Free Museums, Art Exhibitions, and More (Part Two)
I have always considered Chicago to be a great place with a lot to offer both visitors and residents. As a visitor, I went to the travel websites, ordered copies of brochures, and went to the main museums and tourist destinations in the city. Since I’ve been living here, I have started to explore the neighborhoods beyond the downtown area. However, my exploration to date did not prepare me for all the new places I discovered while researching this three-part series. In my first article, I focused on the museums that have 2015 Illinois Resident Discount Days. I now turn to places that always have free admission. Some of the places do have a suggested donation, which I have noted.
A few questions to consider when viewing each website:
Chicago Places That Always Have Free Admission
The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 East Ontario Street, Chicago
The first floor exhibition space is free and open to the public.
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street, Chicago
There are several gallery spaces with exhibitions to pique the interest of all visitors. Do you want to view an international film, listen to a lecture, enjoy a concert, or take a tour of the building? These are just a few activities available at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Chicago Design Museum, 108 North State Street, 3rd Floor, Chicago
The museum is free to enter. Donations are appreciated.
Chicago Sports Museum, Water Tower Place, Level 7, 835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Admission is free with a purchase at Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch restaurant (located next to the museum).
Chinese-American Museum of Chicago, 238 West 23rd Street, Chicago
The website suggests a donation of $5 for adults, $3 for students, and $3 for seniors.
City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower, 806 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Exhibits feature the work of local photographers and artists.
DePaul Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago
Elks National Memorial, 2750 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago
The Elks National Memorial is open seasonally (April to November).
Expo 72, 72 East Randolph Street, Chicago
This gallery hosts free art exhibitions.
Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago
The website indicates a suggested donation is asked for at the door and during special events and exhibits.
Harold Washington Library Center, 400 South State Street, Chicago
This is the Chicago Public Library’s main library. Free monthly art tours (registration required) provide attendees an opportunity to view original artwork on display throughout the building. There are 80 Chicago Public Library locations. Need computer assistance, homework help, or fishing poles? (Nine locations have fishing poles!) Public library locations are a great resource!
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 South Cornell Avenue, Chicago
Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery, James R. Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph Street, 2nd Floor, Chicago
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago
For visits to the museum during regular hours, the suggested donation is $5 per person; however, no one will be turned away for lack of a contribution.
Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 North Stockton Drive, Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo, North Stockton Drive and West Webster Avenue, Chicago
Madlener House, 4 West Burton Place, Chicago
Exhibitions are set up in rooms throughout this beautiful home, which was built in 1901-02. There is also an outdoor sculpture garden.
Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago
North Boeing Gallery and South Boeing Gallery have free exhibitions. Stroll through Lurie Garden. Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a year-round performance venue. During the summer, concertgoers enjoy outdoor seating on the lawn or in the fixed seating area. Wintertime attendees enjoy events while seated in the toasty enclosed stage area.
Money Museum, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago
All visitors are required to go through a security screening and adults must show a government-issued photo ID.
Museum of Contemporary Photography, Columbia College Chicago, 600 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 West 19th Street, Chicago
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, 3015 West Division Street, Chicago
National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd Floor, Chicago
The Newberry, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago
The Newberry is an independent research library open to the public. Free tours are given Thursdays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
The Oriental Institute Museum, The University of Chicago, 1155 East 58th Street, Chicago
Suggested Donation: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children under 12.
Poetry Foundation, 61 West Superior Street, Chicago
Hosts performances, exhibitions, readings, lectures, film screenings, and musical happenings.
The Renaissance Society, The University of Chicago, 5811 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago
The Renaissance Society is a contemporary art museum.
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Donations welcome.
Smart Museum of Art, The University of Chicago, 5550 South Greenwood Avenue, Chicago
Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, 610 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
First floor vestibule gallery exhibits are free. Pick up a complimentary brochure in the Spertus Shop and take a self-guided tour of select items from the Spertus Institute’s collection.
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago
The business manager indicates there is no set fee. They ask for a $5 donation or any amount a visitor wants to give.
Options are awesome! I've definitely been inspired to do something new! I plan to attend one of the Poetry Foundation performances scheduled for February. The Newberry is another place I want to visit. Their staff provides a free orientation on the topics of genealogy and local history.
The third article in this series will focus on places that offer free admission periodically throughout the year.
A few questions to consider when viewing each website:
- What is this place all about? What is their mission or specific focus?
- What kinds of events, activities, and services do they offer?
- Is everything free or is there a charge for some events or exhibits?
- What months, days, and hours are they open?
- What are my transportation options? Can I walk, bike, or take public transportation?
Chicago Places That Always Have Free Admission
The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 East Ontario Street, Chicago
The first floor exhibition space is free and open to the public.
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street, Chicago
There are several gallery spaces with exhibitions to pique the interest of all visitors. Do you want to view an international film, listen to a lecture, enjoy a concert, or take a tour of the building? These are just a few activities available at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Chicago Design Museum, 108 North State Street, 3rd Floor, Chicago
The museum is free to enter. Donations are appreciated.
Chicago Sports Museum, Water Tower Place, Level 7, 835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Admission is free with a purchase at Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch restaurant (located next to the museum).
Chinese-American Museum of Chicago, 238 West 23rd Street, Chicago
The website suggests a donation of $5 for adults, $3 for students, and $3 for seniors.
City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower, 806 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Exhibits feature the work of local photographers and artists.
DePaul Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago
Elks National Memorial, 2750 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago
The Elks National Memorial is open seasonally (April to November).
Expo 72, 72 East Randolph Street, Chicago
This gallery hosts free art exhibitions.
Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago
The website indicates a suggested donation is asked for at the door and during special events and exhibits.
Harold Washington Library Center, 400 South State Street, Chicago
This is the Chicago Public Library’s main library. Free monthly art tours (registration required) provide attendees an opportunity to view original artwork on display throughout the building. There are 80 Chicago Public Library locations. Need computer assistance, homework help, or fishing poles? (Nine locations have fishing poles!) Public library locations are a great resource!
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 South Cornell Avenue, Chicago
Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery, James R. Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph Street, 2nd Floor, Chicago
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago
For visits to the museum during regular hours, the suggested donation is $5 per person; however, no one will be turned away for lack of a contribution.
Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 North Stockton Drive, Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo, North Stockton Drive and West Webster Avenue, Chicago
Madlener House, 4 West Burton Place, Chicago
Exhibitions are set up in rooms throughout this beautiful home, which was built in 1901-02. There is also an outdoor sculpture garden.
Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago
North Boeing Gallery and South Boeing Gallery have free exhibitions. Stroll through Lurie Garden. Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a year-round performance venue. During the summer, concertgoers enjoy outdoor seating on the lawn or in the fixed seating area. Wintertime attendees enjoy events while seated in the toasty enclosed stage area.
Money Museum, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago
All visitors are required to go through a security screening and adults must show a government-issued photo ID.
Museum of Contemporary Photography, Columbia College Chicago, 600 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 West 19th Street, Chicago
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, 3015 West Division Street, Chicago
National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd Floor, Chicago
The Newberry, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago
The Newberry is an independent research library open to the public. Free tours are given Thursdays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
The Oriental Institute Museum, The University of Chicago, 1155 East 58th Street, Chicago
Suggested Donation: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children under 12.
Poetry Foundation, 61 West Superior Street, Chicago
Hosts performances, exhibitions, readings, lectures, film screenings, and musical happenings.
The Renaissance Society, The University of Chicago, 5811 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago
The Renaissance Society is a contemporary art museum.
Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Donations welcome.
Smart Museum of Art, The University of Chicago, 5550 South Greenwood Avenue, Chicago
Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, 610 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
First floor vestibule gallery exhibits are free. Pick up a complimentary brochure in the Spertus Shop and take a self-guided tour of select items from the Spertus Institute’s collection.
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago
The business manager indicates there is no set fee. They ask for a $5 donation or any amount a visitor wants to give.
Options are awesome! I've definitely been inspired to do something new! I plan to attend one of the Poetry Foundation performances scheduled for February. The Newberry is another place I want to visit. Their staff provides a free orientation on the topics of genealogy and local history.
The third article in this series will focus on places that offer free admission periodically throughout the year.