Chicago residents can enjoy winter by visiting a diverse set of museums and cultural institutions offering free admission. From science to art and nature, local venues have planned multiple opportunities to explore their collections without cost.
The Adler Planetarium invites Illinois residents to discover astronomy with free entry on select January and February dates. Evening visits from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays March through June are also free, though reservations are advised due to high demand. Teachers from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade benefit from year-round complimentary access with valid school identification.
The Art Institute of Chicago welcomes Chicagoans inside free on weekdays through February, with hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Illinois educators and homeschool parents can obtain vouchers for year-round free admission, facilitating visits to iconic collections spanning Impressionist, contemporary, and global art.
Free admission at the Shedd Aquarium is available on select January and February days, plus several evenings each month from March through June. Entry includes access to all exhibits and the seasonal Stingray Touch experience. Illinois residents must reserve in advance, with the option to avoid online booking fees by phone.
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry offers free days for Illinois residents on select dates into June. Active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and teachers also receive year-round free access. A new exhibit opening mid-January highlights the work of costume designer Paul Tazewell, known for productions such as Hamilton and West Side Story.
Below is a guide to select cultural and educational venues with free or discounted admission options for Illinois residents:
- Adler Planetarium – Free select days Jan-Feb; free evening visits Mar-Jun Tuesdays.
- Art Institute of Chicago – Free weekdays (Mon, Wed, Fri 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thu 11 a.m.-8 p.m.) through Feb.
- Shedd Aquarium – Free days Jan-Feb; free nights Mar-Jun; reservations required.
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry – Free days Jan-June; year-round free for military, teachers, first responders.
- Chicago Children’s Museum – Free community days for families with disabilities Feb, Apr; free daily for active/veteran military.
- Chicago History Museum – Free days Jan-Feb; discounted or free admission for youth, members, students, and service recipients.
- Field Museum – Free Wednesdays for Illinois residents through late March; discounts for veterans and teachers.
- Museum of Contemporary Art – Free Tuesdays evenings for Illinois residents; free for visitors 18 and under year-round.
- Chicago Cultural Center – Always free with ongoing exhibits and performances.
- Chinese American Museum of Chicago – Always free with suggested donation.
- National Museum of Mexican Art – Always free admission.
- National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture – Always free admission.
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – Free Thursdays for Illinois residents with suggested donation.
- DuSable Black History Museum – Free Wednesdays; discounted admission for Illinois residents.
- Swedish American Museum – Free second Tuesday monthly; free for certain categories year-round.
- South Asia Institute – Donation-based admission year-round.
These institutions enrich the cultural landscape of Chicago with exhibits ranging from natural history and astronomy to Latino art and African-American contributions. Many also provide special accommodations and free access for educators, military personnel, and families, ensuring broader community engagement.
For example, the Field Museum features prominent displays like the Spinosaurus replica and seasonal exhibits, although some special attractions require additional tickets. The Chicago Children’s Museum includes multi-sensory and inclusive exhibits aimed at younger audiences, with free admission days dedicated to families with disabilities.
Residents planning visits should confirm specific dates and reserve tickets in advance when recommended. Information and registration details are available on each museum’s official website, helping visitors navigate free access protocols and maximize their cultural experiences.
Chicago’s museums and cultural centers provide diverse and accessible options for exploration during winter and beyond, supporting education, inclusivity, and community connection through art, science, and history.
Read more at: blockclubchicago.org
