Wednesday, November 11, 2026 is Veterans Day and there’s a good chance you have the day off work—so you’ll need something fun to do!
Luckily for Chicagoans, some of our city’s best museums and cultural centers are offering free admission on Wednesday.
Here’s a guide to free museum days on Nov. 11 and what you’ll need to bring to snag your free pass.
Which museums are free on Veterans Day, Nov. 11?
Three Chicago museums that are usually ticketed-admission-only will open their doors to Illinois residents for free on Veterans Day 2026.
Chicagoans can choose from a day of fine art viewing, science discovery, or fall foliage immersion.
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Free admission for Illinois residents on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m.—5 p.m.
- Online pre-registration available, but not required.
- Field Museum
- Free admission Nov. 11 for Illinois residents from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. (Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit not included in free admission.)
- Online pre-registration available, but not required.
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Free admission Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Pre-registration required for non-members.
Additionally, several Chicago museums offer free admission year round including the Chicago Cultural Center, National Museum of Mexican Art, and Museum of Contemporary Photography.
Click here for a full list of free museums in Chicago.
Can non-Illinois residents get free admission?
Unfortunately, free admission on Wednesday, November 11 is only available to Illinois residents. Out-of-state visitors will be subject to standard museum admission rates.
What do I need to bring to get free admission?
Illinois residents need to prove residency to get free museum access Wednesday. Residents can present one of several accepted forms of residency proof:
- Valid state ID – Illinois Driver’s License, Illinois State ID, or Chicago CityKey card
- Student ID
- Utility bill or lease copy
A reminder that residents looking to visit the Art Institute of Chicago or the Field Museum have the option of pre-registering online, while non-members to the Chicago Botanic Garden must pre-register online.
