary documentation confirming residency will be accepted, including a utility bill, a bank statement, a lease agreement, a recent pay stub, or other official documentation that lists the residents full name and address in Illinois or Chicago. In this case, a photo ID is still required as well.
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Field Museum 1400 S Lake Shore Dr 312
Illinois residents receive free basic admission and discounted passes to explore ticketed exhibits on selected dates throughout the year.
Upcoming 2022 free dates for Illinois residents include Aug. 23, 24 and 30, 31 Sept. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Nov. 1, 2, 8, 9.
All The 2022 Free Days At Museums In Chicago And The Suburbs
How lucky are we to be surrounded by world-class museums, zoos, and gardens throughout the Chicagoland area? While the Kidlist team loves exploring all there is to see at the Museum of Science and Industry, Brookfield Zoo, and more, we cant ignore the fact that the cost of these visits certainly adds up. These institutions have graciously opened their doors with the ultimate family-friendly price free! You wont worry about the price of admission, but make sure to check their websites for additional admission guidelines or restrictions.
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Free Museum Days In Chicago
Experience Chicagos award-winning museums, without spending a dime. Check out our ever-growing list of Chicago free museum days in 2022, plus some of our museums that are free all year long.
Looking for other ways to save? Check out the Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card, which offers admission to several Chicago museums and attractions for one discounted price.
Heres a list of upcoming free Chicago museum days. Keep in mind that some museums may be operating with different hours and new ticketing procedures contact the museum to learn more.
No Advance Ticket Required
The following groups are invited to visit our galleries at no cost every dayeven when museum admission tickets are sold out.
In order to receive your free admission benefits, simply show the corresponding identification at the admissions desk in either museum lobby. Free admission benefits are not single useyou are welcome to use them any time you would like to visit.
Kids under 14Admission is always free for children under 14. These free tickets are available online as well as on-site at the admissions counters.
Chicago TeensMuseum admission is free for Chicago teens under the age of 18, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Glenn and Claire Swogger and the Redbud Foundation. See more opportunities and resources for teens.
Active-Duty MilitaryAs part of the Blue Star Museums program, active-duty service members receive free admission all year long. Plus, from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day, we also welcome service members and their households. Please bring your active-duty military ID to the admissions counter to receive this benefit.
LINK and WIC CardholdersAs part of Museums for All, LINK and WIC cardholders and anyone in their households receive free general admission to the museum and all ticketed special exhibitions. Simply present your card along with a valid photo ID.
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Note: Identification And Proof Of Illinois Residency Are Required For Free Days
Kids Museum Passport
This program, sponsored by the 15 Museums Work for Chicago institutions, allows individuals with a Chicago Public Library card to check out a pass for free general admission to the Art Institute. Please note the new rules regarding the use of the Kids Museum Passport:
- Each pass admits a maximum of four people for general admission, including special exhibitions.
- Each group using a pass must be accompanied by at least one child under the age of 18.
- A maximum of two adults are admitted on one pass.
Free With A Tourist Pass
If youre looking for another way to save some money on museum tickets, you may want to think about getting a Chicago attraction discount tourist pass.
These services allow you to pay one flat price for access to either a specific number of attractions or a set number of days in which you can enjoy dozens of popular activities.
Once youve paid for the pass, youll receive free access to all of the museums included with the service.
In addition to providing free or discounted admission to several museums, most passes also offer skip-the-line privileges at some locations.
The following Chicago museums are included with tourist passes:
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Dusable Museum Of African American History 740 E 56th Pl 773
The DuSable is the nations oldest independent African American Museum. It is named for Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, a businessman who was Chicagos first permanent non-indigenous resident.
All visitors receive free admission on Wednesdays at DuSable Museum, and first responders and active military are always free. Advance online booking is suggested for all visitors.
Art Institute Of Chicago 111 S Michigan Ave 312
The Art Institute supplies free days throughout the year for Illinois residents. For 2022, free days are Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, through March 17, 2022. Free tickets for Illinois residents must be reserved online in advance.
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to children under 18 who are residents of Chicago. All children under age 14 always have free admission, as well as Link and WIC cardholders, active military, and Illinois educators.
If you have children you may want to try to check out a Chicago Public Library Free Museum pass
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International Museum Of Surgical Science
1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610, 312.642.6502
Free admission is available for the following:
ASTC Members FREE Admission for two adults and all children under 18 of the same household. Must present valid ASTC Membership card with ID or other proof of residence.
Exclusions: Members of centers & museums OR members residence located within 90 miles as the crow flies from the International Museum of Surgical Science. Does not include special exhibits.
Museums for All Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance can gain free or reduced admission to more than 300 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card. Up to four people admitted for free per card. Does not include special exhibits.
AAM Members FREE Admission with membership card. Does not include special exhibits.
1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523 630.833.1616
This gem of a museum highlights the fine art of cutting and polishing stones.
- Free on Wednesdays
Can I Reserve Free Day Tickets For Family Or Guests Who Are Visiting But Do Not Live In Illinois
Our Illinois Resident Free Days are only available to residents of the state of Illinois and does not apply to any guests from other states, even when they are visiting with an Illinois resident. Proof of residency, such as a state ID/drivers license, will be required at the time of arrival for all adults in your party .
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Museum Of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers receive free admission, members of the military and police and fire departments and veterans, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers.
- Illinois residents receive free admission every Tuesday
To encourage more people to visit and visit often, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy no one will be turned away. They also offer suggested admission of $3 each for up to six individuals when visitors present their LINK Card as part of the Museums for All program.
Reserve Online In Advance
Illinois ResidentsAdmission was free for Illinois residents on weekdays November 29December 17, 2021, and January 3March 17, 2022. Check back for the announcement of future dates.
To receive free admission tickets, Illinois residents must reserve them online in advance. Resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If youre unable to reserve tickets in advance, please stop by the admissions desks for assistance.
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Museum Of Science And Industry
Admission at the Museum of Science and Industry is free for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year.
Upcoming free museum days in 2022 at the Museum of Science and Industry include:
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 .
The Field Museum Of Natural History: General Admission
Tickets Entrance ticket for 1 to The Field Museum of Natural History
Free basic admission for teachers and active military personnel, and on select days for Illinois residentsHighlights See the museum’s impressive dinosaur collections Access to the permanent exhibitions at the museum The perfect family-friendly day out General Info Date and time: various dates and times available Opening hours: daily from 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Location: The Field Museum of Natural History Ages: all ages welcome Safety measures will be in place throughout the event For this event, all sales are final and tickets cant be refunded, changed or modified. For more information, please refer to our T& Cs
DescriptionGet your ticket to this colossal playground of scientific discovery, and prepare to be blown away. Housing a dizzying 40 million artifacts dating from prehistoric times to the present day, The Field Museum in Chicago is one of the world’s best natural history museums. Stand toe to toe with the largest T. Rex ever discovered, and see cursed mummies there’s something fascinating around every corner. Explore it all, with Field Museum of Natural History tickets.
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The Field Museum Free Admission Days 2018
The Field Museum – 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605
During the Field Museum free admission days, basic admission is free for Illinois residents with valid proof of residency*. See ticketed exhibitions and 3D films at a special price, choose a Discovery Pass and see one special exhibition or 3D film, or see it all with an All-Access Pass!
2018 Free Admission Days: ? January 3, 4, 15, 27, 28 ? February 1-28 ? December 9, 16
To learn more about free days at the Field Museum .
Travel around the world, go back in time, and discover things you never knew at The Field Museum. Whether youre a first-time guest or a frequent visitor, were your home for endless adventures. The Field Museum fuels a journey of discovery across time to enable solutions for a brighter future rich in nature and culture.
From dinosaurs and mummies to exclusive special exhibitions, youll never run out of things to explore at Field Museum Free Admission Days. Dont miss M?ximo the Titanosaur, the biggest dinosaur that scientists have discovered to date or one of the largest collections of mummies found in any U.S. museum.
Discounted passes must be purchased on arrival at The Field Museum and are not available online in advance.
The Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Summer 2022 Free Museum Days In Chicago
ADLER PLANETARIUM, ChicagoFree days: WednesdaysMuseum entry is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday from 4-10 p.m. . Museum entry provides access to all exhibitions and experiences entry to all sky shows can be purchased at a discounted rate at checkout. All tickets must be reserved online and in advance. Free day savings: $54
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGONo Illinois resident free days currently postedIllinois residents under 14 are always free with an adult. To receive free admission tickets, Illinois residents must reserve them online in advance. Resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided.
BROOKFIELD ZOO, ChicagoFree days: August 1-3, for children 11 and underFree general admission for children 11 and under. General admission for adults, parking, rentals, and ticketed attraction fees still apply on these days. Free day savings: $36
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, ChicagoFree days: June 19, July 4, Aug. 23-26, 30-31Illinois residents 18 and under are always free. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. Discounts can only be applied on tickets purchased in person. Free day savings: $38
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, ChicagoFree days: TuesdaysAdmission is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays, year round. Must have proof of residency. Children 18 and under are free daily. Admission is just suggested the museum does not turn away anyone. More info here. Free day savings: $30
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Free Admission Days At Field Museum Return Next Month
Free. Admission. Days! Not just a day, but daysss with an ‘S’.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday starting on August 23rd, you can head over to the Field Museum and take advantage of FREE admission!
Here’s what you should know, directly from the Field Museum’s website:
Free Admission Days are the perfect opportunity to explore our general admission exhibitions with your family or a group of science-loving friends. Or, use these days to check out special ticketed exhibitions or a 3D movie with a discounted Discovery or All-Access Pass.
Tickets for Free Days are only available to Illinois residents on-site and cannot be reserved in advance. Please ask a Visitor Services staff member for the special offer and show your Illinois proof of residency. You cannot take advantage of Free Days when buying tickets online.
In accordance with the City of Chicagos updated guidelines, the Field Museum no longer requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or masks for museum visitors. However, we strongly encourage all of our guests to wear masks while in the building.
Don’t forget to jam to your favorite station while you’re enjoying the exhibits:
I Am An Illinois Resident But I Am Still Being Charged Full Price For A Free Day Online How Do I Fix This
If you are an Illinois resident trying to book a free-day visit online, you must select the Illinois resident check box when you enter the number of guests in your party to receive free general admission. Once you check the box indicating you are a resident, a separate set of drop-down menus will appear where you can enter the number of Illinois residents who will attend. If you enter your tickets in the regular tickets drop-down menu, the free-day offer will not be applied. Please note that a $3 transaction fee is charged to all Illinois Resident Free Day ticket reservations.
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