Free Admission for Illinois K–12 Students in 2026

Discover America’s Story — For Free!

Thanks to more than $1 million in donor support, all K–12 students living in Illinois will receive free admission to the Peoria Riverfront Museum through the new All-Illinois Student Access Pass, launching January 31, 2026, in celebration of America 250.

Students will experience The Promise of Liberty, a one-of-a-kind, original exhibition guest-curated by renowned filmmaker Ken Burns. This landmark exhibition showcases some of the most important American treasures ever assembled— including the Declaration of Independence, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and more.

The All-Illinois Student Access Pass includes entry to all museum galleries, featuring the America 250 exhibitions and the blockbuster exhibition, ToyTopia (May–September 2026).

Major support for the All-Illinois Student Access Pass is provided by the Gilmore Foundation, Josh and Ashley Bellamy, an anonymous Chicagoland foundation, and America 250 donors.

Families and Individual Students

We’re thrilled to offer free admission to all K–12 students living in Illinois. To make your visit smooth and enjoyable, please note the following:

•  At check-in, you will be will be required to provide a valid email address, home ZIP code, school name, and city.
•  Students must be accompanied by an adult paying full-price general admission, which includes access to all galleries and one regular planetarium show. (Giant Screen Theater experiences require a separate paid ticket.)
•  One adult may accompany up to four students.
•  This offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.

Student Groups

To ensure the best experience for your students, please plan ahead:

•  Groups of 10 or more students must reserve in advance.
•  One free chaperone is provided for every five students. Additional chaperones are $10 each.
•  Special needs groups with one-on-one aides are free of charge.
•  Please submit your group tour request at least two weeks before your preferred visit date.
•  Dates and times are subject to availability and will be confirmed by our scheduling coordinator.
•  Once your request is received, our team will contact you to confirm your visit and send an email confirmation.
•  Groups of 10 or more arriving without a reservation will be charged a $250 fee.
•  Limited lunchroom space is available and must be reserved in advance if needed.
•  Giant Screen Theater films and Dome Planetarium shows require separate paid tickets for All Access Illinois Pass groups.

Cancellation Policy for Group Visits

We understand plans can change — please let us know as soon as possible if you need to adjust your visit.

•  Cancellations must be made by phone or email at least 48 hours in advance.
•  Groups that fail to cancel within 48 hours will be charged a $250 cancellation fee.
•  Museum memberships do not apply to group rates