1. Salt Lake Art Center
Photo courtesy of the Salt Lake Art Center
The Salt Lake Art Center hosts changing contemporary art exhibits, film events, lectures on art, and photography and ceramics classes.
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
2. Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Photo courtesy of the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau
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 free art activities for families are held the third Saturday of every month from 2 to 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
3. LDS Church History Museum
Image courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
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.
4. Wheeler Historic Farm
Photo courtesy of Wheeler Historic Farm
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
5. Utah Museum of Natural History
Photo courtesy of the Utah Museum of Natural History
The Utah Museum of Natural History is a working scientists' museum that's interesting for the whole family. The museum includes paleontology exhibits and a lot more. It's free the first Monday of every month.
1390 E. Presidents Circle
University of Utah
801-581-6927
Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5:30 p.m.
Sun. noon-5 p.m.
6. The Pioneer Memorial Museum
Photo courtesy of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers
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.
7. Clark Planetarium
Photo by Marsha Maxwell
The star shows and IMAX theater are the main attractions at the Clark Planetarium, and unfortunately those aren't free. However, the planetarium does have several 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.
