Meteorological spring is officially here, and while warm temperatures still may be some weeks away, Chicago-area residents looking to spend more time outside the house will have plenty of chances to for free at Chicago museums.
From the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium to the Shedd Aquarium, Illinois residents are able to check out some of the city's cultural landmarks for free on varying days throughout March.
Here’s what you need to know.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art institute is continuing its Free Winter Weekdays promotion until March 14, meaning that admission to the museum is free for Illinois residents on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The museum is typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but on March 5 and 12, the museum will be open for visitors.
More information can be found here.
Adler Planetarium
Illinois residents can visit the planetarium free of charge on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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All tickets must be purchased online in advance, and proof of residency will be required at checkout, according to officials. More information can be found on the planetarium’s website.
Chicago Botanic Garden
According to the Botanic Garden website, nonmembers can receive free admission on March 17-20. Preregistration is required, and parking fees still apply.
More information can be found at this link.
Chicago History Museum
Illinois residents can get into the museum free of charge on March 4, 12, and 27, according to the museum’s website.
Tickets can be obtained in advance via the museum’s website.
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
The museum offers free admission on Wednesdays, but does require preregistration to obtain tickets, according to the museum’s website.
Field Museum
Admission for Illinois residents is free at the museum on Wednesdays, including March 15, 12, 19 and 26.
More information can be found on the museum’s website.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The museum typically offers free admission to Illinois residents on specific dates, but has not yet released the dates for the month of March.
Residents can visit the museum’s website for updates.
Museum of Contemporary Art – Chicago
Admission to the museum is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to the website.
More information can be found here.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Free admission is offered to Illinois residents on Thursdays, though a $10 donation is suggested for visitors.
Tickets can be reserved in advance via the museum’s website.
Shedd Aquarium
The aquarium will offer free nights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 4, 11, 18 and 25.
Online ticket reservations are strongly encouraged, and can be found on the aquarium’s website.
Swedish American Museum
The museum, which celebrates Swedish-American cultural heritage, offers free admission on the second Tuesday of every month throughout the year, according to its website.
