As summer progresses, residents of Illinois have numerous opportunities to visit some of Chicago’s most notable museums at no cost. Various institutions across the city are offering free admission on designated days throughout the summer months, providing a range of cultural, historical, scientific, and artistic experiences for all ages.
The Adler Planetarium, located at 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, will welcome Illinois residents without charge on July 15, August 26, and several days in September. Meanwhile, the Art Institute of Chicago at 111 S. Michigan Avenue is offering free entry every Thursday evening from July 9 through August 27, between 5 and 8 p.m.
Historical enthusiasts can explore the Chicago History Museum at 1601 N. Clark Street during free days scheduled for July 15, August 13 and 27, and two dates in September. The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, situated at 740 E. 56th Place, provides free access every Wednesday from mid-July through late August. Similarly, the Field Museum offers free admission to Illinois residents on these same Wednesdays.
Science and industry are highlighted at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, found at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, which opens its doors for free on multiple days from late August through the end of September. The Heritage Museum of Asian Art welcomes visitors without charge on the third Friday of July and August.
The Museum of Contemporary Art at 220 E. Chicago Avenue is accessible free of charge on Tuesday evenings through August 25, from 5 to 9 p.m., also featuring complimentary contemporary jazz concerts each Tuesday during this period.
Nature lovers can visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, on select days spanning July, August, and September. The Shedd Aquarium on 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive offers free admission from 5 to 9 p.m. on select Tuesday evenings in July and August.
The Swedish American Museum, at 5211 N. Clark Street, provides free entry on the second Tuesday of each month for July and August.
In addition to these scheduled free days, several museums around the city offer free admission year-round, including the Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Fed Money Museum, Climate Action Museum, Hyde Park Art Center, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, Mindworks: The Science of Thinking at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Museum of Contemporary Photography, National Museum of Mexican Art, National Public Housing Museum, National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, National Veterans Art Museum, and the Smart Museum of Art.
These free admission days aim to make cultural and educational resources more accessible to residents, encouraging community engagement and enriching the summer experience in Chicago.