CHICAGO— Illinois residents looking to take advantage of Free Wednesday at the Field Museum should plan ahead, as advanced reservations for March 26 have already reached capacity. While a limited number of tickets may be available onsite, visitors are encouraged to consider attending on another date.
Free Wednesdays offer Illinois residents complimentary access to the museum’s basic admission exhibitions, providing an opportunity to explore ancient civilizations, embark on a desert safari, and come face-to-face with prehistoric creatures—all under one roof. With so much to see, guests may find that a single visit isn’t enough. Fortunately, these free admission days occur regularly.
Ticket Availability and Reservations
Free Day tickets are exclusively available to Illinois residents. While online reservations allow for a smoother entry, tickets are also available at the museum on a first-come, first-served basis—subject to availability. Given the high demand, securing an advance reservation is strongly recommended.
For expedited entry, visitors should present proof of Illinois residency alongside their mobile ticket upon arrival.
Proof of Illinois Residency
No special coupon or promotional code is required for Free Wednesdays. However, guests must present valid identification to confirm residency. Acceptable forms of proof include:
- Illinois driver’s license or state ID
- Chicago CityKey card
Valid photo ID along with one of the following:
- Illinois lease agreement
- Illinois library card
- Illinois student ID with a photo
- Illinois utility bill
- Illinois work ID and check stub
Additional Discount Programs
For those unable to visit on a designated Free Day, the museum offers additional discounted admission options year-round.
Through the Museums for All program, families receiving state food assistance can purchase Basic Admission tickets for just $3 per person, for up to six people. To redeem this offer, guests must present an EBT (Link) or WIC card at the ticket counter, as online purchases are not eligible for the discount.
