As Chicago's blazing summer yields to cool climes and autumnal coziness, it's time to head back to your favorite Chicago museums. Illinois Free Days are back, offering free admission to the city's world-class exhibitions—from the Art Institute of Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium—for state residents on select days. (Word to the wise: Don’t forget your proof of residence.) Plus, Chicago Public Library cardholders can score various museum passes and other benefits.
While perks abound for Illinoisans, there are still options for out-of-towners to enjoy free admission year-round. Take a look at our roundup below, and pencil in your next Chicago adventure.
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Upcoming free days for Illinois residents: Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm until September 25, 2025.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Anyone 18 and under, Illinois educators (pre-K-12), active-duty military personnel and LINK and WIC cardholders.
Upcoming free days for Illinois residents: Wednesdays until September 24, 2025.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Active-duty military personnel and veterans and Illinois teachers.
Upcoming free days for Illinois residents: September 2-4, 7-10, 14-17, 22-24, 29 and 30 and October 1-6, 8, 14 and 15.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade).
Upcoming free days for Illinois residents: Every Tuesday from 5pm to 9pm, year-round.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Anyone 18 and under, Illinois teachers, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active-duty military personnel, police and fire department personnel and veterans.
Upcoming free days for Illinois residents: Every Wednesday 4pm-10pm, year-round.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Teachers and active-duty, reserve and veteran military personnel and their families (up to five admissions).
Upcoming free days for Illinois residents: September 10 and 24; October 8, 13 and 25 and November 6, 12 and 19.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Illinois teachers, active-duty and veteran military personnel, active-duty Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department personnel and Illinois residents 18 and under.
Upcoming free days for Illinois residents: Every Thursday, $10 suggested donation.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Illinois teachers, active-duty military personnel and their families, veterans and infants under 12 months.
Upcoming free days: Every Wednesday, year-round.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Active-duty military personnel, first responders, Illinois public school students and several other groups.
Upcoming free days: Every Wednesday, year-round.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Active-duty military personnel and children under 6.
Upcoming free days: Every Thursday for visitors 18 and over; admission to the library is free year-round.
Upcoming free days: The second Tuesday of every month.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Children under 1 year old.
Upcoming free days: The third Sunday of every month.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Children ages 12 and under.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Active-duty and retired military personnel.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Active-duty military personnel; Chicago police officers; Chicago firefighters; and Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin teachers.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Children under 2 years old and active-duty, reservist and retired military personnel.
Free entry year-round for the following groups: Children ages 3 and under, Link cardholders (up to four people per card) and Association of Science and Technology Centers members.
Free admission daily (closed Mondays).
Free admission daily.
Free admission daily with reservation (closed Sundays and Mondays). Public tours take place every Tuesday and Friday at 2pm.
Free admission daily (closed Sundays).
Free admission daily (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
Free admission daily with reservation.
Free admission daily with reservation (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
Free admission daily (closed Sundays and Mondays).
Free admission daily (closed Mondays) with a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.
Free admission daily (closed Sundays and Mondays).
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