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2024 Free Museum Days

Posted  10 months ago  in  Trending, Family-Friendly, Fun for Free, Landmarks

1 MIN READ – Visiting the many renown museums in Chicago is always an enthralling experience, better yet is when admission is free! Plan your 2024 museum visits using the free day listings below.


Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium currently offers free admission for Illinois residents every Wednesday evening from 4 – 10 p.m.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is offering free general admission to Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays) from January 8 – March 22, 2024. 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 Children's Museum at Navy Pier

The Chicago Children’s Museum offers veterans and active military free admission every day with the presentation of valid military status identification.

Chicago History Museum

Illinois residents receive free admission on the following days in 2024:

  • March 12, 27, 28
  • April 10, 18, 24
  • May 1, 27, 29

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 in 2024 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. 

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum admission on Tuesdays are always free for Illinois residents.

Museum of Science and Industry

Illinois residents receive free museum entry on the following days of 2024:

  • January 22 – 24, and 28 – 31
  • February 5 – 8, 11 – 15, 20 – 22, and 26 – 29
  • April 21

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 2024 Free Tuesday Evenings for Illinois Residents from 5- 9 p.m. on the following days: 

  • March 5, 12, 19, 26
  • April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
  • May 7, 14, 21, 28
  • June 4, 11, 18, 25

Medieval Torture Museum 

Medieval Torture Museum is the largest interactive historical museum in the U.S. Explore over 100 unique implements and devices that unveil the minds of fanatics, madmen, and murderers. The collection, based on historical documents and engravings, offers a chilling look into the darkest parts of human history. Although they currently don't offer free admission days, use code "LOOP15" for a 15% discount on tickets. Are you brave enough? Purchase tickets here

Museums with free general admission everyday: 

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