Museum of Science and Industry Verified listing

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), located in Chicago’s Hyde Park along Lake Shore Drive, is housed in the historic Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. It opened as a museum in 1933, inspired by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald’s vision of bringing interactive science education to the public. Today, MSI stands as one of the largest science museums in the world, dedicated to hands-on learning and immersive exhibits that span a wide range of scientific fields.

Inside, the museum features over 14 acres of exhibit space and more than 35,000 artifacts. Some of its most popular attractions include the U-505 submarine, the only German U-boat on display in the United States; the Coal Mine, a deep-dive experience into underground mining; Science Storms, where visitors can trigger a 40-foot indoor tornado or simulate natural disasters; and the Transportation Gallery, featuring real aircraft, historic trains, and a massive model railroad. The Henry Crown Space Centre showcases space exploration artifacts, including space capsules used in NASA missions.

The museum is open daily, typically from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with extended hours during peak seasons. General admission costs around $25.95 for adults and $14.95 for children aged 3–11, while kids under three enter free. Some exhibits and experiences, such as the U-505 on-board tour or Giant Dome Theatre, require additional tickets. Advance booking is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. With its unique combination of history, science, and interactivity, MSI is a top destination for families and anyone curious about the world around them.