Forget Paying For Tickets: How To Visit Chicago’s Best Museums For Free In January 2026

Chicago is home to some of the best museums and exhibits in the world , featuring a diverse range of exciting exhibitions year-round, along with remarkable permanent artworks and artifacts. Fortunately for residents, many museums and attractions in Chicago offer free admission days for Illinois residents throughout the year. Free museum days in Chicago, January 2026 ----------------------------------------- Art Institute of Chicago Upcoming free admission days are from January 5 to February 28, 2026 Free admission is available from 11 a.m. until closing each weekda y: 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Additionally, the museum is always free for Chicago teens under 18, all children under 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military personnel, and current Illinois teachers and homeschool parents. Adler Planetarium The Adler Planetarium offers various discount days for Illinois residents. Upcoming free admission days include January 7, 12, 14, 21, 26, and 28, 2026 All tickets must be purchased online and in advance. Admission is always free for Illinois teachers , active-duty U.S. military personnel, Chicago Park District employees, and certain other groups. Chicago History Museum The upcoming free admission days include January 19 – 23 and 27 – 30, 2026. Admission is free for active-duty military and veterans, active-duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under 18, and all children under 12. Field Museum Upcoming free admission days are every Wednesday throughout 2026. Free tickets can be reserved in advance online or obtained on-site . These tickets cover all general admission exhibitions. Additionally, Illinois teachers and active-duty military personnel receive free general admission year-round. Shedd Aquarium The Shedd Aquarium allows Illinois residents free access to all permanent exhibits on select dates throughout the year. Upcoming free admission days are January 6 – 8, 13 – 20, and 27 – 29, 2026. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Admission to the Museum of Science and Industry is free for Illinois residents on select dates, including January 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 27, and 28, 2026. DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center offers free entry on select dates for Illinois residents. Upcoming free admission days are every Wednesday throughout 2026. Admission is also free for military personnel, first responders, University of Chicago students, Chicago Park District employees, and Illinois public school students. Museum of Contemporary Art While the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy to ensure no one is turned away , it offers free admission days for Illinois residents every Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. The museum is always free for visitors under 18 , visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active military members, police and fire department personnel, veterans and their families, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers. Source: https://secretchicago.com/free-museum-days-in-chicago-january-2026/