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Chicago free museum days for October 2023

Are you an Illinois resident? If so, there are plenty of days coming up to visit a Chicago museum for free

NBC Universal, Inc.

Dozens of free days for 2023 are coming up at some of Chicago's most iconic museums, including the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum.

However, you'll need to be an Illinois resident to take advantage of the deal.

Shedd Aquarium

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through September and October.

Learn more here.

Adler Planetarium

Free for Illinois residents on Wednesdays after 4 p.m.

Learn more here.

Art Institute of Chicago

Free for Illinois residents on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays Nov. 27 through Dec. 22.

Learn more here.

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

Free admission for Illinois residents on Wednesdays. The museum also offers free admission to all military personnel and first responders

Learn more here.

Field Museum

October: Free for Illinois residents Oct. 3, 9, 10, 17, 24, 31

November: Free for Illinois residents Nov. 7, 10. 14, 28

December: Free for Illinois residents Dec. 5, 12

Learn more here.

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Free admission for Illinois residents on Tuesdays.

The MCA also offers free admission for Illinois teachers, visitors with disabilities and their caretakers, active-duty military, police and fire department personnel, and veterans.

Learn more here.

Museum of Science and Industry

October: Free for Illinois residents Oct. 5, 6, 9

November: Free for Illinois residents Nov. 1, 8

Learn more here.

Chicago Museums, Attractions That Are Always Free

In addition, Bank of America cardholders can receive free general admission to the following museums during the first full weekend of each month, the company says:

  • Adler Planetarium
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Chicago History Museum
  • DuSable Museum of African American History
  • Illinois Holocaust Museum & Educational Center (Skokie)
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (Sundays only)
  • The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)

According to a release, "cardholders can present a Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission to any participating institution during the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month."

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