Chicago’s big museums are not cheap for a family, but there are two good ways to visit for free. Some museums and cultural spaces never charge general admission. Others offer free days for Illinois residents on selected dates through the year. This guide explains both, lists places that are free every day and gives practical advice for getting tickets on popular free days.
Key takeaways
- Several places are always free, including the Chicago Cultural Center, the National Museum of Mexican Art and Lincoln Park Zoo.
- Many large museums offer free days for Illinois residents; the dates change every year and usually need reservations.
- Free tickets usually cover general admission only. Special exhibits and shows cost extra.
Places that are always free
The Chicago Cultural Center, across Michigan Avenue from Millennium Park, is free and open to everyone. The former central library building has two stained-glass domes, including a Tiffany dome in Preston Bradley Hall that is often described as the largest of its kind. It also hosts free exhibitions, concerts and talks.
The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen is always free. Its permanent collection and changing exhibitions cover Mexican art and culture from ancient times to today, and its annual Day of the Dead exhibition is a highlight of the fall. It is usually closed on Mondays.
Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open every day of the year. It is not a museum, but for families looking for a free day out, it is the obvious first choice. Several university museums, such as the Smart Museum of Art in Hyde Park, are also free, though hours are shorter than at the big institutions.
How free days work
Most of Chicago’s large museums, including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, the Art Institute and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, offer free general admission to Illinois residents on selected days. Each one sets its own schedule. Some offer blocks of free weekdays in winter, some offer free evenings, and some pick individual dates. The schedule is usually announced at the start of the year and can change.
On free days you will normally need to reserve a ticket online in advance and show proof of Illinois residency, such as a driver’s license or state ID, at the door. Free tickets generally cover general admission; timed exhibits, shows and special experiences are extra.
Always-free vs. free days compared
| Always-free places | Free days at large museums | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can go free | Everyone | Usually Illinois residents with proof |
| Reservations | Not usually needed | Usually required |
| Crowds | Normal | Often very busy |
| What is included | Full visit | General admission only |
| Flexibility | Any open day | Only on published dates |
Tip: Set a reminder for early in the year to check the free-day calendars of the museums you want to visit, and book as soon as reservations open. Popular dates fill quickly.
Which option fits your day
Choose an always-free place if
- You are deciding on the day and cannot book ahead.
- You live outside Illinois.
- You want a calm visit without free-day crowds.
Use a free day if
- You are an Illinois resident and can plan ahead.
- You want to see one of the big museums without paying full price.
- You are happy to arrive early and share the space.
Other ways to save
Many public libraries in the area lend museum passes to cardholders; check your local library. Some museums offer discounts for teachers, military members and students, and children under a certain age are often free. Memberships can pay for themselves if you plan to visit the same museum several times a year.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is showing up on a free day without a reservation. The second is forgetting proof of residency. A third is assuming that a free day covers everything; the shows and special exhibits that many people come for often need a paid ticket even then.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chicago museums are always free?
The Chicago Cultural Center and the National Museum of Mexican Art are always free, and Lincoln Park Zoo is free every day. Several university museums are free as well.
Do I need to live in Chicago to get a free day?
Usually you need to live in Illinois, not just Chicago. A few free offers are only for Chicago residents. Check each museum’s rules.
Where can I find this year’s free days?
On each museum’s official website. Free days change every year, which is why we do not list the dates here.
Planning a trip to the lakefront museums? See our The Museum Campus: How to Plan the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. The National Museum of Mexican Art is also a highlight of Pilsen and Chinatown: Two Neighborhoods, One Walkable Day.