Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers opportunities to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by supporting racial justice causes, giving back to the community, and attending events that reflect his fight for equality and civil rights. Chicago boasts a particular connection with the icon because it was here that he joined the Chicago Freedom Movement and worked to create fair and open housing for Black people. Consider these free events to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Day on January 15, 2024.
These Chicago Museums are free on January 15, 2024:
Art Institute of Chicago: Check out the discussion and gallery exploration, “Letter From Birmingham Jail.”
Shedd Aquarium: Visit the Caribbean Reef.
Mindworks: The Science of Thinking Explore the “Design Your Best Life” exhibit
Chicago History Museum
Family Event — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
1601 N. Clark St., 312-642-4600
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Join in a freedom sing-along, learn about civic action, get a customized poem and view the “Mighty Times: The Children’s March” documentary at this annual event that honors Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and activism, particularly in Chicago. This all-ages event is free with museum admission, which is free for Illinois residents for the day. Register for the museum’s online account to receive free tickets.
More info about the MLK Day Family event
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
740 E. 56th Place, 773-947-0600
10:00 am- 4:00 pm
On January 13, 2024, the museum will host “Been To The Mountaintop: Dr. King and the Present and Future of Our World, a free community discussion with civil rights activist, poet and filmmaker Kevin Powell. Explore the exhibits “Freedom: Origin and Journey” and “Troubled Waters: Chicago 1919 Race Riot,”
Hyde Park Art Center
5020 S. Cornell Ave.
MLK Day 2024: Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows
11-3 pm
Examine the ways that history, leadership and creativity influence the present and future. Join in artmaking and learn about Black folklore and found object printmaking. Semicolon Bookstore will host a pop-up shop of Afrofuturism and speculative fiction in conjunction with The Alien Nations and Sovereign States of Octavia Butler” exhibit. Members of Civic Orchestra of Chicago Chamber Ensemble will perform music by Black composers from 2- 2:45 pm. Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows is a free event but registration is encouraged.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 N. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Black Creativity Family Day
9:30 am-5:30 pm
The annual Black Creativity exhibit showcases African American innovation in art, science and technology. For family day, visitors can participate in an interactive art experience that mixes art with sound for an immersive community experience. Guests are invited to create art inspired by the music they hear and the piece will be gathered into one community art installation. Tickets are $25.95 for adults and $14.95 for children.
DuSable Museum of African American History
740 East 56th Place
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 947-0600
