Chicago is packed with world-class museums, and visiting them doesn’t have to be expensive.
When I’m in the mood to see something new indoors, a museum is almost always my go-to. I enjoy them year-round, especially during extreme weather, and I love using museum days as a way to explore the neighborhoods around them.
I first learned about free museum days as a former volunteer at the Art Institute of Chicago, where I often encouraged visitors to return on their own or with friends during free admission days. It’s one of the reasons I truly appreciate how accessible Chicago’s art scene can be.
This guide to free museum days in Chicago for 2026 includes every known free admission day, museums with weekly free days, museums that are free year-round, and smart ways to save money on Chicago museum tickets throughout the year.
Haute Tip: Free museum days in Chicago are subject to change. Admission may not include entry to special or limited-time exhibits. For the most up-to-date admission details, visit individual museums’ websites for more information.
Free Museum Days in Chicago 2026
All free museum days listed below are available to Illinois residents on select dates.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Free admission for Illinois residents:
January 5–February 28, weekdays only
• 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (Mon, Wed, Fri)
• 11 a.m.–8 p.m. (Thursdays)
One of the best museums in Chicago, the Art Institute offers free weekday admission to Illinois residents during select winter months. Visitors can see iconic works by artists like Picasso, Cézanne, and Murakami without paying full admission.
Free tickets can be reserved online in advance, with residency verified using the billing ZIP code. If advance tickets are unavailable, same-day assistance may be available at the admissions desk.
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Upcoming free museum days (2026):
January: 12, 13, 14, 25–28
February: 2–5, 8–12, 17–19, 23–26
April: 19
June: 4, 19
Explore one of the largest science museums in the world for free on select dates throughout the year. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry features hands-on exhibits, immersive experiences, and family-friendly programming that appeals to all ages.
Free admission is available to Illinois residents with valid proof of residency.
Shedd Aquarium
Free admission:
• Select weekday dates
• Free Tuesday evenings, 5–9 p.m.
Shedd Aquarium offers some of the most popular free museum days in Chicago, giving Illinois residents the chance to experience aquatic life from around the world at no cost.
Due to high demand, reservations are strongly recommended. A $5 convenience fee applies for online reservations, though tickets can also be reserved by phone without an added fee.
Haute Tip: Shedd also hosts some of the best adults-only evening experiences in Chicago, especially popular during summer months for group outings.
Chicago History Museum
Free museum days (2026):
January 19–23, 27–30
February 16, plus all Tuesdays–Fridays
Dedicated to civic engagement and storytelling, the Chicago History Museum offers free admission on select dates for visitors interested in the city’s past, present, and future.
Admission is always free or discounted for museum members, students and educators, service members, and select community groups.
Chicago Museums With Weekly Free Admission
These museums are not free all year, but free on a set weekly schedule.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Free every Wednesday
Located near Hyde Park, the DuSable Museum is the nation’s oldest independent African American museum and offers free admission every Wednesday.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Free every Tuesday, 5–9 p.m.
Illinois residents can visit the MCA for free every Tuesday evening and explore rotating contemporary exhibitions and installations.
Adler Planetarium
Free every Wednesday
Illinois residents receive free admission every Wednesday. Tickets must be reserved online in advance, and the museum stays open late from 4–10 p.m.
The Field Museum
Free every Wednesday
See SUE the T. Rex and other natural history exhibits during weekly free admission for Illinois residents. Free tickets are available on-site only and cannot be reserved in advance.
Haute Tip: Tickets for free admission to the museum are only available on-site and can’t be reserved in advance.
Chicago Museums Are Free All Year Long
There Chicago museums are free year-around.
Chicago Cultural Center
If you’re in downtown Chicago looking for a free museum to visit, you have to check out the Chicago Cultural Center. Located near Millennium Park, this landmark building features the decorative glass Tiffany Dome, which offers free admission to visitors every day. Additionally, free building tours are available year-round on Thursdays and Fridays at 1:15 p.m. Volunteer docents and staff members conduct these tours. And free events and activities throughout the year.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago’s city zoo is always free, offering easy access to the unique wildlife that the world has to offer year-round.
Museum of Contemporary Photography
The only photography museum is located at Columbia College Chicago and offers free admission to all visitors. This cool Chicago museum is perfect for those interested in groundbreaking photography and programming.
National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art features a diverse collection of Mexican art and culture. Admission to this museum, located in Pilsen, is always free.
The Money Museum
Located inside the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Money Museum is one of the most unique free museums in Chicago. Visitors can learn how money works, explore the history of currency, and even see a real million dollars on display! I got to experience this for myself and really learned a lot. Admission is always free, but government-issued ID is required for entry.
Smart Museum of Art
This free museum on the University of Chicago campus features global art spanning centuries, from the Renaissance to the contemporary. A top pick for free museum days in Hyde Park and one of the most intellectually engaging free things to do in Chicago.
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
Explore social justice history at this free museum located on the Near West Side, once home to Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams. It’s one of Chicago’s most unique free things to do, especially for those interested in activism and immigration history.
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
Located in Humboldt Park, this is the only free-standing museum in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to Puerto Rican arts and culture. Admission is always free.
National Public Housing Museum
One of Chicago’s newest museums, this free institution explores the history and impact of public housing in America through resident-led storytelling and immersive exhibits.
5 Ways to Save Money On Chicago Museums and Attractions
There are many ways to visit Chicago museums without waiting for free admission days. Check out some of the options below:
- Purchase a museum membership – Many museums offer memberships that provide free admission throughout the year. Membership benefits typically include exclusive access to previews, events, discounts, and more.
- Museums For All Initiative – This program offers free or significantly discounted admission for up to four people when they present their SNAP EBT card. This initiative is available at over 1,000 museums across the United States, including Chicago.
- Save with City Pass – City Pass offers incredible savings to Chicago’s top attractions, including museums, for a low cost.
- Corporate partnerships – Bank of America, Sotheby’s Preferred, and The Cultivist cardholders get free general admission to select museums on the first full weekend of each month by showing a valid photo ID with a matching name. Ticketed exhibitions and activities are not included and must be purchased separately.
- Explore More Illinois – Use this pass through your library to gain free or discounted access to museums, zoos, theaters, and more. No need to wait for free museum days! Just log in and reserve your pass!
If you’re planning to explore more of the city this year, bookmark this guide and check back as free museum days are updated.
