Posted 7 days ago in Trending, Family-Friendly, Fun for Free, Landmarks
1 MIN READ – Visiting the many renowned museums in Chicago is always an enthralling experience, especially when admission is free! Plan your 2026 museum visits using the free day listings below.
Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium currently offers free admission for Illinois residents every Monday and Wednesday through April 29. Admission is always free for Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12).
american writers Museum
The American Writers center is offering free admission for all on the third Sunday of every month.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is offering free general admission to Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays) from January 5 – February 28, 2026. Free Admission is available from 11 a.m. through closing each weekday (5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
Additionally, admission is always free for children under 14 and Chicago teens under the age of 18. Current Illinois educators, including pre-K–12 teachers, teaching artists working in schools, and homeschool parents can also receive free admission by registering here.
Chicago History Museum
Admission is free for Illinois residents on the following days in 2026:
- January 19 -23 and 27 - 30
- February 16, 2026
Illinois residents ages 18 and under, as well as non-Illinois resident ages 12 and under always receive free museum admission.
Field Museum
The Field Museum is offering free admission every Wednesday throughout 2026 for Illinois residents.
Residents need to show proof of residency to receive free general admission to the museum. Free Day tickets are available on-site only for Illinois residents and cannot be reserved in advance.
Glessner House
Free tours for Illinois residents on the first and third Thursday of each month (except January at 1 p.m.) Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of residency is required.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum admission is always free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays from 5-9 p.m.
Museum of Science and Industry
Illinois residents receive free museum entry on the following days of 2026:
- January 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 27, and 28
- February 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26
- April 19
- June 4 and 19
United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers, and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade) receive free Museum Entry* for themselves by completing this online request form or showing a valid occupational/military status I.D. when purchasing tickets onsite.
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium will offer free admission days to Illinois residents in 2026:
- January 6 - 8, 13-20, and 27-29
- February 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24 - 26
In addition, the Shed Aquarium will be Free Tuesday Evenings for Illinois Residents from 5- 9 p.m. on the following days:
- March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- April 7, 14, 21, 28
- May 5, 12, 19, 26
- June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
