Multiple Chicago-area attractions and museums are offering free admission days for Illinois residents for February 2025, with many also extending free days in March. Here's a look at upcoming free dates for some of the city's most iconic museums, and how to visit.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago will offer "free winter weekdays" for Illinois residents, with free admission every Monday, Thursday and Friday through March 14. The museum is typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. However, beginning Wednesday, March 5, the Art Institute will be open on Wednesdays, which means March 5 and March 12 will also be part of the Institute's 2025 "free winter week days."
Tickets can be reserved in advance here .
Adler Planetarium
Local
The Adler Planetarium allows Illinois residents to visit the museum for free every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., including New Year's Day. Interested parties must
reserve tickets in advance. The museum said admission is always free for Illinois teachers.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Located in suburban Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden has a number of free museum days for Illinois residents through March. Preregistration is required and parking fees apply, the organization said.
Chicago History Museum
More information can be found here .
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier
The Chicago Children's Museum will hold a free family day on
Thursday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free day coincides with the return of the museum's fan-favorite exhibit, Zoom Room. More information
can be found here .
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Although pre-booking
tickets is always required, the museum offers free admission every Wednesday.
Field Museum
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
More information
can be found here .
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Illinois residents can visit the
Museum of Contemporary Art for free every Tuesday. The museum is always free for visitors under the age of 18. The museum also has a pay-what-you-can policy.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The museum offers free admission days on Thursdays for Illinois residents, and on those days, a $10 donation is suggested. You have the option to
reserve your admission tickets online or in person.
Shedd Aquarium
For ticket reservations made online, there is a $5 convenience fee. For ticket reservations made over the phone, there is no fee. More information can be found
here. Swedish American Museum
The museum celebrating Swedish-American cultural heritage and tradition offers free admission on the second Tuesday of every month throughout the year. Plus, children under 1 year old get in for free.
Museums that always offer free admission
