As summer winds down and fall weather draws us indoors, Chicago museums are welcoming visitors with a new round of free admission days. Many institutions are offering no-cost entry for Illinois residents (don’t forget to bring that proof of residency!), and a few are even opening their doors for free to everyone. Don’t wait too long, though: Some of the best deals—including free entry to the Art Institute of Chicago and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry—wrap up in just a few weeks.

Here’s your guide to upcoming free Chicago museum days through the end of 2025.

Museums with limited free admission days:

The Art Institute of Chicago

Thursdays from 5 to 8pm until September 25, 2025.

Anyone 18 and under, Illinois educators (pre-K-12), active-duty military personnel and LINK and

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