9
As summer vacation begins and families look for enriching activities across the Chicago area, several local museums are opening their doors for free to Illinois residents in celebration of Juneteenth.
A wide range of institutions—from history and art museums to aquariums—are waiving general admission fees on select days or throughout the week. Below is a detailed list of participating museums, including free admission dates, hours of operation, and eligibility requirements.
Advertisements
Field Museum
- Free admission for Illinois residents every Wednesday
- Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Acceptable proof of residency includes an Illinois lease, library card, student ID with photo, utility bill, work ID, or check stub
Chicago History Museum
- Free for Illinois residents and all children under 18 on June 19 and June 21
- Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Always free for military personnel, first responders, Chicago university students, Illinois educators, and other qualifying groups
Museum of Contemporary Photography
- Free for Illinois residents every day
- Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Smart Museum of Art
- Free daily admission
- Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Shedd Aquarium
- Free admission for Illinois residents on Tuesday, June 17, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Online reservations encouraged
- Admission always free for EBT card holders, Chicago police and fire personnel, active U.S. military members, and educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin
Art Institute of Chicago
- Free for Illinois residents on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Regular hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays
National Museum of Mexican Art
- Free admission every day
- Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chicago Fed Money Museum
- Always free to the public
- Closed on June 19 for Juneteenth
- Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Puerto Rican Museum
- Free daily admission
- Open Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DePaul Art Museum
- Free every day
- Open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Free for Illinois residents every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Regular hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday open until 9 p.m.
- Free year-round for visitors under 18, people with disabilities and caregivers, active military, veterans, police, fire personnel, and Illinois K–12 educators
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
- Free daily admission
- Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Design Museum of Chicago
- Free admission for all visitors
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Veterans Art Museum
- Always free, with optional donations accepted in cash or check
These free admission offers provide a unique opportunity for families to explore Chicago’s rich cultural and historical institutions without the cost barrier. Most museums require proof of Illinois residency, and some encourage advance registration.
Advertisements
