A woman and a young girl interact with museum staff, one who is holding an animal skull for them to see and touch

Illinois Free Wednesdays

About this event series

Beat the mid-week blues and come visit SUE— the Field is free on Wednesdays for Illinois Residents!

Pre-Registered Illinois field trips are FREE everyday of the week!

Free Wednesdays are the perfect opportunity for you to explore our basic admission exhibitions with your family or a group of science-loving friends. Adventure through the wilderness on a desert safari, explore ancient civilizations, and come face-to-face with prehistoric creatures— all in one place. The Field Museum has so much to explore, you’ll need more than just a day to see it all. But don’t worry— for Illinois Residents, every Wednesday in 2024 is free.

Tickets for Free Days are only available to Illinois residents. For your convenience, free day tickets are available for advanced reservation online. Please present your proof of Illinois residency alongside your mobile tickets for express admission into the Museum. Tickets will also be available onsite subject to availability. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Free Day Admission Options

Ticket TypeAdultChild

Discounted All-Access Pass

Includes all general admission exhibitions, all ticketed exhibitions.

$16$14

Reserve All-Access Pass

Discounted Discovery Pass

Includes admission to all general admission exhibitions, and one ticketed exhibition.

$10$8

Reserve Discovery Pass

Basic Admission

Includes all general admission exhibitions, such as Evolving PlanetThe Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt

FreeFree

Reserve Basic Admission

Proof of Residency

Tickets for Free Wednesdays are only available to Illinois residents. No special coupon, ticket, or pass is required to enter the Museum during Free Admission Days. Just present a current Illinois driver's license, state ID, or Chicago CityKey card at the ticket desk to establish proof of residency. If you do not have an Illinois identification card, you may establish residency by showing a valid photo ID along with one of the following:

  • Illinois lease
  • Illinois library card
  • Illinois student ID with photo
  • Illinois utility bill
  • Illinois work ID and check stub

Museums for All

Can't make it on a free day? We offer Museums for All and other discounts all year long.

Families who qualify for state food assistance can receive $3-per-person Basic admission for up to six people. Just show an EBT (Link) or WIC card when you purchase tickets at the museum. You cannot take advantage of this special offer when buying tickets online.

Museums for All is made possible by Ford Philanthropy.