Salt Lake City's Free Museums

The Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts is the only museum in the country dedicated to displaying a state-owned collection of contemporary folk art. It features objects made by living Utah artists from the state’s American Indian, rural, occupational and ethnic communities offering a snapshot of Utah’s contemporary culture and heritage.

Located in Liberty Park; enter park from 900 E. or 1300 E. at about 600 S.

Open by appointment; call 801-236-7555

The star shows and IMAX theater at the Clark Planetarium aren't free, but the planetarium does have a number of free exhibits that are interesting and worth a look, especially if you're in the area.

110 S. 400 W.
801-456-STAR (7827)

Opens at 10:30 a.m. every day
Closes following the beginning of the last show of the day, generally Sundays at 6 p.m., Mon.-Wed. at 8 p.m., Thur. at 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. at 11 p.m.

The Fort Douglas Military Museum is dedicated to the history of Fort Douglas and U.S. military history, with hundreds of weapons uniforms, and other items on display. The Fort Douglas grounds offer lots of opportunities for historical exploration, including displays of cannons, helicopters and armored vehicles.

The Fort Douglas Military Museum is part of the Foothill Cultural District, which includes Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, the Utah Museum of Natural History, Hogle Zoo, This is the Place Heritage Park, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and Olympic Cauldron Park. All of these attractions are located on land that was once part of historic Fort Douglas.

Fort Douglas Military Museum
32 Potter Street
Fort Douglas, UT 84113
(801) 581-1251

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 12-5 p.m.

This free museum houses art and artifacts related to the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

45 North West Temple St.
801-240-3310

Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Natural History Museum of Utah is a working scientists' museum that's interesting for the whole family. The museum includes paleontology exhibits and a lot more. The museum's free days for 2012 are Jan. 9, April 9, July 9 and Sept. 22. It's strongly recommended to reserve tickets online for the free days; these are released a week to ten days in advance. Check the website for details.

301 Wakara Way
801-581-4303

Open Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - Last Admission is 4 p.m.
Open Wednesdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m. - Last Admission is 8 p.m.

The free Pioneer Memorial Museum on the grounds of the Utah State Capitol is dedicated to the lives and belongings of Utah's Mormon pioneers. Highlights include Brigham Young's wagon and an antique steam fire engine.

300 N Main St.
801-532-6479

Sept.-May hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
June-Aug. hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Admission is free. Voluntary contributions welcome.

The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art hosts changing contemporary art exhibits, film events, lectures on art, and photography and ceramics classes. Admission to the museum and many events is free. The museum also hosts free "Family Art Saturdays" with hands-on art activities the second Saturday of every month from 2-4 p.m.

20 South West Temple
801-328-4201

Tue.-Thur., Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Sundays, Mondays and Holidays

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts on the University of Utah campus focuses on art from different cultures around the world and includes special collections of Native American and Western American art.

The museum is free the first Wednesday of every month, and also the third Saturday of each month with free art activities for families from 1-4 p.m. It's always free for students and employees of the University of Utah.

Marcia & John Price Museum Building
410 Campus Center Drive
801-581-7332

Tue.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wed. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Closed Mondays and Holidays

The Wheeler Historic Farm includes tours of the historic Wheeler home, live farm animals, farm chore demonstrations and wagon rides. Admission to the farm is free, but there are small charges ranging from $.50 to $2 for some of the activities.

6351 S. 900 E.
801-264-2241

Open every day dawn until dusk