Illinois Resident Discount Days
The Illinois General Assembly's Park District Aquarium and Museum Act currently requires any aquarium or museum organized under the Act to be open to Illinois residents without charge 52 days each year. At least six of these days must be during the period from June through August. However, the aquarium or museum may charge for special services and for admission to special facilities.
Adler Planetarium, 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
On Illinois Resident Discount Days, Illinois residents who present a valid ID with an Illinois address receive free Museum Entry admission, which includes all exhibitions and experiences (excluding the Atwood Sphere Experience and sky shows). On Illinois Resident Discount Days, Illinois residents can upgrade to Museum Entry +2 pass at a discounted price to access the Atwood Sphere Experience and sky shows. For more information, visit Adler Planetarium's Special Offers page.
2022 Schedule
Every Wednesday evening from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan Avenue/159 East Monroe Street, Chicago
Illinois residents receive free general admission on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays) from January 3 through March 17, 2022. To receive free admission tickets, Illinois residents must reserve them online in advance. Residence status will be verified using the ZIP Code associated with the billing address provided. For more information, visit the Art Institute of Chicago's Free Admission Opportunities page.
Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago
On Illinois Resident Free Days, Illinois residents with a valid Illinois ID receive free admission. For more information, visit the Chicago History Museum's Visit page.
2022 Schedule (partial schedule)
January 17 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
February 1–4, 21 (Presidents' Day)
March 4 (Chicago's Birthday)
June 19
July 4
August 23–26, 30–31
October 10
Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
On Free Admission Days, Illinois residents who present a valid proof of residency (current Illinois driver's license, state ID, or Chicago CityKey card or a valid photo ID and one of the following: Illinois lease, Illinois library card, Illinois student ID with photo, Illinois utility bill, or Illinois work ID or check stub) receive free basic admission, which includes entry to general admission exhibitions. On Free Admission Days, Illinois residents can purchase a discounted Discovery Pass or discounted All-Access Pass to see ticketed exhibitions and 3D movies. For more information, visit the Field Museum's Free Admission Days page.
2022 Schedule (partial schedule)
January 26
February 2, 9, 16, 23
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago
Illinois residents receive free admission on Tuesdays. For more information, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago's Hours and Admission page.
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
On Illinois Free Days, Illinois residents who show valid proof of residency receive free museum entry. Giant Dome Theater films, Coal Mine, optional U-505 onboard tours, and certain temporary exhibits are not included with the free museum entry and require separate admission fees. For more information, visit the Museum of Science and Industry's Illinois Free Days page.
2022 Schedule
January 9–12, 17–19, 24–26, 31
February 1–2, 7–9, 11, 13–14, 16
March 1–2, 7, 13–14
April 21, 25
May 2, 4, 9, 17–18
June 1, 14
September 6–7, 12–15, 19–20, 26–27
October 4–5, 10–11, 17–18
November 1, 8
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 North Cannon Drive, Chicago
Thursdays are Suggested Donation Days for Illinois residents. This means admission is free for Illinois residents, but the admissions staff member may suggest that you make a $10 household donation. For more information, visit Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's Admission page.
Note: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is closed on Thanksgiving.
Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Tickets for Illinois Resident Free Days must be reserved online or by calling 312.939.2438 before your visit. There will be a $3 transaction fee per order. At the time of visit, a valid Illinois state ID or driver's license must be presented. If an Illinois resident's photo ID does not have a current Illinois address, a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, recent pay stub, or other official documentation that has the resident's full name and Illinois address will be accepted along with the photo ID. Free admission includes all permanent exhibits, special exhibits, animal presentations, and Stingray Touch (open seasonally from late May to October). Shedd's 4-D Experience is not included; admission can be purchased for $4.95. For more information, visit Shedd Aquarium's Illinois Resident Free Days page.
2022 Schedule (partial schedule)
January 13–17
February 7–11, 14–18
To find more museums in Chicago, visit Inspired Chicago's Museums page.