November and December: Free Admission Days at Chicago Museums

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago will host free admission days for Illinois residents on the following days in November and December:

• Monday, November 4, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, November 11 (Veterans Day), 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Friday, November 22, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 2, 11:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 5, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 6, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 9, 11:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 12, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 13, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The museum also offers free admission is available 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

Located in the Chicago suburb of Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers Illinois residents the following free admission days through the end of 2024:

• 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:

• 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 does not have any free admission days listed for November or December for 2024.

More information can be found here.

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

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 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through the end of 2024:

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 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

The following museums offer free admission to Illinois residents:

• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Chicago Cultural Center
• International Museum of Surgical Science
• Polish Museum of America
• Chicago Architecture Center

Conclusion

This November and December, take advantage of the many free admission days offered by Chicago’s iconic museums and attractions. From the Art Institute of Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to reserve tickets in advance for free admission days?

A: Yes, some museums require advance reservations for free admission days. Check the museum’s website for specific requirements.

Q: What forms of identification are accepted as proof of residency?

A: Typically, a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID is accepted as proof of residency.

Q: Are children free?

A: Some museums offer free admission to children under a certain age, while others may have a reduced admission fee. Check the museum’s website for specific policies.