Categories: Press Releases

Museum opens its doors to all Illinois residents at no cost to provide a cool, welcoming space during the anticipated extreme heat.

CHICAGO (July 1, 2026) – The Chicago History Museum will again offer free admission to all Illinois residents on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in response to the extreme heat expected across the Chicago area. Earlier this week, the Chicago History Museum opened its doors to help visitors escape the heat and saw attendance increase by more than 87 percent compared with an average Tuesday, underscoring the community’s need for a cool, welcoming space during extreme weather. The Museum hopes to provide that same relief again tomorrow.

“Museums are community spaces, and during periods of extreme heat, the Chicago History Museum is here for Chicagoans and everyone across Illinois,” said Chicago History Museum Interim President and CEO Michael Anderson. “We’re proud to offer a safe, welcoming place where our communities can cool off, connect, and explore the stories that bring us together.”

The Museum will be open during its regular weekday hours, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing visitors with a safe, air-conditioned space to explore Chicago’s rich history while staying cool. Guests must check in at the Museum’s front desk with a valid photo ID to receive free admission.

This special free admission day is in addition to the Museum’s regularly scheduled free admission days, including: July 4, July 15, August 13, August 27, September 7, and September 24.

The Chicago History Museum also offers free or discounted admission year-round for museum members, Illinois educators, partner university students or employees, service members, and social services recipients with a valid ID, as well as all Illinois residents aged 18 or younger. Learn more about admission and eligibility at https://www.chicagohistory.org/visit-us/.

For more information, please contact Emily Miller, Public Communications Manager, at emily.miller@chicagohistory.org or (312) 799-2161.