The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the top attractions in Chicago, bringing science and technology to life for millions since 1933. The museum is enormous (it’s the largest museum in the Western Hemisphere!), and you can spend a whole day there, so you’ll definitely want some tips to make the most of your trip. The 400,000 square-foot, five-story building is located in Jackson Park about 5 miles south of the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum.
Arrive early— the first 60 minutes of the day are the calmest. We recommend planning ahead which exhibits are the top of your list, and then fill in with the others as time allows.
Must-See Exhibits
The Great Train Story- Kids of all ages will enjoy watching over 20 model trains travel between Chicago and Seattle. There are also full-size train cars nearby to explore as well.
U-505 Submarine- The only German submarine in the United States, and, now, a national memorial to the 55,000 American sailors who gave their lives on the high seas in WWI and WWII.
Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze- Don’t miss this exhibit that explores mathematical patterns repeated in nature and the world around us. The centerpiece of the exhibit is an 1,800-square-foot elaborate mirror maze in which guests can explore and navigate a seemingly infinite repeating pattern of mirrors.
The Coal Mine– The museum’s very first exhibit lets you descend into a coal mine and discover mining methods and machinery through the years.
Tours
The U-505 On-Board Tour takes you inside the German submarine. It’s an interactive walk through a piece of history that you’ll never forget. The 25-minute tours are offered daily, every 15 minutes.
The WOW! Tour is an in-depth look at some of the museum’s most popular exhibits, including the Coal Mine, Baby Chicks, and the 727. This one-hour tour also takes you behind-the-scenes into the museum offices and workspaces. The tour departs daily at noon.
Note: The tours are not included with museum entry and require a timed entry ticket.
Hours & Admission
The Museum of Science and Industry is open every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. It typically opens at 9:30 am and closes at 4:00 pm, but there are extended hours during certain times of the year, including most of the summer. There are a few days with shorter hours as well, so check the Museum’s Hours page for more information.
There are various ticket options. There’s a basic museum entrance fee, and then you can add on some of the optional experiences for an additional fee. If you purchase tickets online in advance, there is a $2 discount per ticket.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
