Chicago Free Museum Days in October 2024

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission to Illinois residents on the following days:

• Monday, October 21, 11:00–5:00
• Monday, October 28, 11:00–5:00
• Monday, November 4, 11:00–5:00
• Monday, November 11 (Veterans Day), 11:00–5:00
• Friday, November 22, 11:00–5:00
• Monday, December 2, 11:00–5:00
• Thursday, December 5, 11:00–8:00
• Friday, December 6, 11:00–5:00
• Monday, December 9, 11:00–5:00
• Thursday, December 12, 11:00–8:00
• Friday, December 13, 11:00–5:00

The museum also offers free admission to current Illinois educators, including pre-K–12 teachers, teaching artists working in schools, and homeschool parents. More information can be found here.

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium allows Illinois residents to visit the museum for free every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Interested parties must reserve tickets in advance. The museum said admission is always free for Illinois teachers. More information can be found here.

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden offers Illinois residents the following free admission days through the end of 2024:

• October: 1, 2, 14
• November: 4-8, 11, 12
• December: 9-15

More information can be found here.

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum offers the Illinois residents free admission on the following days through the end of 2024:

• October: 14, 23
• November: 5, 11, 20
• December: 18

According to officials, the museum is always free admission for active duty Chicago police and firefighters, as well as for Illinois teachers, residents under 18 and all children under 12. More information can be found here.

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

Although pre-booking tickets is always required, the museum offers free admission every Wednesday.

Field Museum

The Field Museum is free to Illinois residents on Wednesdays throughout 2024, according to the museum. To visit for free, individuals must provide proof of residency. Tickets are not able to be purchased online, they are only available on site. More information can be found here.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

The museum, formerly known as the Museum of Science and Industry, will hold free admission days for Illinois residents on the following days in October: 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16. More information can be found here.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Illinois residents can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art for free every Tuesday. The museum is always free for visitors under the age of 18. The museum also has a pay-what-you-can policy. More information can be found here.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium offers free admission for Illinois residents on the following Tuesday evenings through the end of 2024:

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

November 5, 12, 19, 26

December 3, 10, 17

More information can be found here.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The museum offers free admission days on Thursdays for Illinois residents, and on those days, a $10 donation is suggested. You have the option to reserve your admission tickets online or in person.

Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center

Through 2024, admission is free on the last Friday of every month. Visitors are urged to reserve their tickets in advance here.

Children’s Museum at Navy Pier

The Children’s Museum at Navy Pier offers free admission to veterans and active duty military personnel every day with valid proof of military status. Discounts are also available for WIC and EBT food stamp recipients through the Museums for All program.

Swedish American Museum

The Swedish American Museum, celebrating Swedish-American cultural heritage and tradition, offers free admission on the second Tuesday of every month throughout the year. Plus, children under 1 year old get in for free.

Museums that always offer free admission

• Lincoln Park Zoo (always free)

Conclusion

As the leaves begin to change and the weather starts to get cooler, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the many free museum days in Chicago. With over a dozen iconic museums and attractions offering free admission to Illinois residents, there’s something for everyone. From art and history to science and nature, explore the best of Chicago’s museums without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What museums offer free admission to Illinois residents?
A: Over a dozen museums in Chicago offer free admission to Illinois residents, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, Chicago Botanic Garden, and more.

Q: When are the free admission days at each museum?
A: Each museum has its own free admission days, which vary from week to week. Be sure to check the museum’s website for specific dates and times.

Q: Do I need to make a reservation for free admission?
A: Some museums require reservations for free admission, while others do not. Be sure to check the museum’s website for specific requirements.

Q: Are there any additional costs or fees associated with free admission?
A: Some museums may have additional costs or fees for special exhibitions or programs. Be sure to check the museum’s website for specific information.