The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most iconic museums in the world, known for its impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the globe. However, visiting the museum can be costly, especially for families and students on a budget. Fortunately, the Art Institute offers free admission days throughout the year, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the museum’s vast collection without breaking the bank.
The Art Institute’s free admission days are a great way to explore the museum’s extensive collection of art and artifacts. Visitors can enjoy free admission on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays) during select periods, including November 27-December 22, 2023, and January 8-March 22, 2024. Illinois residents can take advantage of this opportunity by reserving their free tickets online in advance and verifying their resident status using the zip code associated with their billing address.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Art Institute’s free admission days are an excellent way to explore the museum’s vast collection of art and artifacts. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, the museum’s collection is sure to inspire and delight visitors of all ages. So mark your calendars and take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience the Art Institute of Chicago for free.
Eligibility for Free Admission
The Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission on select days to a variety of individuals, including Illinois residents, Chicago teens and children, educators, and military personnel.
Illinois Residents
Illinois residents can enjoy free admission to the Art Institute of Chicago on select days throughout the year. These free days typically fall on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. To take advantage of these free admission days, residents must provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
Chicago Teens and Children
Chicago teens under the age of 18 can enjoy free admission to the Art Institute of Chicago year-round, thanks to the generosity of Glenn and Claire Swogger and the Redbud Foundation. Children under the age of 14 also receive free admission to the museum. Free tickets for children under 14 are available online as well as on-site at the admissions counters.
Educators and Military Personnel
The Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission to a variety of individuals, including educators and active-duty military personnel. University Partner school students, WIC cardholders, and Illinois educators can also enjoy free admission to the museum on select days.
Overall, the Art Institute of Chicago strives to make art accessible to everyone. Through its free admission opportunities, the museum hopes to inspire and educate individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Planning Your Visit
When planning a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, it’s important to know the days and hours of operation, how to reserve tickets, and the benefits of membership.
Days and Hours of Operation
The Art Institute of Chicago is open daily from 10:30am to 5:00pm, except for Tuesdays when it is closed. However, Illinois residents have the opportunity to visit for free on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays), November 27-December 22, 2023, as well as January 8-March 22, 2024. On these free days, visitors can explore the museum’s collection and special exhibitions without paying admission fees.
Reserving Tickets
Visitors can reserve their free tickets online in advance. By doing so, their resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. This will help to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience upon arrival. Members never need tickets and never have to wait in admission lines.
Membership Benefits
Becoming a member of the Art Institute of Chicago comes with many benefits, including member-only viewing hours, access to the member bar at Terzo Piano, and discounts on special exhibitions. Members also receive free admission to the museum year-round and can skip the general admission line.
Overall, planning a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago can be a great experience for both locals and tourists alike. By taking advantage of free admission opportunities, reserving tickets in advance, and becoming a member, visitors can make the most of their time at the museum.
Exhibitions and Collections
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions
The Art Institute of Chicago offers a wide range of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing art from different eras and cultures. Visitors can enjoy free admission to some of these exhibitions during the museum’s free days.
One of the current exhibitions is “Japanese Prints: The Age of Yoshitoshi,” which features the work of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e tradition. Visitors can see his woodblock prints depicting dramatic scenes from Japanese history and mythology.
Another exhibition to look out for is “Bronze,” which showcases the versatility and beauty of bronze as a medium for sculpture. Visitors can view works from different cultures and time periods, including ancient Greece, medieval Europe, and modern America.
Permanent Collections Highlights
The Art Institute of Chicago’s permanent collections are also worth exploring, with over 300,000 works of art from around the world. Visitors can see some of the museum’s highlights during free admission days.
One of the most popular collections is the Modern Wing, which houses contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors can see works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol.
Another highlight is the collection of Japanese prints, which includes over 50,000 prints from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the present day. Visitors can see works by famous artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige.
Overall, visitors to the Art Institute of Chicago can enjoy a wide variety of exhibitions and collections during the museum’s free admission days. Whether you’re interested in ancient art or contemporary works, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Additional Free Museum Days in Chicago
Chicago is home to many world-class museums, and visitors can take advantage of several free museum days throughout the year. In addition to the Art Institute’s free days, visitors can enjoy free admission to other museums on certain days of the week or month.
The Field Museum offers free admission to Illinois residents on specific days throughout the year. Visitors can check the museum’s website for the latest schedule. The museum features a vast collection of natural history exhibits, including Sue, the world’s largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton.
The Adler Planetarium offers Illinois residents free admission on specific days of the year. Visitors can explore the wonders of space and learn about the latest space exploration technology. The museum also features interactive exhibits and shows in its state-of-the-art theater.
The Museum of Science and Industry is free for Illinois residents on specific days of the month. Visitors can explore the museum’s many exhibits, including the U-505 submarine, a replica coal mine, and a giant heart exhibit that showcases the human cardiovascular system.
The DuSable Museum of African American History offers free admission on Sundays. Visitors can learn about the contributions of African Americans to Chicago and the nation, including exhibits on the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary African American art.
The Museum of Contemporary Art offers free admission to Illinois residents on Tuesdays. Visitors can explore the museum’s rotating exhibits of contemporary art and attend lectures and events that explore the latest trends in art and culture.
The Chicago History Museum offers free admission to Illinois residents on Tuesdays. Visitors can learn about the city’s rich history, including exhibits on the Great Chicago Fire, the World’s Columbian Exposition, and the city’s many neighborhoods.
The National Museum of Mexican Art is always free and open to the public. Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of Mexican art and artifacts, including pre-Columbian artifacts, traditional folk art, and contemporary works by Mexican and Mexican-American artists.
Visitors should check each museum’s website for the latest information on free admission days and times. With so many free museum days in Chicago, there’s no reason not to explore the city’s rich cultural offerings.
