The Museums in the Park program works with the city of Chicago as well as cities throughout Illinois to bring awareness to the value of museums. Some of our local state representatives have joined this program to offer residents of their districts the opportunity to reserve free tickets to Chicago area museums!
These tickets come in the form of a museum card that’s good for admission for four to the museum of your choice. Parking costs are not included.
Here’s what you need to know to utilize this awesome resource!
Which Chicago Area Museums Are Participating?
- Adler Planetarium
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Brookfield Zoo/CZS
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- Chicago History Museum
- DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center
- Field Museum
- Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Museum of Science and Industry
- National Museum of Mexican Art
- National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
- Chicago Academy of Science/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- John G. Shedd Aquarium
Are There Any Restrictions on Getting the Museum Card?
Yes, the museum card is only good for four visitors maximum. You will have to pay admission for anyone else in your party. It does not cover parking costs.
You also need to register for the card 1-2 weeks in advance of your visit depending on your state representative.
The cards are reserved on a first-come first-serve basis and may not be available for the date you want. Depending on your representative, the card may need to be picked up and returned to the district office after use.
Where Do You Need to Live to Get the Museum Card?
You need to reside in the 67th, 68th, 89th, 90th district in Illinois under the state representatives of Maurice West, Dave Vella, and John Cabello. These districts cover most of Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, New Milford, Roscoe, Winnebago and Freeport.
What Do You Need to Do To Get the Museum Card?
First, check your address in the Illinois representative map to determine who you need to contact.
If you live in Maurice West’s district (67), then you will need to fill out the form here to get your museum card.
If you live in Dave Vella’s district (68), then you will need to fill out the form here to get your museum card.
If you live in Tony McCombie’s district (89), then you will need to call 815-291-8989 and provide your name and address along with the dates you are requesting (can be used for up to 3 days in row) to reserve the Constituent Education Resource Card for your use.
If you live in John Cabello’s district (90), then you will need to fill out the form here to get your museum card.
