Chicago boasts some of the world’s best museums, and if you plan ahead a little, you can enjoy some of the finest artworks, exhibits, collections, and attractions without spending a dime. Here’s a list of upcoming FREE museum days in 2025 for some of Chicago’s most popular attractions.
ART
Do you have a flair for the artistic? Then these museums are for you:
The Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission for Illinois residents.
To receive free admission tickets, Illinois residents must reserve online in advance.
The museum is always free for Chicago children under the age of 18.
The Museum of Contemporary Art strives to make art more accessible to everyone through various free and discounted admission programs.
The museum is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active members of the military, police, and fire departments, veterans and their families, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers. The MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy — no one will be turned away.
National Museum of Mexican Art has free admission all days, all year long.
Another option which offers free admission anytime is the Museum of Contemporary Photography.
HISTORY
History museums are a great way to learn about the past, connect with your community, and be inspired.
The Chicago History Museum offers free admission on select holidays and dates throughout the year. Illinois residents can receive free admission on the following days in 2025:
Admission is always free for active-duty military and veterans, active-duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12.
The Illinois Holocaust Museum offers a variety of free admission days and discounted tickets throughout the year.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center offers free entry on select dates and for certain groups.
Admission is always free for military and first responders, University of Chicago students, Chicago Park District employees, Illinois public school students, and other groups.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Here are some free admission options for fun and interactive ways to learn about scientific concepts, explore the applications of science in everyday life, and engage with exhibits that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking.
The Field Museum offers free basic admission, plus discounted passes to explore a ticketed exhibition or enjoy a 3D movie, for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year.
Free tickets are available for advanced reservations online. Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) and active military personnel receive free basic admission year-round.
Admission to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is free for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year.
The Griffin 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 (Pre-K through 12th grade).
The Adler Planetarium offers a variety of discounted ticket days throughout the year.
Upcoming free museum days for Illinois residents at the Adler Planetarium:
All tickets must be booked online and in advance. Admission is always free for Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12).
CULTURES
To explore different cultures and broaden your perspectives and learn valuable lessons about diversity, try these museums.
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum
Free admission daily, except on Mondays. (The museum encourages visitors to donate).
Enjoy free admission every second Tuesday of the month year-round at the Swedish American Museum. Children aged 1 year or younger are admitted free every day.
You can visit the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture anytime for free.
NATURE
If you like getting an up-close look at nature, look no further than these venues:
The Shedd Aquarium offers Illinois residents free access to all permanent exhibits on select dates throughout the year.
Upcoming free days for Illinois residents at the Shedd Aquarium in 2025:
Upcoming free evenings (5 p.m.-9 p.m.) for Illinois residents at the Shedd Aquarium in 2025:
Admission is always free for EBT card holders, Chicago police officers and firefighters, active-duty U.S. military personnel, and educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers weekly free days for Illinois residents.
(The museum has a suggested $10 donation per household at the time of admission).
Admission is always free for active-duty service members and their families, Illinois teachers, and children aged two and under.
For more information about these museums and free admission dates visit choosechicago.com.