Best of 21 Free Museums in Chicago
"Free Museums in Chicago" are a budget-friendly visitor's dream. These cultural gems showcase the city's rich history, art, and science treasures without charging admission fees. From the renowned Museum of Contemporary Art to the classic Chicago History Museum, there's something for everyone to enjoy at these outstanding free museums in Chicago.
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- 1. Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
- 2. Field Museum
- 3. The Art Institute of Chicago
- 4. Museum Campus
- 5. Chicago Children's Museum
- 6. Chicago History Museum
- 7. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- 8. DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
- 9. Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
- 10. National Museum of Mexican Art
- 11. WNDR Museum
- 12. National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
- 13. American Writers Museum
- 14. International Museum of Surgical Science
- 15. McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
- 16. Smart Museum of Art
- 17. Design Museum of Chicago
- 18. Leather Archives and Museum
- 19. DePaul Art Museum
- 20. National Veterans Art Museum
- 21. Chicago Maritime Museum
1. Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Home to the first permanent U-505 submarine display in the world.
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The museum offers a great experience with many interactive exhibits, making it an informative and engaging visit. Illinois residents can even benefit from free entry days, which makes it an even more attractive destination for a day out.
Visitors can take advantage of the opportunity to explore the top-notch exhibits without charge on designated free days. The museum is a popular destination, and the free days offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy all it has to offer without charge, making for an affordable and educational outing.
The museum offers a great experience with many interactive exhibits, making it an informative and engaging visit. Illinois residents can even benefit from free entry days, which makes it an even more attractive destination for a day out.
Visitors can take advantage of the opportunity to explore the top-notch exhibits without charge on designated free days. The museum is a popular destination, and the free days offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy all it has to offer without charge, making for an affordable and educational outing.
2. Field Museum
Home to famous Sue the T-Rex
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The Field Museum in Chicago offers free admission days for Illinois residents, providing an excellent opportunity to visit the museum without spending any money. This offer is available every Wednesday throughout 2
The Field Museum in Chicago offers free admission days for Illinois residents, providing an excellent opportunity to visit the museum without spending any money. This offer is available every Wednesday throughout 2
3. The Art Institute of Chicago
Houses famous art pieces such as American Gothic and Nighthawks
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The museum offers free admission to Illinois residents on specific dates throughout the year. Teens under 18, children under 14, active-duty military, Illinois educators, and LINK and WIC cardholders also receive free entry. Additionally, there are free admission opportunities available for various groups, such as Chicago teens under 18 and children under 14.
Illinois residents can enjoy free admission to the museum on select dates, while children under 14 and Chicago teens under 18 also get free entry. Active-duty military, Illinois educators, as well as LINK and WIC cardholders are also granted free admission. The museum offers free admission opportunities to various groups, including children under 14 and Chicago teens under 18.
The museum offers free admission to Illinois residents on specific dates throughout the year. Teens under 18, children under 14, active-duty military, Illinois educators, and LINK and WIC cardholders also receive free entry. Additionally, there are free admission opportunities available for various groups, such as Chicago teens under 18 and children under 14.
Illinois residents can enjoy free admission to the museum on select dates, while children under 14 and Chicago teens under 18 also get free entry. Active-duty military, Illinois educators, as well as LINK and WIC cardholders are also granted free admission. The museum offers free admission opportunities to various groups, including children under 14 and Chicago teens under 18.
4. Museum Campus
Home to Institute of Art, the largest and oldest art museum in America
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Grant Park's Museum Campus is home to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, which are popular tourist destinations in Chicago. These institutions offer free admission on select days, making cultural experiences accessible to a wider audience. The Museum Campus is not only a tourist attraction, but also a significant center for research, education, and cultural programming.
Throughout the year, the Museum Campus provides several free admission days, allowing visitors to explore the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium at no cost. These institutions offer a range of engaging and informative exhibits, shows, and activities that cater to diverse interests. By providing free admission days, the Museum Campus aims to make cultural and educational experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Grant Park's Museum Campus is home to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, which are popular tourist destinations in Chicago. These institutions offer free admission on select days, making cultural experiences accessible to a wider audience. The Museum Campus is not only a tourist attraction, but also a significant center for research, education, and cultural programming.
Throughout the year, the Museum Campus provides several free admission days, allowing visitors to explore the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium at no cost. These institutions offer a range of engaging and informative exhibits, shows, and activities that cater to diverse interests. By providing free admission days, the Museum Campus aims to make cultural and educational experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
5. Chicago Children's Museum
Emphasis on hands-on learning and exploration for children
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The Chicago Children's Museum takes part in the Museums for All program, which allows families with EBT or WIC cards to receive admission for only $3. This affordable price point makes it possible for low-income families to enjoy the museum and all it has to offer. In addition to the Museums for All initiative, the Chicago Children's Museum also offers free admission to EBT card and WIC card holders.
This initiative is an excellent way to make the museum accessible to everyone, regardless of their income level. By offering discounted admission and even free admission to those with EBT or WIC cards, the Chicago Children's Museum is ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience and enjoy all that the museum has to offer. This is a commendable effort to make cultural experiences available to a wider audience.
The Chicago Children's Museum takes part in the Museums for All program, which allows families with EBT or WIC cards to receive admission for only $3. This affordable price point makes it possible for low-income families to enjoy the museum and all it has to offer. In addition to the Museums for All initiative, the Chicago Children's Museum also offers free admission to EBT card and WIC card holders.
This initiative is an excellent way to make the museum accessible to everyone, regardless of their income level. By offering discounted admission and even free admission to those with EBT or WIC cards, the Chicago Children's Museum is ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience and enjoy all that the museum has to offer. This is a commendable effort to make cultural experiences available to a wider audience.
6. Chicago History Museum
Home to millions of artifacts showcasing Chicago's rich history
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The Chicago History Museum offers free admission to residents of Illinois who are under 18 years old. This opportunity is available all year round, providing young Illinois residents the chance to explore and learn about the rich history of Chicago.
In addition to the permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum also offers free admission days for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year. These free admission days present an excellent opportunity for all Illinois residents to visit the museum, regardless of age, and immerse themselves in the history and culture of Chicago.
The Chicago History Museum offers free admission to residents of Illinois who are under 18 years old. This opportunity is available all year round, providing young Illinois residents the chance to explore and learn about the rich history of Chicago.
In addition to the permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum also offers free admission days for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year. These free admission days present an excellent opportunity for all Illinois residents to visit the museum, regardless of age, and immerse themselves in the history and culture of Chicago.
7. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Home to the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven
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The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago provides free admission days, allowing visitors to explore its nature exhibits at no cost. This opportunity is perfect for those looking to save while still engaging with informative and captivating displays.
As one of the free museums in Chicago, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a must-visit for its outstanding exhibits and picturesque location in Lincoln Park. The museum is known for its engaging and educational displays, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago provides free admission days, allowing visitors to explore its nature exhibits at no cost. This opportunity is perfect for those looking to save while still engaging with informative and captivating displays.
As one of the free museums in Chicago, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a must-visit for its outstanding exhibits and picturesque location in Lincoln Park. The museum is known for its engaging and educational displays, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
8. DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
First major Black history museum in the country
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The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is a must-visit destination for those interested in learning about African American history and culture. The museum offers free admission every Wednesday, with online booking in advance being currently required for all visitors. It's not just the informative and thought-provoking exhibits that leave an impression on visitors, but also the beautiful museum grounds and the kind and helpful staff. The museum's tactful approach to difficult subject matter is particularly noteworthy.
In addition to free admission on Wednesdays, the museum also offers free admission to military personnel and first responders. Visitors appreciate this inclusive and accessible approach to sharing the rich history and culture of African Americans. The beautiful museum grounds, kind staff, and tactful handling of difficult subject matter all contribute to a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is a must-visit destination for those interested in learning about African American history and culture. The museum offers free admission every Wednesday, with online booking in advance being currently required for all visitors. It's not just the informative and thought-provoking exhibits that leave an impression on visitors, but also the beautiful museum grounds and the kind and helpful staff. The museum's tactful approach to difficult subject matter is particularly noteworthy.
In addition to free admission on Wednesdays, the museum also offers free admission to military personnel and first responders. Visitors appreciate this inclusive and accessible approach to sharing the rich history and culture of African Americans. The beautiful museum grounds, kind staff, and tactful handling of difficult subject matter all contribute to a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.
9. Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
Independent, non-collecting institution
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The Museum of Contemporary Art offers free admission to certain groups as part of their inclusion efforts. Children and teenagers aged 18 and under can enter the museum at no cost. Additionally, members of the police and fire departments, as well as active military, veterans, and their families, are also granted free admission.
In addition to these groups, the Museum of Contemporary Art has reintroduced free Tuesdays for Illinois residents. To take advantage of this offer, individuals must provide proof of residency. This initiative aims to make contemporary art more accessible to local residents and encourages community engagement with the museum's exhibits.
The Museum of Contemporary Art offers free admission to certain groups as part of their inclusion efforts. Children and teenagers aged 18 and under can enter the museum at no cost. Additionally, members of the police and fire departments, as well as active military, veterans, and their families, are also granted free admission.
In addition to these groups, the Museum of Contemporary Art has reintroduced free Tuesdays for Illinois residents. To take advantage of this offer, individuals must provide proof of residency. This initiative aims to make contemporary art more accessible to local residents and encourages community engagement with the museum's exhibits.
10. National Museum of Mexican Art
Long-standing cultural institution with a focus on Mexican art and culture
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The museum is compact, yet packed with intriguing exhibits that can keep visitors engaged for an hour or more. One of its most appealing aspects is that admission is free, making it an excellent location to learn about Mexican culture at no cost.
The Museum operates on the generosity of donors, which enables them to maintain free admission for all visitors. This policy ensures that everyone has the opportunity to explore the museum's collections and exhibits, regardless of their financial situation.
The museum is compact, yet packed with intriguing exhibits that can keep visitors engaged for an hour or more. One of its most appealing aspects is that admission is free, making it an excellent location to learn about Mexican culture at no cost.
The Museum operates on the generosity of donors, which enables them to maintain free admission for all visitors. This policy ensures that everyone has the opportunity to explore the museum's collections and exhibits, regardless of their financial situation.
11. WNDR Museum
Immersive digital art experiences
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The WNDR Museum is an interactive space that combines art and technology to create a multi-sensory experience for visitors. The museum promotes the idea that everyone is an artist, and encourages visitors to engage with the exhibits in a way that expresses their own creativity. The bright and colorful productions are well-made and maintained, providing a fun and entertaining experience.
However, the content of the exhibits is somewhat superficial and lacks depth. The participation offered to visitors is fairly basic and does not always provide meaningful opportunities for engagement. While the exhibits are fun as amusements, they could benefit from stronger connections to the purported themes and messages of the museum.
The WNDR Museum is an interactive space that combines art and technology to create a multi-sensory experience for visitors. The museum promotes the idea that everyone is an artist, and encourages visitors to engage with the exhibits in a way that expresses their own creativity. The bright and colorful productions are well-made and maintained, providing a fun and entertaining experience.
However, the content of the exhibits is somewhat superficial and lacks depth. The participation offered to visitors is fairly basic and does not always provide meaningful opportunities for engagement. While the exhibits are fun as amusements, they could benefit from stronger connections to the purported themes and messages of the museum.
12. National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
Only museum in the country dedicated to Puerto Rican arts and culture
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The museum offers free admission on Tuesdays, which was a pleasant surprise. Upon entering, a friendly woman greeted me and provided suggestions for the order to view the exhibits. This museum excels in showcasing the multicultural identities that make up Puerto Rican culture.
The museum's exhibits highlight the diverse influences that have shaped Puerto Rico's culture. Visitors are guided through the space in a recommended order, starting with the Taino exhibit, followed by the Spanish and African influences. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated, providing a comprehensive understanding of Puerto Rico's history and cultural identity. The museum's commitment to embracing and celebrating its multicultural background is evident throughout the space.
The museum offers free admission on Tuesdays, which was a pleasant surprise. Upon entering, a friendly woman greeted me and provided suggestions for the order to view the exhibits. This museum excels in showcasing the multicultural identities that make up Puerto Rican culture.
The museum's exhibits highlight the diverse influences that have shaped Puerto Rico's culture. Visitors are guided through the space in a recommended order, starting with the Taino exhibit, followed by the Spanish and African influences. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated, providing a comprehensive understanding of Puerto Rico's history and cultural identity. The museum's commitment to embracing and celebrating its multicultural background is evident throughout the space.
13. American Writers Museum
Only museum dedicated to American writers
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The American Writers Museum is a must-visit destination for literature enthusiasts. It can be experienced at a discounted rate through the Go Chicago Pass and Explorer Pass. Children under the age of 12 can enjoy free admission.
The museum houses exhibits that showcase the works of American writers, past and present, across various genres. It offers visitors an engaging and educational experience, exploring the impact of American writers on our culture. The museum's mission is to inspire people to explore, honor, and understand the rich history of American writing.
The American Writers Museum is a must-visit destination for literature enthusiasts. It can be experienced at a discounted rate through the Go Chicago Pass and Explorer Pass. Children under the age of 12 can enjoy free admission.
The museum houses exhibits that showcase the works of American writers, past and present, across various genres. It offers visitors an engaging and educational experience, exploring the impact of American writers on our culture. The museum's mission is to inspire people to explore, honor, and understand the rich history of American writing.
14. International Museum of Surgical Science
Dedicated solely to surgical science
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A museum focused on the evolution of medical practice and surgery, located in a 1954 French-inspired lakeside mansion, spans four floors with exhibits that may fascinate, surprise, and possibly terrify visitors. The collection includes artwork and sculptures, mostly from the 1950s, which have been incorporated into the museum's design. However, some displays may be considered underwhelming, and two rooms are dedicated to art installations that appear out of place in the museum.
A museum focused on the evolution of medical practice and surgery, located in a 1954 French-inspired lakeside mansion, spans four floors with exhibits that may fascinate, surprise, and possibly terrify visitors. The collection includes artwork and sculptures, mostly from the 1950s, which have been incorporated into the museum's design. However, some displays may be considered underwhelming, and two rooms are dedicated to art installations that appear out of place in the museum.
15. McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
Showcases the movement of bridge sections
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The Chicago River Museum, situated inside the McCormick Bridgehouse, offers visitors a wealth of information about the Chicago River, tracing its history back to colonial times. The museum provides a detailed explanation of the growth of the city and how the development of the river's many bridges, as well as water quality and waste disposal needs, were affected by this growth and managed over time.
Visitors to the museum can learn about the river's crucial role in the development of Chicago, from its early days as a transportation hub to its current status as a revitalized natural resource. The museum's exhibits showcase the evolution of the river, the various engineering feats that were necessary to harness its power, and the ongoing efforts to ensure its preservation. With its fascinating insights and engaging displays, the Chicago River Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the city.
The Chicago River Museum, situated inside the McCormick Bridgehouse, offers visitors a wealth of information about the Chicago River, tracing its history back to colonial times. The museum provides a detailed explanation of the growth of the city and how the development of the river's many bridges, as well as water quality and waste disposal needs, were affected by this growth and managed over time.
Visitors to the museum can learn about the river's crucial role in the development of Chicago, from its early days as a transportation hub to its current status as a revitalized natural resource. The museum's exhibits showcase the evolution of the river, the various engineering feats that were necessary to harness its power, and the ongoing efforts to ensure its preservation. With its fascinating insights and engaging displays, the Chicago River Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the city.
16. Smart Museum of Art
Interactive and technologically-advanced exhibits
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The Smart Museum is a great option for art enthusiasts who don't want to spend an entire day at a major art museum. One of the standout features of this museum is its free admission, making it accessible to everyone. The exhibition program is diverse, showcasing art from different parts of the globe, providing a unique opportunity to experience a variety of artistic styles and cultures in one place.
The Smart Museum is a great option for art enthusiasts who don't want to spend an entire day at a major art museum. One of the standout features of this museum is its free admission, making it accessible to everyone. The exhibition program is diverse, showcasing art from different parts of the globe, providing a unique opportunity to experience a variety of artistic styles and cultures in one place.
17. Design Museum of Chicago
Showcases the history and impact of design
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The Design Museum of Chicago is a compact and trendy art destination. It offers free admission and features a single room filled with a variety of artwork, including visual and 3-dimensional pieces.
This museum is accessible to the public every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no entry fee. Its hours of operation make it convenient for visitors to explore the collection at their leisure.
The Design Museum of Chicago is a compact and trendy art destination. It offers free admission and features a single room filled with a variety of artwork, including visual and 3-dimensional pieces.
This museum is accessible to the public every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no entry fee. Its hours of operation make it convenient for visitors to explore the collection at their leisure.
18. Leather Archives and Museum
Only museum dedicated to leather lifestyle and culture
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The Leather Museum offers free admission on Thursdays, providing an opportunity for visitors to explore its unique exhibits on leather, kink, and BDSM culture at no cost. This initiative makes the museum more accessible to the public, encouraging a wider audience to learn about the history and culture of leather and fetishism.
Generally, the museum charges an admission fee, but it opens its doors for free on select days. This approach allows a larger group of people to engage with the museum's collection, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of leather and fetishism's historical and cultural significance.
The Leather Museum offers free admission on Thursdays, providing an opportunity for visitors to explore its unique exhibits on leather, kink, and BDSM culture at no cost. This initiative makes the museum more accessible to the public, encouraging a wider audience to learn about the history and culture of leather and fetishism.
Generally, the museum charges an admission fee, but it opens its doors for free on select days. This approach allows a larger group of people to engage with the museum's collection, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of leather and fetishism's historical and cultural significance.
19. DePaul Art Museum
Small but impactful
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The museum is a small but impressive institution that offers free admission to visitors. It's a great place to stop by if you're in the area and looking for something to do. The museum features a variety of interesting exhibits that are sure to engage and educate visitors of all ages.
Overall, the museum is a wonderful free resource for all to enjoy. The diverse range of exhibits provides something for everyone, and the free admission makes it accessible to visitors regardless of their budget. Whether you're looking for a quick activity or a place to spend the afternoon, the museum is an excellent choice.
The museum is a small but impressive institution that offers free admission to visitors. It's a great place to stop by if you're in the area and looking for something to do. The museum features a variety of interesting exhibits that are sure to engage and educate visitors of all ages.
Overall, the museum is a wonderful free resource for all to enjoy. The diverse range of exhibits provides something for everyone, and the free admission makes it accessible to visitors regardless of their budget. Whether you're looking for a quick activity or a place to spend the afternoon, the museum is an excellent choice.
20. National Veterans Art Museum
Exclusive focus on veterans' experiences and artistic expressions
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The National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago, Illinois, is a hidden gem located on the second floor, where visitors are warmly greeted. The museum features art primarily created by veterans of the Vietnam War, with thought-provoking drawings, photographs, and sculptures on display. Notable highlights include a section dedicated to the work of Kurt Vonnegut and an area inspired by Tim O'Brien's books.
Plan your visit to the NVAM, which is open Tuesday-Saturday from 12-4 pm. The museum is free and easily accessible via public transportation, with many local dining options available nearby. The museum's collections showcase the creativity and talent of veterans, making it a must-visit destination in Chicago.
The National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago, Illinois, is a hidden gem located on the second floor, where visitors are warmly greeted. The museum features art primarily created by veterans of the Vietnam War, with thought-provoking drawings, photographs, and sculptures on display. Notable highlights include a section dedicated to the work of Kurt Vonnegut and an area inspired by Tim O'Brien's books.
Plan your visit to the NVAM, which is open Tuesday-Saturday from 12-4 pm. The museum is free and easily accessible via public transportation, with many local dining options available nearby. The museum's collections showcase the creativity and talent of veterans, making it a must-visit destination in Chicago.
21. Chicago Maritime Museum
Small but mighty museum with passionate volunteers
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The Museum of Factory Bay in Chicago is a small but informative museum that offers free admission on certain days. It's a great place to quickly learn about the city's rich maritime history. During a visit to the museum, I was impressed with the variety of exhibits showcasing the importance of the city's waterways.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Museum of Factory Bay on a free admission day and was surprised by how much there was to see and learn. The museum features exhibits on the city's maritime history, including the role of the waterways in shaping the city's development. The educational displays provide insight into the relationship between Chicago and its waterways, making for a fascinating and enriching experience.
The Museum of Factory Bay in Chicago is a small but informative museum that offers free admission on certain days. It's a great place to quickly learn about the city's rich maritime history. During a visit to the museum, I was impressed with the variety of exhibits showcasing the importance of the city's waterways.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Museum of Factory Bay on a free admission day and was surprised by how much there was to see and learn. The museum features exhibits on the city's maritime history, including the role of the waterways in shaping the city's development. The educational displays provide insight into the relationship between Chicago and its waterways, making for a fascinating and enriching experience.