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Do you want to visit the Museum of Science and Industry? Welcome! The Museum is all about hands-on learning and fun exploration! It has interactive exhibits and exciting programs that make science and technology easy and exciting for anyone. Join us for a journey of discovery and uncovering the mysteries of the world around us!
Short Detailings of the Museum of Science and Industry
The MSI has something for everyone! But before you leave, there are crucial things that you must know. These are as follows:
Brief History
It opened in 1962 and was established as the Museum of Science and Natural History. It has evolved and expanded with time, moving to its current location in 1982.
Entry Ticket
Buy your tickets to the Museum of Science and Industry online to get discounts and save time! Some popular exhibits and activities, like the U-505 tour, Coal Mine, WOW! Tour, Fab Lab, Giant Dome Theater films, and Future Energy Chicago cost extra.
They can sell out, so it’s a good idea to reserve your exhibit online in advance. For more deals, check out the discounts page on the Museum’s website. The residents can also enjoy free admission on certain days and find more ongoing discounts there.
Parking
The Museum of Science and Industry is situated in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, close to Lake Michigan and is located at a short distance from downtown. Parking can be expensive, but the lot is conveniently present at the northwest corner of the building, so you can park and jump into the fun.
If you prefer public transportation, many bus routes drop you off just a block north or west of the Museum, leaving you with a quick walk. The Metra Electric Line trains to and from downtown Chicago, stopping just two blocks from the Museum’s north entrance.
Hours
The hours you take to explore the whole Museum are undefined. Plan to make the most of your visit to the Museum of Science and Industry – there’s so much to see you could easily spend hours exploring. The official website contains a variable hour display depending on the crowd. So, check that out!
Low-Sensory Mornings
MSI hosts low-sensory mornings and free events if you like a less crowded, more sensory-friendly environment. You can explore featured exhibits with fewer people and sensory adjustments from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Enjoy free entry to the Museum, including special approaches to the Idea Factory, Farm Tech, and Circus exhibits! Most experiences will remain sensory-friendly until noon, making it a great time to visit.
Sites to Explore in the Museum of Science and Industry
Remember when you have to go to the library to prove your point? Now, with the internet, you can settle debates in seconds. But even with all that power, the internet can’t satisfy you in all ways. There are things that you need to sort out yourself.
At the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, your curiosity and love for learning lead to innovation. The exhibits in the Museum spark questions and conversations by taking you into the scientific, technological, and industrial breakthroughs that have shaped our world and continue to push it forward.
Hence, calling it a museum doesn’t do it justice. It is packed with exciting and interactive exhibits perfect for the 21st century. It would be unfair to leave Chicago without visiting the MSI. So, what should you check out at the Museum?
1. The Amazing You
You can go on a journey through the human body, where you explore how we grow, develop, and age. Have a deep look over the tiniest cells to the complexities of the brain. The Amazing You tells you what makes us human. You can understand the science behind your own body here.
2. Coal Mine
It is the first exhibit and has been everyone’s favorite since it opened in 1933. It is a real coal mine where you can learn the world of mining, machinery, and methods that have changed.
Take a tour of Old Ben No. 17, an absolute mine moved from southern Illinois, and see how mining technology has evolved, from the pickaxe to modern longwall machines. Compare the coal mine of 1933 with the modern one. You’ll learn about the dangers and engineering marvels of mining coal, both then and now.
3. Whispering Gallery
The whispering gallery is a magical spot where you can whisper to your friend or loved one from across the room, and they can hear you perfectly. Here’s how it works:
- Firstly, check the brass footprints that will show you where to stand.
- Now, send a clear message. For this, whisper directly into the focus point of the curved dish before you, and you’ll hear your whisper.
- But the fun doesn’t stop here! Try whispering at different points along the curved walls. Some spots will create an echo, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Explore the science of sound and follow the sound waves through the room in this exhibit.
4. Science Storms
It is an exciting part! Here, you can learn about the wonders of Nature. Learn some natural phenomena as you get into the control booth of a tornado, create a powerful tsunami, or marvel at a 20-foot Tesla Coil. This can be your interactive adventure as it explains the science behind storms of all sizes. Explore why and how Nature unleashes its fury.
5. U-505 Submarine
Take a thrilling journey into history aboard the U-505 — World War II German submarine that managed to evade American and Allied ships for weeks before being captured.
The Allies kept U-505 hidden, making the Germans believe it had sunk, which was crucial in helping the Allies win the war. This remarkable submarine has been a part of the Museum since 1954.
There is a guided onboard tour so you can dive deeper into the story of this powerful wartime vessel and discover why its capture was such a closely guarded secret. You can also see the advanced U-boat technology up close and explore the cramped living quarters where the crew lived during WWII.
This is your chance to experience a piece of history that changed the war’s course.
6. Baby Chick Hatchery
In the genetics section, there is a hatchery, which is quite popular. Here, you can learn and watch baby chicks hatch from their shells in real time. While everyone loves seeing the adorable chicks, they also play a key role in helping scientists study genetics, genetic engineering, and preserving rare chicken breeds. Kids especially love this exhibit!
7. A Mirror Maze
It is really incredible how many natural patterns exist on our planet, and it’s even more exciting to see them all in one place. At the “Numbers in Nature” Exhibit, you will learn how maths and Nature combine to create some of the world’s most stunning patterns.
You’ll find this mirror maze to be endless with its dizzying designs, but you can find your way out by exploring and using what you’ve learned. Get some fantastic clicks here!
8. Transportation Gallery
Traveling from one point to the other was not as easy as it is today. Now, different engineering has led to a lot of transportation like planes, automobiles, trains, etc. At this exhibit, you’ll get to know what they used to be in the past and what the innovation behind them is.
Moreover, you can feel the excitement of flying in a flight simulator or take a fascinating ride on the 999 Steam Locomotive through history. Look up to see the early planes that once filled the skies. Hence, this exhibit is a journey through the evolution of transportation!
9. Temporary Exhibits
The Museum of Science and Industry features future-focused exhibits that you’d love to revisit over and over. It gives classic vibes, without a doubt. But this isn’t enough—it also features temporary exhibits that are a must-see.
People from all over the world come to visit this section especially. The extra cost is worth it! If you are about to visit soon, you can visit the Museum’s official website to learn what’s currently on display.
Plan Your Perfect Museum Visit
What’s the best tip to visit the MSI? The answer is two words only: “ARRIVE EARLY”. Here are some tips below to have a perfect visit to the Museum:
- It’s better to go online first to learn about all the exhibits at the Museum. This is very helpful as you can better note what you want to see on priority.
- Sometimes, visitors wish for more time. To make the most of your visit to the Museum, try to arrive early so you don’t have to face a rush.
- All the popular exhibits and films can sell out quickly. So, reserve your favorite spot instead of regretting it later.
- Finnigan’s Ice Cream Parlor is located on the main level in Yesterday’s Main Street — the perfect spot to grab your favorite ice cream cone, sundae, or shake. It’ll give you the energy boost you need to keep exploring and learning!
Conclusion
The Museum of Science and Industry is packed with exhibits that spark curiosity and love for learning and observing. It’s the top Museum in Chicago, for sure! Kids and adults can have a blast exploring the vast displays that cover everything from transportation to agriculture, showcasing innovation from the past and present. Arrive early, embrace your inner scientist, and enjoy the adventure!
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FAQs
Do I Have To Go Through A Bag Check At The Museum Of Science And Industry?
Yes, your bags are strictly checked before you enter the Museum of Science and Industry. You can take handbags, backpacks, and cameras with you inside the Museum. Let the security check these items. But if you have any luggage or other items you need to store, you can leave them at Coat Check for $1.00 per item.
What Should I Bring to the Museum?
You should go to the Museum with your full preparation, for example,
- Bring water and snacks for breaks in a closed container.
- Don’t forget your camera!
- Use an envelope or flat pouch to store tickets, brochures, stickers, and other mementos for your vacation scrapbook.
- Pack a journal or sketchbook with supplies and bring a light jacket in case it’s cold inside.
- Lastly, take a small first aid kit with painkillers and plenty of moleskin for blisters.
How Many Hours Are Required To Explore The Whole Museum?
It depends on the crowd, weather, and other people taking time to visit and leave. You can plan a whole day to explore the whole Museum. Otherwise, a good rule of thumb is to set aside 4 hours to roam about each corner of the Museum.
How Big is the Museum of Science and Industry?
The Museum of Science and Industry spans over 400,000 square feet. Hence, it is one of the largest museums not in Chicago only, but also in the whole world. The whole area covers interactive displays and a lot of exhibits that cover a wide range of scientific and technological topics.
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