Chicago Museums Offer Free Admission on New Year’s Day
Chicago residents and visitors have a fantastic opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural institutions for free on New Year’s Day 2025. Several renowned museums across Chicago will open their doors to the public at no cost, allowing everyone to kick off the new year with a dose of art, history, and science.
Art Institute of Chicago
Starting on New Year’s Day, the Art Institute of Chicago will offer complimentary admission to Illinois residents as part of its Free Winter Weekdays promotion. The museum will continue to provide free entry on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays until March 14. Additionally, admission is always free for Illinois Pre-K to 12 teachers, teaching artists, children under 14, Chicago teens, and active-duty members. To secure your free tickets, make sure to reserve them in advance through the Art Institute’s website.
Adler Planetarium
Another exciting opportunity awaits at the Adler Planetarium, where Illinois residents can explore the wonders of space and astronomy for free every Wednesday, including New Year’s Day. Tickets must be reserved beforehand to guarantee entry to this popular attraction. Moreover, Illinois teachers can enjoy complimentary admission to the planetarium on any day of the week.
Chicago Botanic Garden and More
For nature enthusiasts, the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe will grant free entry to Illinois residents from January 6 to 12 and on January 20. Meanwhile, the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center offers free admission every Wednesday, with tickets requiring pre-booking.
Field Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Shedd Aquarium
The Field Museum will welcome Illinois residents for free on Wednesdays throughout January, including New Year’s Day. Visitors must provide proof of residency at the museum entrance or reserve tickets online in advance. Similarly, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago offers complimentary entry to Illinois residents every Tuesday, with free admission for visitors under 18 and a pay-what-you-can policy. Lastly, the Shedd Aquarium will have free admission on selected dates in January, with online ticket reservations incurring a $5 convenience fee.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Chicago’s vibrant cultural scene without breaking the bank. Start your year off right by immersing yourself in art, science, history, and nature at some of the city’s most prestigious museums and attractions.
