Free Museum Days
The Windy City's museums are some of its top attractions, and for good reason. They're world class, but seeing them all can put a big divot in your budget. Fortunately, there are several free days at Chicago museums throughout the year. While general admission is free on those days, special exhibitions usually require a paid ticket.
- January 5, 11-15, 19, & 26
- February 2, 8-12, 16 & 23
- March 2, 9, 16 & 23
- April 20 & 27
- May 4, 11, 12, 18 & 25
- June 7-11
- September 7, 13 - 17, 21 & 28
- October 5, 12, 19 & 26
- November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
- December 7, 14 & 21
Art Institute of Chicago:
- Free Thursdays 5 to 8pm until Memorial Day and after Labor Day
- Free in February
- 1st Sunday of every month free admission for children 15 and under
- Free Thursdays 5 to 8pm for everyone
- Free every Monday
Field Museum of Natural History:
- 2nd Monday of every month
- January 13, 14, 19, 20, 26, 27
- February 2, 3, 10, 11, 16, 17, 23, 24
- March 2, 3
- June 2, 3
- August 24
- September 15, 16, 21, 22
- October 5, 6, 13, 14, 19, 20
- November 2, 3, 10, 16, 17, 30
- December 1, 7, 8, 15, 16
International Museum of Surgical Science:
- Free on Tuesdays
Jane Addam's Hull House Museum:
- Always Free
Loyola University Museum of Art:
- Free on Tuesdays
- Free on Tuesdays
Museum of Contemporary Photography:
- Always Free
- January 4 - 8, 11 - 15, 18 - 22, 25 - 29
- February 8, 14
- March 18
- April 19 - 23
- May 3
- June 7 - 11
- August 30
- September 7 - 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
- October 4 - 6
- November 11
- December 6
- Always free (donations accepted)
- Free on Thursdays (donations suggested)
- January 4, 5, 11, 12, 16 - 21, 25, 26
- February 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 - 19, 22, 23
- June 14 - 18
- September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
- October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
- November 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows
- Always free
- Free on second Tuesday of every month
- Always free, suggested donation of $5