You’ll feel just like one of the locals as you wander throughout Chicago to discover little-known gems steeped in history and artistry. Best of all, these unique under-the-radar spots are absolutely free.
Winter Garden at Harold Washington Library
Hiding inside one of the largest public libraries in the world, the sun-soaked Winter Garden is a true hidden gem. Tucked away on the ninth floor, this indoor atrium offers a quiet retreat in the heart of downtown.
The free Harold Washington Library Center also houses more than 50 original artworks by local and international artists. A guide to the collection is available in the lobby. Also, make sure to check the library’s calendar for free events, including author talks, book clubs, and cultural happenings.
Graceland Cemetery
Established in 1860, Graceland Cemetery in Uptown is a fascinating window into the city’s storied past. Some of the biggest names in Chicago history are buried here, including retailer Marshall Field, hotelier Potter Palmer, heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, America’s first undercover agent Allan Pinkerton, and architects Daniel Burnham, William LeBaron Jenney, and John Root.
Take a free self-guided audio tour of this beautiful park-like space, dotted with amazing statues, elaborate tombs, and a historic stone chapel. Graceland Cemetery is also certified as an arboretum, with over 2,000 trees cultivated on the grounds.
Bridgeport Art Center
Located in a Bridgeport building that exudes urban cool, the Bridgeport Art Center is a creative home for local artists and designers working in various media. Stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden and curated art galleries filled with rotating displays of local works.
You can also sneak a peek at some of the artists’ studios during free 3rd Fridays each month. Painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramicists, and fashion designers welcome visitors into their studios to see their latest work.
Explore more: Find 30+ free things to do in Chicago throughout the year.
The Renaissance Society
The Renaissance Society is a thought-provoking contemporary art museum located on the stately University of Chicago campus in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
Founded in 1915, The Renaissance Society played a fundamental role in bringing works by avant-garde artists to Chicago, including Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, and Mies Van Der Rohe. Today, the museum’s rotating exhibits are always free and open to the public.
The Legacy Walk
Northalsted, a welcoming lakefront neighborhood on the city’s near North Side, is known as the oldest officially recognized gay neighborhood in the country.
Along with tons of shopping, dining, and nightlife, the area is home to The Legacy Walk. This one-of-a-kind outdoor museum commemorates the lives and work of notable LGBTQ+ individuals, including many whose identity is often obscured or overlooked in classic historic texts.
Maxwell Street Market
This free outdoor bazaar is Chicago’s longest-running market. held on select Sundays through the summer season. Everything from fresh produce to clothing and handmade jewelry are for sale at colorful vendor booths at Maxwell Street Market.
Bargains by the bagful aren’t the only thing you’ll find here; the market is also famed for its authentic Mexican and Latin street food, served hot off the grill. There’s also music and dance, with live bands playing everything from mariachi to blues and rock.
Explore more: Mark your calendar for free events happening in Chicago this month.
National Public Housing Museum
One of the city’s newest museums, the free National Public Housing Museum explores the history and impact of public housing and fosters a holistic understanding of its role in communities.
A rotating array of exhibits preserves the legacy of public housing in Chicago and across the nation. Nearby, the free Jane Addams Hull-House museum honors the world’s first social settlement house.
The Rookery
It’s not every day that you can step inside a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed space, free of charge. The Rookery, located in Chicago’s downtown Loop, features a stunning two-story lobby that was designed by the legendary architect in 1905.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Rookery is one of many Wright-designed spaces in the Chicago area. The lobby is known as one of Wright’s most luxurious designs, featuring Carrara marble, ornate ironwork, and a massive glass ceiling.
Garden of the Phoenix
The origins of this ornate Japanese garden dates back to the 1893 World’s Fair, which was held in Chicago’s Jackson Park.
Explore the haven of blossoming cherry trees in the spring and enjoy koi ponds, waterfalls, bridges, and authentic Japanese horticulture with complete serenity. The garden, known both as Garden of the Phoenix and Osaka Garden, is well worth a visit.
Nearby, you’ll also find SKYLANDING — Yoko Ono’s first permanent art installation in North America.
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics
Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood is known for its vibrant Puerto Rican community. And the area’s cultural crown jewel is the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.
This free museum, housed in a converted historic structure, is devoted to promoting Puerto Rican artists from across the diaspora. The evolving exhibits showcase the island’s rich artistic tradition from the past to the present.
Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.
