Free Museums, Art Exhibitions, and More (Part One)

I love visiting museums, art exhibitions, conservatories, zoos, libraries . . . you get the idea.  However, I have to admit that I enjoy my culture in small bites.  I love to stop in and check out an art exhibition that just opened, view a new section in a museum, or see what the zoo's red pandas are doing.  These types of visits could quickly become expensive.  My solution is to plan my visits for days when admission is free.

Chicago’s world-class museums recently announced their 2015 Illinois Resident Discount Days.  Illinois residents receive free basic or general admission and discounts on upgraded tickets.  This is a great way to save!  For example, a family of four with two adults and two children will save $58 ($18 per adult and $11 per child age 3–11) on basic admission to the Museum of Science and Industry.  I’m updating my calendar with the dates today and starting to plan this year’s visits.  What a great way to start 2015!

2015 Illinois Resident Discount Days

Adler Planetarium, 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

January 5–7, 12–14, 19–21, 26–28

Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago

January 5–9, 12–15, 19–23, 26–30
February 2–6, 9–13, 16–20, 23–27
March 4
July 4
August 18–20, 24–27, 31
September 1–3

The Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

January 5–7, 14–15
February 1–28

Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

January 5–9, 12–16, 19–23, 26–30
March 2–6
April 22
May 21
June 1–5, 8
September 8–11, 14–18, 21–25, 28–30
October 5–6

Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

January 5–6, 12–13, 18–20, 23–27
February 2–3, 9–10, 13–17, 23–24
June 1–2, 8–9, 15–16
September 8, 14–15, 21–22, 28–29
October 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 26–27
November 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 23–24

Here are a few tips to remember:

  • Free admission is for general or basic admission.
  • Discounts may be available on upgrades to special exhibits, films, expanded museum access, and other features.
  • Additional Chicago residency discounts generally are not available in addition to the free admission and upgrade discounts.
  • Bring a valid Illinois ID to show proof of residency.
  • Dates may change, so review websites regularly.

Illinois teachers, active military personnel, Chicago residents, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers, and other groups may be eligible for free admission or discounts every day.  Please visit each website for specifics.

Here are a few questions to ask and answer before leaving for your visit:

  • What are the hours today?
  • Is the site opening late or closing early due to a private event?
  • Is coat/bag check available?  Is it free?
  • Is food available for purchase?  Can I bring my own food?  Is there a designated area where I can eat the food I bring?
  • Is it close enough to walk?  Are bike racks available?  Is public transportation nearby?
  • Where do I park?  Is parking free or discounted?

Chicago has so much to offer!  Look for two additional articles coming soon (one highlighting places that always have free admission and one focusing on places that offer free admission periodically throughout the year).  I can't wait to share what I've found!