🎨 Visit America’s Art museums for Free!
I just discovered something very cool this past weekend when I visited the Art Institute of Chicago, and I had to share it with you!
Did you know you may be able to visit incredible museums for FREE through Bank of America’s Museums on Us® program?
If you have an eligible Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card, you can receive free general admission to participating museums during the first full weekend of every month.
And there are participating museums all across the country!
💳 One Important Rule
Everyone needs their own eligible card.
The benefit provides one free general admission per eligible cardholder, and you’ll also need a valid government-issued photo ID.
So if you’re traveling with your spouse, friend or family, make sure each person who wants the benefit has their own eligible card.
Also keep in mind that special exhibitions, ticketed experiences and certain events may not be included.
📅 Check Before You Go!
This is important!
Not every participating museum offers the benefit both Saturday and Sunday. Some are Saturday-only, some Sunday-only, and some participate both days.
Before planning your museum day, check the official Museums on Us list and the individual museum’s website to confirm the participating day and what is included.
🖼️ My Art Institute of Chicago Experience
I visited the Art Institute of Chicago this past weekend, and WOW — plan a full day for this one!
The museum offers nearly 1 million square feet to explore, so there is A LOT to see.
I got to see works by Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet, along with some of the museum’s most famous pieces:
🎨 Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks — the famous nighttime diner scene.
🎨 Grant Wood’s American Gothic — one of the most recognizable American paintings.
🎨 Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte—1884 — the enormous park scene with people relaxing along the water. It is more than 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide, and seeing it in person was pretty incredible.
One famous piece I didn’t get to see was Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa. It is part of the Art Institute’s collection, but it wasn’t on display during my visit. Because the original is light-sensitive, it is only displayed periodically.
So if there’s a specific masterpiece you want to see, check ahead of time to make sure it’s currently on display!
🚆 Indiana Friends — Here's My Chicago Tip!
If you’re coming from Indiana, take the South Shore Line!
You can park at several South Shore Line stations for free, then take the train into downtown Chicago and avoid downtown parking, traffic, and overnight hotel parking fees (expensive and most do not allow in and out priveleges) . We park at East Chicago station. If we leave our car for a few days we park close to the main entrance and under a well lit area and don't keep any personal belongings in the car. We have never had any issues, but always do this to be safe.
These are the stations with free parking and most useful for an Indiana-to-Chicago museum trip, Gary/Chicago Airport, Miller, East Chicago, Hammond Gateway, South Hammond, Munster Ridge, Munster/Dyer.
The current fare from East Chicago station was $7.25 each way or $14.50 round trip.
The Van Buren Street station is especially convenient for the Art Institute.
So your Chicago museum day could be:
🚗 Park for free 🚆 Take the South Shore Line 🎨 Visit an amazing museum 🍕 Enjoy Chicago-style pizza (or one of so many fabulous restaurants) 🚆 Take the train home (Check times for the last train back home. Ours was around 11:50 pm on the day we left)
Easy, affordable and way less stressful than driving downtown!
🌎 It’s Not Just Chicago!
The best part? Museums on Us is available at participating museums across the country.
So before your next vacation, check the list! You might discover that a museum you've been wanting to visit is included.
And if you’re an art lover, why not plan an entire trip around it?
✈️ Want to Plan a Trip Around Art?
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of exploring the museums of New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia or another U.S. city. I can help you turn your museum bucket list into an actual trip.
From hotels and transportation to activities and excursions, I’d love to help you plan it! My services are always complimentary!
Nikol Allee, Founder
Alleeways Travel backed by Fora Travel
📞 1-317-828-4950
What museum is on YOUR bucket list? Tell me — maybe it’s time to start planning! 🎨✈️
Always check the official Museums on Us information and the individual museum’s website before traveling. Participating museums, dates, hours and admission policies can change.
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