The Museum offers free days to Illinois residents throughout the year, including commemorative days like Presidents’ Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Fourth of July.

Upcoming 2023 Illinois resident free days include: January 16–20, 24–27, 31; February 1–3, 7–10, 14–17, 20–24, 28; March 12, 29–30; April 4, 26; May 4, 29, 31; June 19, 28

The Museum also offers a wide variety of discounts. See the partial list below. Please present relevant identification at the Ticket Desk to receive the following discounts.

FREE admission: 

• Members of the Chicago History Museum, DuSable Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, and National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
• North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association Members: Members listed on NARM member card only.
• Students, faculty, and staff at City Colleges of Chicago, DePaul University, University of Illinois Chicago  
• Illinois Teachers
• Pre-registered School Field Trips
• Park Voyagers: Must show your pass
• Kids Museum Passport holders: Must show your pass
• US Armed Services: All active-duty military and all veterans
• Chicago Police Department: All active duty
• Chicago Fire Department: All active duty

Other programs and discounts:

• Blue Star Museums: The Chicago History Museum is proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums program. Blue Star Museums offer free admission to active-duty military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, and Reserve members, with up to five family members. The program runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• RAILS Members: Receive $3 off a general admission ticket to the Museum.
• Museums for All: The Chicago History Museum is pleased to offer a discounted admission fee of $3 to individuals and families presenting an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. A maximum of four adults is allowed per EBT card.
• WIC: The Museum offers a discounted admission fee of $3.

Absolutely! Chicago’s history belongs to its people.

Chicago residents get $2 off the cost of Adult, Senior, and Student admission. Additionally, admission is free for Illinois residents 18 years and younger. Proof of residency is required.

For the safety of our visitors and collection, we ask that all backpacks, umbrellas, food, and beverages be left in our complimentary coat check. If you are caring for an infant, feel free to nurse or bottle feed anywhere within the Museum. Learn more about our backpack and large bag policy.

Please call 312-642-4600 or contact us if you have any questions.

It could take a lifetime to see everything the Museum has to offer. The average first visit lasts around two hours.

Yes. See the digital PDF, or you can download a printable PDF of the Museum map here.

Yes. Museum general admission is valid for the entire day on the ticket. Feel free to take a break and explore the neighborhood and the grounds around the Museum.

We have no last entrance time. The Museum closes at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday and at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. A few minutes before closing, staff will let everyone know it is time to plan their exit.

The Abakanowicz Research Center (ARC) is FREE to visit. Visitors are asked to register in advance. We encourage you to email research@chicagohistory.org before making a reservation to ensure that an on-site visit is best for your needs.

Upon successfully registering, you will receive an email confirmation with an order number, which all ARC visitors MUST have in order to enter.

Upon arrival, visitors will be asked to scan their ticket at the Museum’s Ticket Desk and check oversized belongings at our free coat check. The ARC has free lockers available for bags and coats. Children under 6 will not be admitted.

Amateur photography is currently permitted in all galleries. Large (backpack) camera bags and tripods/monopods/selfie sticks are not permitted within the galleries. You may leave your gear in our secure, complimentary coat check. Feel free to swap out lenses and batteries as frequently as you need.

While you are free to purchase tickets online or in person for any number of people, we do offer group rates.

For groups of 10 or more adults, please arrange for your group visit. In addition to general admission, we offer a range of tours, lectures, catering, and meeting spaces.

We also offer discounts for schools and community organizations bringing elementary to high school aged students. Make a reservation.

Yes. We regularly host public guided tours for all Museum visitors. The tour schedule is dependent on guide availability. Please call ahead of your visit for more information: 312-642-4600.

The North & Clark Café, located inside the Museum, is open Tuesday–Sunday and serves fresh-made menu offerings and unique daily specials. The Café closes approximately 1 hour prior to the Museum closing. Feel free to browse the menu here.

Daily admission can be applied to membership within the week of your visit. You may also sign up online.

The Chicago History Museum is committed to being accessible to all. See our current accessibility offerings.

Please call 312-642-4600 or contact us for additional assistance.

It has always been the Chicago History Museum. Learn more about the institution and the building.