How can you find the perfect date spot, plan a wonderful afternoon with the family, or a weekend with friends in Chicago? There is one answer to all three questions. Yes, you already know the answer. Here are the free Museum days in January. Not only are you in for a day of history, art, or nature, it won’t cost you anything to enjoy it.
Get ready to take on the day with a Cafe Au Lait from one of Chicago’s favorite spots, Dark Matter Coffee, and redeem your free admission to one of the city’s great museums (on the specified days below, of course). Continue reading to find which days you’d like to mark in your calendar.
Chicago Cultural Center
8 East Washington, Chicago IL 60602
Can’t make it on the specific days? Here’s a museum that offers free admission around your schedule is the Chicago Cultural Center. No ticket is required for entry or access to any of the breathtaking exhibits. Opening daily from 10am to 5 pm, the museum is home to a range of exhibitions devoted to the striking visual arts and contemporary culture.
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th Street, Chicago IL 60608
Another unique cultural museum offering year-round free admission is the National Museum of Mexican Art. Rich in Mexican culture and art, the Museum of Mexican Art has a vast art collection with over 18,000 seminal pieces. The exhibitions deliver on providing high-quality education to all guests at no cost. With the mission to provide knowledge and invigorate appreciation, this stop is a must.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Explore the massive permanent collection Art Institute of Chicago houses, or check out one of the carefully curated themed exhibitions that will open your eyes up to a new side of art history. From Japanese print making to Renaissance master painting, to contemporary installation and sculpture, the Art Institute of Chicago is a heaven on earth for art lovers and artists in Chicago.
Free Museum Days: Weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays) from Jan. 9 – March 24, 2023. The museum is also always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators.
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is a contemporary art museum near Water Tower Place in downtown Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The museum, which was established in 1967, is one of the world’s largest contemporary art venues. If you’re looking for mind-blowing exhibitions that breaks through the walls between media and format, and challenges your perspective on the world around us, MCA is your place to be.
Illinois residents receive free admission every Tuesday. MCA also has a pay-what-you-can policy and participates in the Museums for All program with a suggested admission of $3 each for up to six individuals when visitors present their LINK (EBT) Card.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Needing an afternoon of peace and tranquility? No need for an over-priced yoga class or a meditation app, The Lincoln Park Conservatory offers free reservations and walk-in reservations (when space allows) during their regular operating hours. I’d recommend a walk through the orchid house for a truly calming effect.
The conservatory is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Last entry is at 2:00 pm daily and doors close at 3:00 pm.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60605
Say what you want about Chicago, but Illinois residents can enjoy free admission to the Shedd Aquarium on select days throughout the year. There is an extraordinary aquatic animal world out there to explore. The Shedd exhibits allow you to marvel at the exotic sea creatures up close. All tickets must be reserved online prior to your visit.
Free Museum Days in January: January 12, 13, 14 (sold out), 15 (sold out), and 16
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. DuSable