There are multiple attractions and sightseeing in Chicago that you can’t afford to miss. If you are tight on budget, you can consider exploring these places for free. Some museums offer free-entry year long, while some museums offer a certain number of free museum days. Here’s our list of upcoming Chicago free museum days in 2022. You can check the website of the museum to know more about the operating hours and holidays.
Chicago Free Museum Days in 2022
Adler Planetarium
You can avail a variety of discounts if you are planning to visit Adler Planetarium.
- It is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday evening from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Admission is free for Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12)
Make sure you carry your proof of residency to avail of the free entry.
Field Museum
The free museum days at Field Museum in 2022 include the following:
- 5, 12, 19, 26
- 2, 9, 16, 23
- May 14 and 15
- 23, 24, 30, 31
- 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
- 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
- 1, 2, 8, 9
You cannot reserve the free ticket online, you will have to purchase it on-site. Illinois teachers and active military personnel can avail free tickets all year long.
Art Institute of Chicago
The museum is free for:
- Children under the age of 14
- Chicago teens under the age of 18
- Link and WIC cardholders
- Active-duty military Illinois educators
They offer free museum days for selected days throughout the year.
For 2022, the free days for the museum include weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays) from Jan. 3 – March 17, 2022.
Museum of Science and Industry
Museum of Science and Industry also offers free museum days on selected dates throughout the year. Here are Chicago’s free museum days in 2022.
- 2, 9, 16, 23
- March 1 – 2, 7, and 13 – 14
- April 21, 25
- May 2, 4, 9, 17 – 18
- June 1, 14
- 6 – 7, 12 – 15, 19 – 20, 26 – 27
- 4 – 5, 10 – 11, 17 – 18
- 1, 8
The entry is always free for:
- Illinois POWs
- The United States military active-duty personnel and veterans
- Chicago firefighters and police officers
- Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade)
Shedd Aquarium
The free days in 2022 include the following dates:
- Jan 13 – 17
- Feb 7 – 11
- Feb 14 – 18
- June 27 – 28
Make sure you book and reserve the tickets online in advance as no tickets are available at the site.
Chicago Cultural Center
The admission to Chicago Cultural Center is free all year.
Chicago History Museum
The museum offers free entry on selected dates and holidays throughout the year. Here are the free museum days at Chicago History Museum in 2022:
- June 19, 2022
- July 4, 2022
- August 23 – 26, 30 – 31, 2022
- October 10, 2022
It is always free for the following:
- Military and veterans
- Chicago police and firefighters
- Illinois residents under the age of 18
- Children under 12
- Illinois teachers
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Admission is free all year. Visitors will receive a timed ticket and will have to follow the guidelines.
DuSable Museum of African American History
Free admission is available every Wednesday. It is always free for military and first responders. Make sure you book the tickets in advance.
Leather Archives & Museum
Adults over 18 can get free entry every Thursday to the museum.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for the following:
- Visitors under the age of 18
- Military, police, fire departments, and veterans
- Visitors with disabilities and their caregivers
- Illinois elementary and high school teachers
- Free entry for Illinois residents every Tuesday
National Museum of Mexican Art
Admission is available for free year-round.
Lincoln Park Zoo
The zoo offers free admission all-year-round.
Loyola University Museum of Art
Admission is available for free 365 days a year.
Swedish American Museum
The entry is free every Tuesday of the month. Children aged 1 or younger also get free admission to the Swedish American Museum.
National Veterans Art Museum
Entry to the National Veterans Art Museum is always free.
Chicago Free Museum Days in 2022 – Summing Up
We hope this guide resolves your concern related to Chicago Free Museum Days in 2022. However, you should note that the dates are subject to change and may be limited. You must refer to the museum’s website for more information on admission and policies. Carry the proof of residency and military proof along with you. For more such guides and tips, keep following us.