Neighborhood News: Museum Free Days Extends Through Spring
Think Spring!
Yes, Summer is prime time in Chicago for enjoying everything Chicago has to offer, whether it be rides along the lakefront, visiting Lincoln Park Zoo, or grooving at one of the hundreds of neighborhood festivals.
BUT … Chicago is a year-round city, and some of our world -renowned museums make it possible for everyone to enjoy the rich history of art, science, sports, and Chicago itself by offering free days through the end of May. Take advantage of these free days while they last! All are accessible by public transportation and are ADA-accessible.
As Choose Chicago notes…
The Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Stargazers unite! Every Wednesday evening from 4pm – 10pm, the Adler Planetarium opens its doors to all. You can stop by after work or school, or for date night and enjoy everything the Adler has to offer at night, for free as part of their Illinois Resident Discount Days program. Tickets must be ‘purchased’ online and in advance.
Proof of residency will be required upon checkout. You can use a valid Illinois driver’s license or photo ID, Illinois student ID with photo, or a photo ID plus a document (utility bill, lease, etc.) that shows your name and Illinois address.
AND NOTE: Admission is always free for Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12). To reserve tickets, click here.
The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, offers free admission on select holidays and dates throughout the year. Their upcoming dates are Wednesday, April 16 and 30 and May 8 and 26.
Through exhibitions, tours, publications, special events, and programming, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other. They collect and preserve millions of artifacts, documents, images, and other items that are relevant to the city’s history.
Admission is always free for active-duty military and veterans, active duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12.
Advance tickets are not required for General Admission. Walk-in visitors are welcome.
Wednesdays are always free at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, in Washington Park. There, you canuncover a vibrant history through captivating exhibits and educational programs, where every visit is an invitation to connect with the rich culture of Africans and African Americans. One current exhibit, ‘The Harold Washington Story,’ explores how Harold Washington became the first elected African American Mayor of Chicago in 1983 and chronicles his work as a public figure serving in the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the City of Chicago.
For information on visiting the museum, click here. Children 6 and under, military, and first responders always get in free.
The Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, offers free basic admission, plus discounted passes for ticketed exhibition or a 3D movie, for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year, every Wednesday through May 28.
Adventure through the wilderness on a desert safari, explore ancient civilizations, and come face-to-face with prehistoric creatures through exhibits such as Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt.
Make advance reservations online by clicking here.
Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) and active military personnel receive free basic admission year-round.
Admission to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is free for Illinois residents on Easter Sunday, April 20, as well as Thursday, June 12 and 19. Discounted admission is also available for ticketed exhibitions such as the Coal Mine and U-2 submarine. For tickets, click here.
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers, and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade).
The Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, offers Illinois residents FREE NIGHTS from 5pm-9pm to all permanent exhibits on Tuesday, April 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, and 27; and June 3, 10, 17, and 24. You can experience unforgettable encounters with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons.
Advance reservations are highly recommended due to the high demand for tickets, and can be reserved by clicking here.
Admission is always free for EBT card holders, Chicago police officers and firefighters, active-duty U.S. military personnel, and educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
