Friday

07-18-2025 Vol 2025

Explore Chicago’s Museums with Free Admission for Illinois Residents During Juneteenth Week

As the summer holiday week approaches, numerous families in the Chicago area are seeking engaging activities to enjoy with their children. A special opportunity has arisen as various museums across the city offer complimentary admission for Illinois residents during the week of Juneteenth.

Starting with the Field Museum, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission every Wednesday. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this museum requires proof of residency, which can be provided through an Illinois lease, Library Card, Student ID with photo, Utility Bill, work ID, or paycheck.

The Chicago History Museum stands out by offering free admission for Illinois residents and children 18 and under specifically on June 19 and June 21. Visitors can explore this museum from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, provided they show proof of residency. In addition, it is worth noting that admission is always complimentary for military personnel, first responders, Chicago University students, Illinois educators, and other specific groups.

For those interested in photography, the Museum of Contemporary Photography has made its entry free every day for Illinois residents. This museum welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Another notable destination is the Smart Museum of Art, which also allows free entry each day. The museum is available for exploration from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Marine enthusiasts can visit the Shedd Aquarium, which offers free admission for Illinois residents on Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 17. It is advisable to register online ahead of time to secure entry. The aquarium consistently provides complimentary admission for EBT cardholders, Chicago police officers and firefighters, as well as active-duty U.S. military personnel and Illinois educators, including those from Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

The Art Institute of Chicago has announced free admission for Illinois residents every Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the regular week, this iconic museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, while extending hours on Thursdays until 8 p.m.

Families may also enjoy visiting the National Museum of Mexican Art, which offers free entry each day. Visitors can stop by anytime from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Another simple yet engaging attraction, the Chicago Fed Money Museum, provides admission free of charge to all visitors. No reservations are required, though the museum will be closed on June 19. It generally operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The National Puerto Rican Museum is another free entry destination, operating daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, shifting to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, and open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The DePaul Art Museum welcomes visitors free of charge every day, with hours extending from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Lastly, the Museum of Contemporary Art extends free admissions every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for Illinois residents. Its doors open at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. Notably, the museum also offers free entry for visitors under 18, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, active military members, police officers, firefighters, and Illinois educators.

The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, the Design Museum of Chicago, and the National Veterans Art Museum all provide free admission every day, encouraging residents to explore Chicago’s rich cultural offerings.

Make sure to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities as summer vacations unfold!

image source from:https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/free-museum-days-for-week-of-juneteenth-in-chicago-area/3770490/

Charlotte Hayes