Shedd Aquarium
Photograph: Neal O'Bryan for Time Out
Photograph: Neal O'Bryan for Time Out

The best free museum days in Chicago

Plan your next museum outing around these upcoming free days.

Isaiah Reynolds
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As the Chicago winter rolls in, stay warm by planning some essential indoor activities at your favorite Chicago museums during the season. Illinois Free Days are back to offer free admision to the city's world-class exhibitions. From the Art Insitute of Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission on select days over the next few months. Plus, Chicago Public Library cardholders can score free perks including various museum passes. Be sure to bring along proof of Illinois residence for free entry, but there's still options for out-of-towners to enjoy free admission year-round. So take a look and pencil in your next Chicago adventure. 

RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best things to do in Chicago

Free museum days in Chicago

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  • Museums
  • Science and technology
  • Hyde Park
  • price 2 of 4

Upcoming free days for Illinois residents: January 22-24, 28-31; February 5-8, 11-15, 20-22, 26-29; April 21. 

Free entry year-round for the following groups: Active military, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers, Link cardholders (for up to two adults and six children under 18) and Illinois teachers.

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  • Museums
  • History
  • Lincoln Park

Upcoming free days for Illinois residents: January 15-19, 23-26, 30-31; February 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 19-23, 27-29; March 12, 27-28.

Free entry year-round for the following groups: Active and retired military, Chicago police officers, Chicago firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents ages 18 and under, non-Illinois residents ages 12 and under and City Colleges of Chicago students, faculty and staff.

 

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  • Museums
  • History
  • Andersonville
  • price 1 of 4
Swedish American Museum
Swedish American Museum

Upcoming free days: The second Tuesday of every month.

Free entry year-round for the following groups: Children under 1.

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  • Attractions
  • Zoo and aquariums
  • Museum Campus
  • price 3 of 4

Upcoming free days for Illinois residents: January 9 - 16, 23 - 25, 30, 31; February 1, 6 - 8, 13 - 15, 20 - 22, 27 -29. Every Tuesday evening (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) in March, April, May and June.

Free entry year-round for the following groups: Link cardholders, active military, Chicago police officers, Chicago firefighters and Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin teachers.

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Chicago museums that are always free

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  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens
  • Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Lincoln Park Conservatory

Free admission daily with reservation (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

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