Art Institute of Chicago Free Admission for Illinois Residents

Upcoming free hours for Illinois residents include:

• Third Thursdays, 5:00–8:00, beginning April 16, 2026

• Free Summer Thursdays, 5:00–8:00, June 11–September 17, 2026

You can reserve your free tickets online in advance; your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided.

If you’re unable to reserve tickets in advance, please stop by the admissions desks on the day of your visit for assistance.


For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.