Free Museum Days in the Chicago Land Area
Chicago's museums are world-class, but all those bones, weather simulators and rides in Chicago's first El train car don't come cheap. Throw in parking, special exhibits and the gift shop, and it adds up fast. But in the philanthropic spirit of our fine city, most museums offer free admission for Illinois residents on certain days. Here's a complete calendar for the next few months. You're on your own in the gift shop.
*Free days can change at the last minute, so ALWAYS call first to confirm before heading out to the museums.
City
January: 21-22, 29-31
February: 5-7, 12-14, 18-21, 26-28
April: 2-4, 9-11
June: 3-5, 10-13
September: 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
October: 7-9, 14-16
November: 8, 1
December: 2-3, 7, 12-13
The Art Institute of Chicago
Free for Illinois residents 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. Kids 13 and under and Chicago teens under 18 are always free.
January: 21
February: 1-28
April: 5-7
May: 2
June: 26-28
Free admission daily.
Museum of Science and Industry
January: 7–10, 14–17, 21–24, 28–31
February: 4–7, 11–14, 19–21, 25–28
Suburb Locations
January: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31
February: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, 24, 26, 28