What Museums Are Free in Chicago: A Comprehensive Guide

Chicago is a city known for its vibrant art and culture scene. From world-class museums to public art installations, there’s something for everyone. While some of the city’s biggest museums can be pricey, there are plenty of opportunities to experience art and history for free. Whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or just in the city for a visit, here’s a guide to the museums that won’t cost you a dime.

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hours and availability at these museums may be limited. Check the museum’s website for the most up-to-date information.

1. The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the city’s most prominent museums and boasts a collection of more than 300,000 works of art. While admission is typically quite pricey, there are a few opportunities throughout the year to visit for free. Admission is always free for children under 14 and for Illinois residents every Thursday evening from 5-8pm. Additionally, admission is free for everyone on certain holidays including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day.

2. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is dedicated to contemporary art, showcasing everything from paintings to sculptures to mixed media installations. While admission is typically $15 for adults, admission is free for all visitors on Tuesdays. And if you’re a Chicago teen, admission is always free.

3. National Museum of Mexican Art

The National Museum of Mexican Art is the only accredited Latino museum in the country and is dedicated to Mexican art and culture. Admission is always free, and the museum hosts a wide range of exhibitions and events throughout the year.

4. Smart Museum of Art

The Smart Museum of Art is located on the University of Chicago’s campus and is dedicated to contemporary and classical art. Admission is always free, and the museum also offers a range of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages.

5. Hyde Park Art Center

The Hyde Park Art Center is another museum located on the University of Chicago’s campus. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art and offers classes, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the year. Admission is always free.

6. DuSable Museum of African American History

The DuSable Museum of African American History is the oldest museum dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in the country. The museum offers a range of exhibits and events throughout the year, and admission is always free on Sundays.

7. Oriental Institute Museum

The Oriental Institute Museum is part of the University of Chicago and is dedicated to the history and culture of the ancient Near East. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts and features exhibits on ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and more. Admission is always free.

8. Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is a hub for the city’s arts and culture scene and offers a range of exhibits, performances, and events throughout the year. The center is always free to enter, and visitors can take advantage of free tours to learn more about the building’s history and architecture.

What Museums are Free in Chicago?

Chicago is a city that has a rich cultural heritage and an extensive range of museums that provide a window into the city’s history and culture. However, the cost of visiting museums can be a barrier to some people, but luckily there are many free museums in the city of Chicago. Here is a list of frequently asked questions about what museums are free in Chicago.

What are the free museums in Chicago?

There are several museums in Chicago that offer free admission, including:

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago, located in Grant Park, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. The museum has a collection of over 300,000 works of art including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative arts spanning over 5,000 years of human history. The museum offers free admission to Illinois residents every Thursday evening from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is a historic landmark that features art exhibitions, concerts, performances, and lectures that celebrate Chicago’s vibrant cultural traditions. The museum has a collection of over 10,000 pieces of art, including works by Chicago artists, and admission is free to all visitors.

Museum of Contemporary Photography

The Museum of Contemporary Photography is located at Columbia College Chicago and showcases contemporary photography and video art. The museum offers free admission to all visitors.

National Museum of Mexican Art

The National Museum of Mexican Art is the largest Latino cultural organization in the country and features collections of Mexican art and culture. Admission to the museum is free to all visitors.

When are the free admission days at Chicago museums?

Most of the museums in Chicago offer free admission days or times. Here is a list of many of the free admission days at some of the more popular museums:

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is located in Lincoln Park and features exhibitions and collections that highlight the city’s rich history. The museum offers free admission on Tuesdays from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry, located in Hyde Park, features interactive exhibits that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. The museum offers free admission to all visitors on select days throughout the year.

The Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum of Natural History, located in the Museum Campus, features collections and exhibitions that showcase the natural world. The museum offers free admission to Illinois residents on select days throughout the year.

The Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium, located in the Museum Campus, features collections and exhibits that illustrate aquatic life from around the world. The aquarium offers free admission to Illinois residents on select days throughout the year.

Are there any other museums that offer free admission?

In addition to the museums listed above, there are other options for free admission in the city. The Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago offers free admission to all visitors, and the Loyola University Museum of Art offers free admission on Tuesdays. The Oriental Institute Museum at the University of Chicago offers free admission to all visitors, and although not technically a museum, the Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission to all visitors.

How to Visit Free Museums in Chicago

Chicago is known for its famous museums, but not all of them come with a hefty price tag. In fact, there are several world-class museums that offer free admission. If you’re planning a trip to the Windy City on a budget, this guide will help you discover which museums are free in Chicago and how to visit them without spending a dime.

Step 1: Research Free Museums

Before planning your itinerary, you should do some research to find out which museums are free in Chicago. Here are some of the most popular free museums in the city:

• The Art Institute of Chicago – free admission every Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for Illinois residents.
• The Museum of Contemporary Art – free admission for Illinois residents on Tuesdays.
• The National Museum of Mexican Art – free admission every day.
• The DuSable Museum of African American History – free admission every Tuesday.
• The Chicago History Museum – free admission every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
• The Smart Museum of Art – free admission every day.

Step 2: Plan Your Itinerary

Once you’ve decided which free museums you want to visit, it’s time to plan your itinerary. Check the museum’s website for hours of operation and any special events or exhibits. You should also consider the location of each museum and plan your route accordingly.

Step 3: Take Public Transportation

Chicago has a great public transportation system, so take advantage of it to save money on transportation costs. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers buses and trains that run throughout the city, making it easy to get from one museum to the next.

Step 4: Pack Your Own Snacks

If you’re trying to save money on your trip to Chicago, you’ll want to pack your own snacks and drinks. Some museums allow food and drinks inside, but others do not, so be sure to check beforehand.

Step 5: Enjoy the Museums

Once you arrive at the museum, take your time to explore and enjoy the exhibits. Many of these free museums offer world-class collections of art, history, and culture that are worth your time.

Step 6: Leave a Donation

Even though these museums offer free admission, they still rely on donations to keep their doors open. Consider leaving a small donation to help support the museum and its mission.

Step 7: Share Your Experience

After your visit, share your experience with others by leaving a review online or sharing photos on social media. This will help others plan their own budget-friendly trip to Chicago.

Conclusion

Visiting free museums in Chicago is a great way to explore the city’s rich culture and history without breaking the bank. By doing your research, planning your itinerary, taking public transportation, and packing your own snacks, you can have an enjoyable and affordable trip to the Windy City. Remember to leave a donation and share your experience with others to help support these museums and promote their mission.