EXPLORE
ABOUT ARTSPASS
YOUR UCID IS YOUR PASS
to free & discounted admission
at 70+ arts & culture organizations throughout Chicago.
Thanks to special partnerships with some of the best cultural institutions in Chicago, the ArtsPass program provides UChicago students with unique benefits and affordable access to a world of riveting performances, exhibitions, and more—all using your student ID.
For a few select events each quarter, ArtsPass Exclusives offer behind-the-scenes access with panel discussions or artist conversations, reduced admission, and often include receptions and free transportation.
WHERE WILL YOU GO ?
UChicago ArtsPass is supported by a generous gift from Michael A. Keable and Anne C. Van Wart. Additional support is provided by the Robert M. Rudolph Arts Endowment, the College, the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, and the generosity of alumni, friends, and partnering cultural institutions.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
On Campus and Near Campus
Cultural & Multidisciplinary
Dance
Film
Museum & Visual Art
Music
Theater
EVENTS
ARTSPASSPORT
WHERE TO NEXT?
Earn rewards when you use your UChicago ArtsPass (your UCID)
to frequent cultural organizations and events throughout Chicago.
Participating in ArtsPassport is simple:
REGISTER for the ArtsPassport Canvas module.
EXPLORE at least 5 different ArtsPass organizations during the academic year.
SHARE your explorations via Canvas. Photos, vlogs, reviews—anything at all! We’ll feature your adventures here and on our social channels.
Win prizes, including free treats at Café Logan, ArtsPass-branded apparel, and more!
ONE EXPLORATION: Enjoy a FREE coffee or tea from Chicago French Press at Café Logan. Click to learn more about local business Chicago French Press!
THREE EXPLORATIONS: Receive an ArtsPass beanie, perfect for Chicago winters.
FIVE EXPLORATIONS: This limited-edition, stylish tote is all yours!
ARTS ITINERARIES & TOURS
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Hyde Park & South Side
UChicago students live right next door to some of the best museums, cultural hubs, and theaters in Chicago. Whether you have an hour or a whole weekend, Hyde Park, Kenwood, South Shore, and Woodlawn have you covered!
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Downtown Michigan Avenue
Want to have an incredible day exploring and experiencing the arts in downtown Chicago? Michigan Avenue is the perfect place to go, with a wide variety of fun activities and places all a quick walk away from each other!
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Lincoln Park
Located on the North Side of Chicago right by the lake, Lincoln Park is a beautiful neighborhood with lots of opportunities to engage with arts and culture. Explore the area’s numerous arts organizations along with the rest of the neighborhood!
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Pilsen
Rich in Latino culture, Pilsen is a neighborhood that overflows with music, art, culinary tradition, and nightlife. It’s home to award-winning restaurants, iconic music venues, and sensational murals as far as the eye can see. Maybe that’s why it was named one of the “12 Coolest Neighborhoods Around the World” by Forbes.
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ArtsPass Itineraries
Students can use their UChicago Student ID (UCID) to affordably gain access to a world of riveting performances, exhibitions, and more. These VAMONDE itineraries will take you to organizations that are part of the ArtsPass program.
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VAMONDE Tours
Discover iconic Chicago attractions and hidden gems with VAMONDE itineraries built by locals and UChicago students. Travel like a local.
ArtsPass FAQ
What is a UChicago ArtsPass?
The UChicago ArtsPass is your University of Chicago Student ID (UCID). New students can get a UCID through the Identification & Privileges Office located in the Regenstein Library. If you are a current student with a valid UCID, no additional registration is necessary.
How do I use my ArtsPass?
Take your UCID to any of our partnering organizations or other participating institutions to receive a discount or free admission. If you are unsure of what the discount is, check our website (under Organizations) or check the organization’s website and directions as to how to access the discounts.
I hear ArtsPass organizes group outings with free transportation to different arts organizations every quarter. How do I find out about these?
We are not providing transportation to any off-campus arts events at this time, but you can stay updated about that or learn about virtual programs, including virtual ArtsPass Exclusives, by signing up for the UChicago Arts newsletter or joining the ArtsPass Facebook group.
Can faculty and staff take advantage of the ArtsPass program?
Faculty and staff receive the following benefits through the ArtsPass program with your UCID:
Free admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) year-round
A limited number of free passes to the Art Institute of Chicago are available for faculty and staff are available. Please contact Juelle Daley to arrange for one. Free admission to the Art Institute of Chicago once a quarter during UChicago Nights. Family and friends may join faculty and staff during these special evenings.
Free, guided public tours of the Frederick C. Robie House the first Monday of every month and $3 discounts at all other times.
We also encourage faculty and staff to take advantage of our partner organizations by planning trips to our partner venues and to let us know when we can help you organize events.
What is the difference between a partner organization and other participating cultural institutions?
Partner organizations provide a deal especially for UChicago students. Other institutions provide discounts for all college students. Partner organizations are denoted with the ArtsPass logo.
I am a graduate student. Can my spouse/significant other take advantage of the ArtsPass program?
Currently, the only partnership that extends to guests of students is The Field Museum which allows a student with a UCID to attend with one guest.
Unfortunately, most other discounts are only available to University of Chicago students with a valid student ID.
How do I get to a particular institution?
Under each organization, you will see a link to a map, as well as to the CTA and University transport options. We encourage you to use your UPASS to get around the city.
How do students recommend an organization for participation?
If you are interested in suggesting an organization to participate in the UChicago ArtsPass program, send an email to Juelle Daley with the name, email, and phone number of the organization, and a short note about why you are recommending them.
I contacted a particular organization on this list and they said that the deal listed is no longer available. Is your website wrong? Are they wrong?
If this happens, please contact Juelle Daley to let us know. Sometimes, communication errors occur, or information needs to be updated. Larger arts organizations tend to have complex channels of communication, and sometimes crucial information gets lost in the shuffle. We work diligently each year to update the information on our website, and to keep all organizations in the loop about any issues that arise.