FREE MUSEUMS / TOURS

I want to welcome back my loyal readers. I'm so glad you come back again and again and I hope you are enjoying all that Chicago has for FREE.

For those of you who are new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled FREE events and local organizations that offer FREE activities throughout the year.
 
I hope you will use the blog like a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest your start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make note of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.

If you would like to receive a notice when I send out a new post, send your email address to ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com


ADLER PLANETARIUM
Museum Campus
FREE days throughout the year for Illinois residents.

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO 
111 S Michigan Ave,
FREE for Illinois residents every Thursday from 5-8 pm (1700-20:00) and children 13 and under are always FREE. FREE family activities are offered in the Ryan Educational Center – no admission necessary.
 
BRONZEVILLE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 
9301 S Stony Island Ave
FREE admission for children ages3 to 0 on the first and third Saturday of each month. FREE admission is always offered to active and retired military personnel.
.
ALFRED CALDWELL LILY POOL
Fullerton Ave. and Cannon Dr.
FREE to explore daily mid-April to mid-November and FREE tours Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, Farm-in-the-Zoo and mid-April to mid-November the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
 
CHICAGO CHILDRENS MUSEUM AT NAVY PIER
 700 E. Grand Ave.
“FREE admission for visitors age 15 and under on Free First Sundays, offered the first Sunday of each month Additionally there is FREE admission for all visitors on Target Free Family Night, offered Thursday evenings 5-8pm.” (17:00-20:00)
 
CAMBODIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM
 2831 W Lawrence Ave.
“This unique institution celebrates Cambodian community and culture in the United States. The museum draws awareness to the Cambodian genocide and offers an ever-changing rotation of exhibitions and original art.”
 
CHARNLEY-PERSKY HOUSE
1365 N Astor St.
“Tours are FREE on Wednesdays, year round (not applicable to groups of 10 or more).”
 
CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER
78 E Washington 
 FREE admission and programming year-round. Closed on major holidays.
 
CHICAGO DESIGN MUSEUM
108 N. State St 3rd Floor
“The Chicago Design Museum features exhibitions, tours, public and private programs, digital media, and workshops that are FREE and open to the public on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12pm to 7pm.”
 
CHICAOG FOODSEUM
108 N. State St.                                                                        
“Through interactive exhibits, educational seminars, developmental programming and events, Foodseum provides fun accessible food education for all and inspire the next generation of great chefs, restauranteurs and most importantly food fans.”
 
CITY GALLERY AT THE HISTORIC WATER TOWER
806 N. Michigan Ave
“The treasured landmark on The Magnificent Mile has been turned into a beautiful showcase for rotating art exhibits from local photographers and artists.” FREE daily (closed beetween exhibits)
 
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

CLARKE HOUSE
1827 S. Indiana Ave.
This is the oldest house in Chicago. “one-hour guided tours are FREE on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, year round (not applicable to groups of 16 or more). While you are in the area, check out the FREE tours of the Glessner House and Second Presbyterian Church.
 
DE PAUL ART MUSEUM
935 W. Fullerton
FREE Admission daily
 
 DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
740 E. 56th Pl.
Admission is FREE every Sunday. Children under 5 are always FREE.

FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Museum Campus
FREE days throughout the year for Illinois Resdients.and FREE admsition every day for active military and teachers K-12th grades.
 
FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
126 E. Chestnut
Art gallery FREE, sanctuary open daily, FREE tours following Sunday services. FRREE concerts every Friday at noon.

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY
 300 N Central Park Ave.
 FREE admission

GLESSNER HOUSE MUSEUM
1800 S. Prairie Avenue
Tours are FREE on Wednesdays, year round (not applicable to groups of 10 or more. While you are in the area, check out the FREE tours of the Clarke House and Second Presbyterian Church.
 
GRAHAM FOUNDATION FOR ADVANCED STUDIES IN THE FINE ARTS 
4 W Burton Pl.
Admission is FREE every day. Open Wednesday through Saturday.
 
HYDE PARK ARTCENTER
5020 S Cornell Ave.
FREE cultural exhibitions, gallery talks, poetry readings and musical performances.
 
IINTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF SURGICAL SCIENCE
1524 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Tuesdays are FREE. Children under 3 always admitted FREE
  
JANE ADDAMS HULL-HOUSE MUSEUM
800 S. Halsted St.
“This museum is dedicated to providing free to the public exhibits and programs that focus on policy efforts. The tribute to Jane Addams serves as an educational conduit to addressing issues that affect the sociological conditions of underserved communities” Admission is always FREE.
 
LINCOLN PARK ZOO
2001 N Stockton Dr.
Open every day of the year (so a great place to visit on holidays when other attractions are closed). Admission is always FREE. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Farm-in-the-Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and mid-April to mid-November the Caldwell Lily Pond.
 
LINCOLN PARK FARM-IN-THE-ZOO
1911 N. Stockton Dr.
Open every day of the year (so a great place to visit on holidays when other attractions are closed). Admission is always FREE. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and mid-April to mid-November the Caldwell Lily Pond.
 
LINCOLN PARK CONSERVATORY  
2391 N Stockton Dr.
Admission is FREE and FREE tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, Farm-in-the-Zoo and mid-April to mid-November the Caldwell Lily Pond.

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF ART
820 Michigan Avenue
Admission is FREE for Illinois residents every Tuesday, year round. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Musseum of Contemporary Art and City Gallery at the Hhistoric Water Tower and Fourth Presbyterian Chuch.
 
MCCORMICK BRIDGEHOSUE & CHICAGO RIVERMUSEUM
In the SW Bridgehouse on the Michigan Ave. bridge
Open for FREE on Sundays May to OCtober.
 
MONEY MUSEUM AT THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO
 60690, 230 S La Salle St,
FREE admission year-round
 
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
220 E Chicago Ave,
FREE Tuesdays for Illinois residents; children 12 and under are always FREE.
FREE the second Saturday of the month (October-May) for families with children12 and under. While you are in t he neighborhood visit the Loyola Museum of Art and the City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY
600 S. Michigan Ave.
FREE daily throughout the year. While you are in the neighborhood visit the 
 
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSSTRY
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
FREE days throughout the year for Illinois Resdients.
 
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART
1852 W 19th St.
FREE every day.
 
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PUERTO RICAN ARTS AND CULTURE
 3015 W Division St,
Always FREE
 
NATIONAL VETERAN ART MUSEUM
4041 N Milwaukee Ave, 2nd Floor
FREE admission daily.
 
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY
60 W Walton St.
FREE admission, exhibits and programming.
 
THE ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
1155 E 59th St.
FREE admission open Tuesday through Sunday. A donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 is appreciated. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Smart Museum of Art and the Rockefeller Chapel and the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago..
 
PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM
2430 N Cannon Dr,
FREE Thursdays for Illinois resident and children under 3. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Farm-in-the Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Caldwell Lily Pool.
 
POETRY FOUNDATION
61 W. Superior St
FREE to visit exhibits and many events.
 
REBUILD FOUNDATION
6916 S Dorchester Ave
FREE programs and exhibits
 
THE RENAISSANCE SOCIETY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
5811 S Ellis Ave.
“The society offers exhibitions and programs that aim to provide insight and educate on the wonders of art history “ FREE of charge. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Smart Museum of Art and the Rockefeller Chapel and the Oriental Institute..

ROCKEFELLER CHAPEL
Open to the public  for FREE late September through mid June) 10 am to 5:30 pm Tuesday through Friday

ROCKEFELLER CHAPEL CARRILON 
"The Laura Spelman Rockefeller Carillon is played live in recital Monday to Friday, 12 noon and 5 pm while the University is in session, and at weekends for events. During the academic quarter, we offer the opportunity for visitors and members of the University community to climb the tower for carillon recitals, Tuesday through Friday (the Chapel is closed to visitors on Mondays), and on Sundays. Check our home page for current details, including notification of academic breaks when we do not offer tours. Read more about visiting the carillon.
During the summer, we present a special series of Sunday evening concerts, The Bells of Summer, seven Sundays at 5 pm. These concerts last for an hour, and you’re invited to bring a lawnchair or blanket and a picnic. Children and nicely behaved animals are welcome." All events are FREE.
 
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
While you are in the area, check out the FREE tours of the Clarke House and Glessner House. While you are in the neighobrhood visit the Glessner House and the Clark House.

SHEDD AQUARIUM
Museum Campus
FREE days throughout the year for Illinois Reisdents.
 
SMART MUSEUM OF ART
5500 S Greenwood Ave
FREE daily. While you are in the neighborhood stop by the Oriental Institute and the Rockefellar Chapel

ST. JAMES CATHEDRAL STIANED GLASS WIDOWS
835 N. Rush St.
FREE tours Saturdays 9am to 11am except holidays. While you are in the neighborhood visit the Loyola Museum of Art, Fourth Presbyterian Church and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
​
SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM  
5211 N. Clark St
Admission is FREE of all on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
 
UKRAINIAN INSTITUTE OF MODERN ART
2320 W. Chicago Ave.
Admission FREE: $5 donation requested

UKRAINIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CHICAGO
2249 W. Superior St.,
Admission FREE: $5 donation requested

THE ZHOU B ART CENTER
1029 W. 35th St
FREE exhibitions every 3rd Friday of the month with an evening reception from 7pm-10pm.
 
 SPECIAL PROGRAMS

BANK OF AMERICA MUSEUMS ON US PROGRAM
 FREE admission to participating museums on the first full weekend of each month
 
 KIDS MUSEUM PASSPORT
 This program, sponsored by the 15 Museums Work for Chicago institutions, allows individuals with a Chicago Public Library card to check out a pass for FREE general admission participating museums.
§  Each pass admits a maximum of four people for general admission, including special exhibitions.
§  Each group using a pass must be accompanied by at least one child under the age of 18.
§  A maximum of two adults are admitted on one pass.
 
 SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE FREE DAYS
 The 2017 FREE museum dates and sites have not been announced. 

So if it's too cold for you to enjoy an FREE outside event, head into one of our wonderful museums for FREE!

For more information about activities in the city this season check out the City of Chicago website www.cityofchicago.org/holiday


All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information. All quoted text was lifted from the website sited.
 
Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com
 
If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com
 
Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

I hope to see you in Chicago

​

I want to welcome back my loyal readers. I'm so glad you come back again and again and I hope you are enjoying all that Chicago has for FREE.

For those of you who are new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled FREE events and local organizations that offer FREE activities throughout the year.
 
I hope you will use the blog like a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest your start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make notes of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.


ANOTHER FREE APP
Vamonde  is a FREE app to enhance your time as you travel around the world.

"We believe the world is full of stories just waiting to be discovered...in the places where we live our lives, where we laugh, we cry, we remember and we celebrate. But so often, the question, “what happened here?” goes unanswered. What if we really could make these walls talk? What if we could explore the world around us - not just seeing what's in front of us now, but seeing who and what came before?
Vamonde (vah-mond) brings together two French words - Va, meaning “Go” and Monde, meaning “World.” Put together, Vamonde means “Go World.” This is the spirit that drives us. We want to help users and organizations create beautiful experiences out in the world and connect stories into amazing adventures that encourage others to get out of their offices, homes, hotel rooms to touch, feel, smell, hear and experience place!"

Most of the Vamonde Chicago stories are FREE but some require a nominal fee.


FREE LECTURES AND EXHIBITS

The Chicago Athletic Club Hotel offers FREE events and FREE art exhibits not just for their guests but for the general public. From the home page click on Explore and select Hotel Happenings. You can even listen to pod casts of previous events online.

Landmarks Illinois offers FREE monthly lecture series. From their website select Events and Preservation Snapshot Lectures for dates, times and locations.

Friends of Downtown also offers FREE lectures throughout the year. You can find their calendar by selecting Events on their homepage.
 
FREE (or discounted) THEATER TICKETS
Oracle Theater offers FREE admission to all of their performances. Their mantra “free art for all”.

Theater Oobleck price for their original productions is “$8 to $10 suggested donation, more if you’ve got it, free if you’re broke.”

Neo-Futurists offers the “longest running show in Chicago, an ever-evolving attempts to perform 30 Plays in 60 Minute Half of all tickets to Too Much Light (Make the Baby Go Blind) are not available for purchase online.   Advance purchase tickets are $20 with a roll-back refund, meaning patrons will roll a six-sided die and receive $1-$6 back in cash.

PATCH CALENDAR
I just found another source of things to do.in Chicago. PATCH calendars are available in more than 20 states and in scores of communities in Illinois. Here’s the link to Chicago CALENDAR. Some of the activities are FREE so check it out.

Wherever you go, don’t forget (and don’t be shy) to ask about student, senior and military discounts.


All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information. Quoted text was lifted from the website sited.
 
Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com
 
If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com
 
Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com