Sure, Chicago has world-class museums and institutions. You’re always meaning to go. But admission fees rack up quickly — especially for families. One of the perks of living in Illinois is free days for residents. Here’s a roundup to plan your calendar, along with other opportunities to experience culture on the cheap.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Remember the first time you saw the train? It’s time to go back to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry to explore what’s new. You’ll need a calendar to track the free opportunities for Illinois residents. Note that additional fees are required for special exhibits, tours and Giant Dome Theater screenings.
Jan. 25-28; Feb. 2-5, 8-12, 17-19, 23-26; April 19; June 4 and 19 at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; details at griffinmsi.org
Field Museum
Wednesdays are free for Illinois residents at the Field Museum — and yes, it includes Sue the T. rex. While some special exhibitions may require an add-on ticket, you may not want to. There’s always so much to see — even if you’ve seen some of it before.
Wednesdays through March 25 at the Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; details at fieldmuseum.org
Shedd Aquarium
Illinois residents get free admission many weekdays during January and February and on Tuesday evenings March through June. Free tickets include access to exhibits and, once it reopens in May, Stingray Touch. Note that a $5 fee applies to online reservations, but phone reservations are free at 312-939-2438. While walk-up reservations are available, they go quickly, so plan to call ahead.
Jan. 18-20, 27-29; Feb. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26; March-June free Tuesday nights 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; details at sheddaquarium.org
Adler Planetarium
Sure, you can look at the sky for free, but what can you really see with all the city lights? Head to Adler Planetarium to expand your horizons — free for Illinois residents on select dates. Note that their dome theater sky shows are not included; those add $15 per show, per person to the price.
Jan. 21, 26, 28; Feb. 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 23; March 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; details at adlerplanetarium.org
Art Institute of Chicago
Play hooky and head to the Art Institute of Chicago for Free Winter Weekdays. In addition to this perk for Illinois residents, the museum extends free admission throughout the year to those 18 and under, Illinois educators, active-duty military, and LINK and WIC cardholders. Students of some universities and employees of certain corporations may also qualify.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 27 at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave.; details at artic.edu
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Every Tuesday evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is free for Illinois residents. And if that doesn’t work for you, you still may be able to visit the MCA for less than the suggested admission price. Free admission is available every day for those 18 and under; K-12 teachers; visitors with disabilities and their caregivers; and veterans and members of the military, police and fire departments. Pay-what-you-can admission and other discounts may also be available in person.
5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave.; details at mcachicago.org
Intuit Art Museum
The Intuit Art Museum, celebrating self-taught art, already features a fairly liberal admission policy: Those 24 and under pay nothing. But on quarterly Community Days, everyone gets in free. The theme of the next installment is “IAM nourished.”
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 7 at Intuit Art Museum, 756 N. Milwaukee Ave.; details at art.org
Chicago History Museum
Beef up on local history — for free, if you’re an Illinois resident, on select dates in January and February. While some institutions reserve the Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day holidays for paying customers, the Chicago History Museum makes those days free. Use it as an excuse to learn about Chicago as a vital center of American history, featuring exhibits ranging from Abraham Lincoln’s Chicago, the murder of Emmett Till and the roots of local Latino communities.
Jan. 19-23, 27-30 and Feb. 16 at Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.; details at chicagohistory.org
The DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center
Now more than 60 years old, the DuSable is one of the oldest museums dedicated to chronicling the Black experience. Throughout February, Black History Month, free admission is available to all on Wednesdays. The museum also offers free admission every day to many, including active-duty military and responders; visit the website for full details.
Free on Wednesdays through February at the DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place; details at etix.com
Illinois Holocaust Museum Experience360
While the full Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie remains closed for renovations, you can visit its pop-up museum downtown — for free on the last Wednesday of each month. “Experience360: A Panoramic View Through History and Time” features interactive survivor stories and educational experiences centered on commemorating and preventing genocide.
Last Wednesday of the month at Experience360, 360 N. State St.; details at ilholocaustmuseum.org
American Writers Museum
Less than a decade ago, the American Writers Museum opened to document the power and creativity of American writing. Visit on the third Sunday of the month to see all exhibits for free — a treat for the bookish, no matter where you live.
Third Sunday of each month at the American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave.; details at americanwritersmuseum.org
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Need to glimpse some summer magic? Head to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The museum hosts 52 free days for Illinois residents throughout the year. While the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven will require an additional $5 per person fee beginning Feb. 2, you can still get in for free in January.
Jan. 22, 29; March 9-11; June 1-3, 22-24; July 20-22; Aug. 24-26; Sept. 8-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-30; Oct. 1-2, 5-9; Nov. 2-4 and 30; Dec. 1-2 and 7-8 at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive; details at naturemuseum.org
Brookfield Zoo
Everyone can visit Brookfield Zoo for free during January and February except on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day. While some attractions are closed for the season — pachyderms, the carousel and Motor Safari — there’s still plenty to explore in the 235-acre park. Note that parking and fees for individual attractions, such as the “Dolphin Discovery” show, still apply.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Feb. 28, except Jan. 19 and Feb. 16, at Brookfield Zoo, 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield; details at brookfieldzoo.org
Chicago Botanic Garden
Wander the Chicago Botanic Garden’s 385 acres of nature — a wonderland at any time of year — or just let your kids roll down the hills of the Nature Play Garden over and over again. Whatever you do, you’ll be glad to escape outside — for free on select dates for Illinois residents. Preregistration is required, and parking fees still apply.
Jan. 19; Feb. 1-6 and 16; March 16-19; April 6-10; May 5 and 7; June 9, 11 and 19; July 7 and 9; Aug. 4 and 6; Sept. 15, 17 and 29; Oct. 1 and 12; Nov. 2-6, 9 and 11; and Dec. 7-13 at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe; details at chicagobotanic.org
Chicago Architecture Center
Watch the Chicago Architecture Center’s website for free hands-on learning. Engineering Fest will be Feb. 28, and Family Day is scheduled for May 9.
Feb. 28 and May 9 at Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Drive; details at architecture.org
Chicago Children’s Museum
On Feb. 22, all kids 17 and younger can visit the Chicago Children’s Museum for free. Adults still need to buy their tickets, but it’ll save you upwards of $21 per child. In addition, on any day, active military receive up to four free admissions and veterans receive one.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 22 at Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave.; details at chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Kohl Children’s Museum
Normally, everyone older than 1 year has to pay to play and learn here. But Glenview residents with proof of address get in free on Wednesdays between 1-4 p.m. Every day, veterans and military members qualify for a buy-one-get-one discount.
1-4 p.m. Wednesdays at Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview; details at kohlchildrensmuseum.org
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Love a good rock? Head to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, where you can view gemstones, jade carvings, rocks, minerals, fossils and much more. Everyone gets in free on Wednesdays.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays at Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook; details at lizzadromuseum.org
Driehaus Museum
Pop into the Driehaus Museum after work one Wednesday evening for a free night of culture. Dedicated to art, architecture and design of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the building itself is well worth exploring along with the rotating exhibits.
4-7 p.m. Wednesdays at Driehaus Museum, 50 E. Erie St.; details at driehausmuseum.org
Heritage Museum of Asian Art
Spend a Friday evening at Bridgeport’s Heritage Museum of Asian Art, founded more than a decade ago to showcase art spanning centuries, countries and traditions. The third Friday evening of each month is free to all.
5-8 p.m. on the third Friday of each month at Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 S. Morgan St. 3rd floor (enter on West 35th Street); details at heritageasianart.org
Swedish American Museum
Nestled in the heart of Andersonville — the “Little Sweden” of Chicago dating back to the 19th century — the Swedish American Museum hosts special and permanent exhibits as well as the fabulous and beloved Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration. Visit it for free on the second Tuesday of each month.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. second Tuesday of each month at Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St.; details at swedishamericanmuseum.org
Glessner House
You don’t need an HBO subscription to experience the Gilded Age. Just visit the Glessner House — and on the first and third Thursday of the month, Illinois residents can tour it for free. The Glessner family was a fixture of the Chicago scene in the late 1800s. Their home on Prairie Avenue — once known as “millionaires’ row” — has been preserved to illustrate their love of culture.
Closed in January. Beginning Feb. 5, 1 p.m. first and third Thursday of the month at Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave.; details at glessnerhouse.org
Proof of Illinois residency may be required; see websites for details. Beyond free days, those receiving SNAP food assistance may be able to receive free or discounted admission through the Museums for All program by presenting an EBT card and photo ID. The Chicago Public Library also offers cardholders free and discounted admission to several area institutions via digital museum passes.
ALWAYS FREE
You don’t have to wait for free days to make the most of living in Chicago. The following institutions are free to all. Also be on the lookout for suggested — rather than mandatory — admission fees, such as those at the University of Chicago Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures. It’s possible to see its collection representing “10,000 years of humanity under one roof” for free. We know this because we stumbled in here one lazy afternoon with a curious kindergartner but no wallet. But note that in today’s era of declining arts funding, donations are always welcome — and encouraged.
Lincoln Park Zoo
The savior of Chicago parents, the Lincoln Park Zoo remains one of the city’s best free experiences. No, it may not be as expansive as the Brookfield Zoo, but sometimes that isn’t what you need. Additional fees for the carousel, train and virtual reality shorts.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive; details at lpzoo.org
Chicago Public Library
It’s all too easy to take the Chicago Public Library for granted. It’s one of the city’s cultural gems, spanning the city and offering a stunning array of free programming for all ages. Skim the calendar, and you’ll find something of interest. And if not, wander the stacks for inspiration.
Various locations throughout Chicago; details at chipublib.org
Chicago Cultural Center
There’s always something happening at the Chicago Cultural Center, the city’s epicenter for free arts events. Check out its expansive calendar or just go to bask in the beauty of its stained-glass domes.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.; details at chicago.gov
The Block Museum of Art
With more than 6,000 artworks in its permanent collection and an ever-changing slate of temporary exhibitions, Northwestern University’s Block Museum aims to serve as a “springboard for interdisciplinary thinking about the issues of our time.” It’s worth a peek if you’re up around Evanston.
Reopening Feb. 4 from noon-8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at The Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston; details at blockmuseum.northwestern.edu
Smart Museum of Art
The University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art is both a museum and a civic site that aims to channel the intellectual and cultural energy of the South Side. Beyond its exhibits — which features “Unto Thee,” Theaster Gates’ first solo exhibition in Chicago, through Feb. 22 — the museum also features an outdoor sculpture garden.
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays at the Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave.; details at smartmuseum.uchicago.edu
DePaul Art Museum
DePaul Art Museum, located on DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus, centers on modern and contemporary art — particularly art with a connection to Chicago. Think Chicago Imagists, Barbara Crane, Chris Ware, Dawoud Bey and more.
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Sundays at DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton Ave.; details at depaul.edu
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Columbia College Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Photography turns 50 this year — and an exhibit marking the anniversary offers a great opportunity to glimpse the museum’s collection. “MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades” runs Jan. 22-May 16.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays in Museum of Contemporary Photography, 600 S. Michigan Ave.; details at mocp.org
Hyde Park Art Center
Visit the Hyde Park Art Center’s galleries, or consider an Open Arts class. More than 150 courses per year are offered for all ages and skills on a contribute-what-you-can model. Watch their calendar, too, for Center Days and other free events.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays at Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave.; details at hydeparkart.org
National Museum of Mexican Art
Established in 1982 and expanded in 2001 to a 48,000-square-foot building in Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art is a vibrant cultural center. Visit to explore the broad range of Mexican art — from both sides of the border.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St.; details at nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
Now more than 25 years old, this Humboldt Park institution features work showcasing the arts and culture of Puerto Rico and its emigrants. Housed in the former Humboldt Park Receptory and Stables and serving as a gateway to Chicago’s Paseo Boricua, the museum features a collection spanning the late 18th century to today.
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays at The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, 3015 W. Division St.; details at nmprac.org
National Veterans Art Museum
Marking 40 years this year, the National Veterans Art Museum offers a venue for veterans to express their experiences through art. Created in the wake of the Vietnam War, the museum has evolved to include more than 2,000 works in its permanent collection spanning generations.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays at National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2nd floor; details at nvam.org
Pullman National Historical Park
Visit Pullman, the historic planned industrial community that once supported the manufacturing of train cars. Start in the Clock Tower & Administration Building, headquarters of the original Pullman Palace Car Co. and now a visitor center. Pick up a self-guided tour and view exhibits. Or consider waiting a bit to take in the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum — closed until spring — along with the Historic Pullman Foundation Exhibit Hall.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays at Pullman Administration-Clock Tower Building, 610 E. 111th St.; details at nps.gov
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
Visit the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum to learn about the revolutionary nature of the settlement Addams created in 1889 to serve the city’s growing immigrant community. Though the settlement and surrounding neighborhoods were razed decades ago, two remaining buildings were transformed into this museum, now a part of the University of Illinois Chicago.
10 a.m.-4:50 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays in Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S. Halsted St.; details at hullhousemuseum.org
National Public Housing Museum
A mile away from the Hull-House Museum, explore a more contemporary story of social justice and human rights at the National Public Housing Museum. Opened last year in the Jane Addams Homes, the museum seeks to preserve the stories of those who grew up in public housing — much of which has been demolished since.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays in National Public Housing Museum, 919 S. Ada St.; details at nphm.org
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum
Ever wondered what $1 million cash would look like? Find out at the Money Museum inside the first floor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The exhibit aims to explain the role of the Fed while offering fun exhibits featuring counterfeit notes (can you determine which is real?) and rare currency.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays (except bank holidays) in the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 S. LaSalle St.; details at chicagofed.org
Jennifer Day is a freelance writer.