Museum of Science and Industry
Chicago, IL 60637-2093
Phone: (773) 684-1414
- Cross Street:
- Columbia Drive
- Directions:
- Bus: 2, 6, 28, 10
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9:30am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Editorial Review for Museum of Science and Industry – by Citysearch Editors
Overview
Six miles south of the popular Museum Campus, this institutional ode to scientific wonders and human accomplishments is a worthy satellite. Expansive and low-lit, it features four levels and nearly three dozen permanent and temporary exhibits, most with interactive components, appealing to kids aged 6 to 96. The Brain Food Court and Finnigan's Ice Cream Parlor are good spots to refuel.
The Appeal
This is the only place in the city to see hatching chicks, a coal mine, a captured World War II German submarine, a space capsule that orbited the moon and a human heart big enough to walk through. Other popular exhibits include the 3,500-square-foot Great Train Story, Yesterday's Main Street and a Boeing 727 hovering over the museum's main floor. The Omnimax Theater, a five-stories-high wraparound screen, is the centerpiece of the Henry Crown Space Center, which also features exhibits for the would-be astronaut, sci-fi fan or extraterrestrially interested.
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Insider Tips
ParkingUnderground parking is at the northwest corner of the building; all-day parking is $12, conveniently payable at machines, which accept cash and credit cards, stationed at museum exits.
Save MoneyThe museum offers free days during the year (usually Monday-Tuesday in off-peak months and some holidays) and discounts for Chicago residents. It also is one of six featured properties in the Chicago CityPass program.
The ExtrasBesides coat check ($1), museum amenities include stroller rental ($2.50) and wheelchairs for use.
User Reviews for Museum of Science and Industry
08/09/2007 Posted by wandaz
First off, I disagree with several of the other recent reviewers. I'm a 30 something mother of 2 and enjoy coming to this museum quite a bit. It is my husband's favorite museum in the city of Chicago (maybe the country, though it might place 2nd after the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC). There is plenty to do and see here for all ages, not just the Omnimax films, but the U 505, the coal mine, the trains, the Apollo 8 space exhibit, ToyMaker 3000, NetWorld, the Lunar Module, F airy Castle, the new Farm exhibit and soon to be new Henry Crown Space Center. There are also many special exhibits that are worthwhile to see. I can't imagine being bored here with a bunch of teenagers. What more do you want from your science museum? There's plenty here for the whole family from your toddler up to Grandpa. Second, there are options for families looking to save some bucks. There are free days, check with the museum to be sure when, but they are often an entire week while school is out. Also, if you are a Chicago resident and you go to the Chicago Public Library, you can ask for a museum passport for this museum (and many others). You can have the pass for a week and it will admit 2 adults and 2 kids (I think, check the library for more details). It may be hard to catch one of these passes in the library, (they cannot be reserved) but it can be done. The last money saving option is to become a member. I go to this museum often and there are many benefits to membership. One of the best is that you can get free or discounted parking (depending on level of membership) and free admission to many other science museums across the country (and discounts to Chicago museums like the Children's Museum & the Peggy Notebaert Nature Center). One more money saving tip is to pack your lunch and eat it while watching the pinball machine. Also, the hours change during the seasons. In the winter, the museum is often open until 5:30 p.m.
Pros: Great variety of exhibits, decent food court
Cons: Long lines, but if you're a member you can bypass them all!
08/29/2005 Posted by bluehensfan
This musuem is a must for visitors of all age ranges. A broad range of exhibits includes the newly renovated U-Boat display, as well as traveling exhibitions such as Body Worlds and one featuring anumber of video arcade games, new and old. Don't miss the coal mine (but take note of the hot dog smell as you enter parts of the mine thanks to the adjacent food court). See a real United 727 and plan on spending at least an entire day here because of the number of exhibits. There are a few bus lines as well as a tourist bus that serve the museum and cabs are plentiful.
Schedule
| 05/17/2008 | ToyMaker 3000 | |
| 05/17/2008 | Networld | |
| 9:30 am-5:30 pm | ||
| 05/18/2008 | ToyMaker 3000 | |
| 05/18/2008 | Networld | |
| 9:30 am-5:30 pm | ||
| 05/19/2008 | ToyMaker 3000 | |
| 05/19/2008 | Networld | |
| 9:30 am-5:30 pm | ||
| 05/20/2008 | ToyMaker 3000 | |
| 05/20/2008 | Networld | |
| 9:30 am-5:30 pm | ||
| 05/21/2008 | ToyMaker 3000 | |
| 05/21/2008 | Networld | |
| 9:30 am-5:30 pm | ||
| 05/22/2008 | ToyMaker 3000 | |
| 05/22/2008 | Networld | |
| 9:30 am-5:30 pm | ||
| 05/23/2008 | ToyMaker 3000 | |
| 05/23/2008 | Networld | |
| 9:30 am-5:30 pm | ||
| 05/24/2008 | ToyMaker 3000 | |
| 05/24/2008 | Networld | |
| 9:30 am-5:30 pm | ||
| 05/25/2008 | ToyMaker 3000 | |
| 05/25/2008 | Networld | |
| 9:30 am-5:30 pm | ||
| 05/26/2008 | ToyMaker 3000 | |
| 05/26/2008 | Networld | |
| 9:30 am-5:30 pm |
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