Experience Chicago’s award-winning museums, without spending a dime. Check out the ever-growing list of free museum days for 2019. Plus for some Chicago museums, Free museum days mean you can soak up all that history and culture without spending a dime.
Important to note that some of the museums listed below, you must be an Illinois resident and show proof of residency to take advantage of free admission days. Looking for other ways to save? Check out the Chicago CityPASS or Go
Adler Planetarium
2019 Illinois resident free days for the Adler Planetarium: Chicago’s Adler Planetarium is America’s first planetarium and a premiere resource for inspiring the next generation of space explorers. Chicago’s Adler Planetarium is America’s first planetarium and a premiere resource for inspiring the next generation of space explorers.
Sept. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20, 26 – 27, Oct. 7 – 9, 14 – 16, Nov. 8, 11, Dec. 2 – 3, 7, 12 – 13 www.adlerplanetarium.org
Art Institute of Chicago
Located in downtown Chicago on Michigan Avenue, the Art Institute is one of the world’s great art museums, housing a collection that spans centuries and the globe. Plan your visit, hours and admission fees to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to every Thursday evening from 5-8 pm. And museum admission is always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18 and all children under age 14. The public can enjoy the following public museum areas free of charge:
- The Ryan Education 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

Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), Chicago is the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere.
2019 Illinois resident free days for Museum of Science and Industry: Aug. 26 – 28
Sept. 3–5, 9–12, 16–19, 23–26 www.msichicago.org
Field Museum- Chicago
The Field Museum fuels a journey of discovery across time to enable solutions for a brighter future rich in nature and culture. 2019 Illinois resident free days for the Field Museum:
From September 11 to November 13, 2019, every Wednesday is a free admission day. www.fieldmuseum.org
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is a must when in Chicago. This has to be one of the best aquariums in the Midwest. As part of the Museum Campus, Shedd is especially convenient if you’re a tourist and want to see multiple places at once. 2019 Illinois resident free days for Shedd Aquarium:
Aug. 26 – 27, Sept. 3, 4, 9 – 11, 16 – 18, 23 – 25, 30, Oct. 1 – 2, Dec. 4

Driving in Chicago can be a challenge especially on days when there are regional and national events happening (Chicago Marathon, Sports Game Days, Special Events). The option can be the Metra Train leaving from Elburn. From the Chicago Train station, it is a short cab or Uber ride. Another option is to buy a day pass for the Hop-On and Hop-off Grey-Line trolley. If you want to make this a ‘Dream Day’ for the family, you can charter a Limo in DeKalb County to take the Family right to the front door of the museum. Check Out NICE TLC (Transporation Limo Company) or call 815-758-0197. www.nicetlclimo.com

Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story