Experience Chicago’s award-winning museums, without spending a dime. Check out our ever-growing list of free museum days in 2021, plus some Chicago museums that are free all year long.
Looking for other ways to save? Check out the Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card, which offers admission to several Chicago museums and attractions for one discounted price.
Here’s a list of free Chicago museum days for 2021. Keep in mind that many museums are currently operating with shortened hours and new ticketing procedures; check our list of open museums in Chicago or contact the museum to learn more.
Field Museum
The Field Museum will be offering free basic admission, plus discounted passes to explore a ticketed exhibition or enjoy a 3D movie, for Illinois residents on the following 2021 dates:
- Every Wednesday in September (Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2021)
Illinois residents can redeem free admission by reserving their tickets online then providing proof of residency at the museum. The free tickets include all general admission exhibitions, such as Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt.
Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) and active military personnel receive free basic admission year-round.
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is offering Illinois residents free access to all permanent exhibits, including special exhibits Underwater Beauty and seasonal Stingray Touch, on the following 2021 dates:
- Feb. 22 – Feb. 26, 2021
- Every Thursday in August 2021
- Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in September 2021
Advance reservations required; no tickets will be available onsite. A $3-per-order transaction fee applies to Illinois Free Day tickets reserved online. All adults must provide proof of residency in-person when redeeming tickets at the discounted rate.
Museum of Science and Industry
Admission at the Museum of Science and Industry is free for Illinois residents on the following dates:
- April 14, 2021
- May 12, 2021
- June 9 and 19, 2021
- July 14, 2021
- Aug. 11, 2021
- Sept. 8 – 9, 15 – 16, 22 – 23, and 29 – 30, 2021
- Oct. 27, 2021
- Nov. 3, 10, and 17, 2021
- Dec. 8, 2021
The 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).
Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum is offering free admission:
- March 4, 2021
- Aug. 24 – 28, 2021
Illinois residents under age 18 are free and all children under 12 are always free.
Art Institute of Chicago
At the Art Institute of Chicago, the museum admission is always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators. Upcoming free museum days for Illinois residents include:
- June 18 – 25, 2021
The public can enjoy the following public museum areas free of charge:
- The Ryan Learning Center in the Modern Wing
- The North and South Gardens (accessible from Michigan Avenue)
- The Nichols Bridgeway connecting the museum to Millennium Park
- The Bluhm Family Terrace on the 3rd floor of the west pavilion of the Modern Wing
DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American History is free for all during the month of June 2021.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers receive free admission, members of the military and police and fire departments and veterans, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers.
- Illinois residents receive free admission every Tuesday
To encourage more people to visit and visit often, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy — no one will be turned away. They also offer suggested admission of $3 each for up to six individuals when visitors present their LINK (EBT) Card as part of the Museums for All program.
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
The Illinois Holocaust Museum is offering free admission on:
- June 1 — 30, 2021, all kids and students receive free entry to the museum
Reserve your free tickets in advance.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Free admission year-round for everyone at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Brookfield Zoo
Free admission at the Brookfield Zoo for all active, reservist, and retired members of the military with ID. Admission is also free for children age 2 and under.
Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is not offering any upcoming free admission days, please check back.
Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier
The Chicago Children’s Museum offers veterans and active military free admission every day with the presentation of valid military status identification. They also offer families that qualify for state food assistance and are in possession of an EBT card or WIC card free admission for up to 6 people.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum:
- No upcoming free admission days
Loyola University Museum of Art
Admission is free year-round at the Loyola University Museum of Art.
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum:
- No upcoming free admission days
Swedish American Museum
Free admission every second Tuesday of the month year-round at the Swedish American Museum. Children aged 1 year or younger are admitted free.
Clarke House Museum
The Clarke House Museum is the oldest home in the city of Chicago. There are free public tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Glessner House
There are currently no upcoming free admission days at Glessner House.
Charnley-Persky House
The Charnley-Persky House is temporarily closed, please check back for future free museum days.
Wrightwood 659
There are currently no upcoming free admission days at Wrightwood 659.
National Veterans Art Museum
The National Veterans Art Museum is temporarily closed, please check back for future free museum days.
National Museum of Mexican Art
While the museum remains temporarily closed, admission is free year-round at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Chicago Cultural Center
While the center remains temporarily closed, admission is free year-round at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Admission is free year-round at the Museum of Contemporary Photography. All visitors must reserve a free timed ticket.
Dates are subject to change and may not include fees to view special exhibits. Visit individual museum websites for admission details, as well as policies for specific community members such as military personnel and local school groups.
