After you've hit the Museum of Contemporary Art, or MCA, and the Art Institute of Chicago, keep heading south to see one of Chicago's most compelling yet under-viewed collections. Full Story
Here's one of the best things about Reggie's Rock Club in the South Loop: If you're not into a set or who you're with, just walk up a couple flights to Record Breakers, Full Story
The outside of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a museum itself: The extensive prairie, rooftop gardens and solar panels, and water conservation systems make it one of the city's shining examples of green technology. Full Story
With the threat of gentrification looming from the east, leaders in the Humboldt Park neighborhood worked to solidify the staying power of its Puerto Rican community. Full Story
Back before karaoke was hip, there was Sidekicks. Pretend that the vintage marquee outside is glowing your name (instead of "Open Till 4AM" and "Karaoke Every Night"), open the bright red door and prepare for a time warp. Full Story
FREDERICKSBURG, VA – July 9, 2013 – America’s most exciting aerial action sport returns to Chicago this fall for the largest annual skydiving competition in the world: the 2013United States Parachute Association (USPA) National Skydiving Championships,September 12 to 24 at Skydive Chicago .... Full Story
 
Chicago Attractions and Museum Guide

Chicago has amazing museums with unbelievable artifacts including a 67 million year old T. rex, moon rocks, dolphins and one of the most extensive displays of rare art this side of the Louvre. Chicago's museums offer an unforgettable experience for visitors and are a proud symbol of cultural pride for locals. As an added bonus, many of these institutions offer free or discounted admission days.

The list below provides more specific information about special museum offers. Check back often for updated dates.

Please note: For many of the museums, you must be an Illinois resident and show proof of residency to take advantage of the free admission days. Dates are subject to change and may not include fees to view special exhibits. Visit individual museum websites for admission details, as well as policies for specific community members such as military personnel and local school groups.

ADLER PLANETARIUM

Free general admission for Illinois residents on these upcoming 2013 dates:
June 4–6, 10–12

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to Illinois residents every Thursday evening from 5-8pm.

Additionally children under age 14 are always free and the public can enjoy the following museum areas free of charge:

  • The Ryan Education Center in the Modern Wing, as well as all programs for families and children within the center
  • The North and South Gardens (accessible from Michigan Avenue)
  • The Nichols Bridgeway connecting the museum to Millennium Park
  • The Bluhm Family Terrace on the 3rd floor of the west pavilion of the Modern Wing

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

Free general admission for Illinois residents on the following 2013 dates:
January 7–11, 14–18, 21–25, 28–31
February 6, 13, 20, 27
March 4
April 22
May 6
June 3–7, 10
September 9–13, 16–20, 23–27, 30
October 1–2
November 4
December 9

FIELD MUSEUM

Free general admission for Illinois residents on these upcoming 2013 dates:
January 7–8, 15–18, 22, 28, 30
February 4–8, 11–15, 19–22, 25–28
March 6–7

SHEDD AQUARIUM

Free general admission for Illinois residents only on the following 2013 dates:
June: 3–4, 10–11, 17–18, 24–25

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