More than three dozen free days are coming up at iconic Chicago museums this fall, providing Illinois residents with the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s rich culture and history without breaking the bank. From art to science, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the most exciting free days to look forward to is at The Field Museum, located at 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. On Friday, Sept. 27, Illinois residents will have the chance to visit the museum for free. This day joins the museum’s already scheduled free days, which take place every Wednesday throughout the year.
To take advantage of this offer, residents must show proof of residency to receive free general admission to the museum. Free day tickets are only available on-site and cannot be reserved in advance. However, discounted Discovery and All-Access Passes are also available for purchase.
The additional September free day coincides with the opening of the museum’s newest fossil, the Chicago Archaeopteryx. This exciting exhibit will feature a number of Archaeopteryx-themed activities throughout the museum, including story time and activities in the Crown Family PlayLab for children ages 2-6.
But that’s not all – there are plenty of other upcoming free museum days in Chicago to look forward to. As summer comes to an end, here is a full list of upcoming free days at some of the city’s top museums (and don’t forget, the Lincoln Park Zoo is always free!):
Art Institute of Chicago: Illinois residents can visit the Art Institute for free on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 26. Admission is also always free for Illinois Pre-K to 12 teachers, teaching artists working in schools, children under 14, Chicago teens, and active-duty members. Tickets can be reserved online.
Adler Planetarium: Every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Illinois residents can visit the Adler Planetarium for free. However, tickets must be reserved in advance. The museum also offers free admission for Illinois teachers.
Chicago Botanic Garden: Located in the Chicago suburb of Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers several free admission days for Illinois residents throughout the year. In September, these days include the 10th and 12th. In October, they include the 1st, 2nd, and 14th. In November, they include the 4th-8th and the 11th-12th. And in December, they include the 9th-15th. More information can be found on the museum’s website.
Chicago History Museum: Illinois residents can enjoy free admission to the Chicago History Museum on the 2nd and 25th of September, the 14th and 23rd of October, the 5th and 20th of November, and the 18th of December. The museum also offers free admission for active-duty Chicago police and firefighters, as well as for Illinois teachers, residents under 18, and all children under 12.
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center: Every Wednesday, the museum offers free admission to visitors. However, tickets must be pre-booked in advance.
Field Museum: In addition to the already scheduled free days on Wednesdays, the Field Museum will also offer a free admission day for Illinois residents on September 27th. Proof of residency is required and tickets can only be purchased on-site.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: Throughout the month of September, the museum, formerly known as the Museum of Science and Industry, will hold free admission days for Illinois residents on various days. These include the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th-11th, 15th-18th, 23rd-25th, and 30th. More information can be found on the museum’s website.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago: Every Tuesday, Illinois residents can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art for free. The museum also offers free admission for visitors under the age of 18 and has a pay-what-you-can policy.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: Located in Lincoln Park, the museum offers free admission for Illinois residents every Thursday. Tickets can be reserved online or in-person. The museum also offers discounted admission for Illinois teachers, active-duty military, and more.
Shedd Aquarium: On
