Chicagos Museum of Science and Industry offers educational exhibits for people of all ages. Exhibits focus on science, culture and history.
Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60637
The Museum of Science and Industry is located in the Hyde Park area, on Chicago's south side lake front. The Museum offers both permanent and temporary exhibits.
Plan to spend a full day visiting the museum. Admission is free one day each week. Call for details and hours. Summer hours are 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily.
A variety of foods are available in several places within the museum, ranging from snacks and ice cream to meals.
Here are some of the Museum of Science and Industry's highlights:
Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle
Actress Colleen Moore donated her fairy castle, filled with furniture, staircases, lights and other splendid decorations. The Fairy Castle has been a favorite for decades to the delight of children of all ages. The fairy castle has miniatures on a grand scale. Visitors walk around the perimeter of the castle and stare in amazement at its interior.
Baby Chicks
See chicks hatch before your eyes. An incubator houses dozens of eggs, which display various stages of the hatching process. Some are not cracked, others have small cracks, while still others feature a chick hatching out!
Beating Heart
Want to hear what the heart sounds like? Walk through this enormous bigger than life sized replica.
U-505 Submarine
This is a genuine WWII submarine captured from the Germans. Walk through this piece of history and look at the real thing! On busy days, make this your first stop so that admission to the area does not close. This is a popular exhibit!
Coal Mine
Take a tour of a replica coal mine, which includes an elevator (mineshaft) and rails. Learn about coal mining as you tour.
United Airlines Jet
A real full-sized 727-jet is here for the touring! Just board the jet and tour the cabin and cockpit for the thrill of a lifetime. At regular intervals, you'll hear jet noises and see lights? Can it really take off?
Omnimax
This is a theater to truly spark your senses. The Omnimax theater features a circular screen that covers the entire ceiling. Exciting films rotate through here for a sensational experience.
Whisper Gallery
Stand in a special chamber and whisper to your friend in a chamber across the room. He or she will hear you as if you were whispering in each other's ears. This exhibit has been overwhelming people for decades!
Petroleum Planet
Learn about petroleum products in this fun exhibit. This interactive exhibit, sponsored by BPAmoco, may be crowded on busy days.
Amenities
You may take photos and do videotaping inside the Museum, except in the Omnimax and in special exhibits.
A Museum Store offers educational items, books, and replicas of exhibits. A favorite is the hard cover copy of the Colleen Moore Fairy Castle story.
The Museum of Science and Industry has a membership program, which offers discounts and free admission. Inquire at any ticket booth if you are interested in joining the Museum of Science and Industry.
