Posted 2 days 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 2025 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. Admission is always free for Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12).
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 6 – March 14, 2025. 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
Admission is free for Illinois residents on the following days in 2025:
- January 20-24, 28 -31
- February 4-7, 11-14, 17, 18-21, 25-28
- March 4, 12, and 27
- April 16 and 30
- May 8 and 26
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 through March 26, 2025, 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 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 2025:
- January 13, 14, 15, 26, 27, 28, 29
- February 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27
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 2025:
- January 7-9, 14-21, and 28 -30
- February 4-6, 11-13, 18 -20, and 25 -27
In addition, the Shed Aquarium will be Free Tuesday Evenings for Illinois Residents from 5- 9 p.m. on the following days:
- March 4, 11, 18, 25
- April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- May 6, 13, 20, 27
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.
