1. Museum of Science and Industry
    Photograph: J.B. Spector
  2. Museum of Science and Industry
    Photograph: J.B. Spector
  3. Museum of Science and Industry
    Photograph: J.B. Spector
  4. Museum of Science and Industry
    Photograph: J.B. Spector
  • Museums | Science and technology
  • price 2 of 4
  • Hyde Park
  • Recommended

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

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Time Out says

Everything you need to know about visiting the Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637).

Interactivity is the name of the game at the Museum of Science and Industry, which spreads its exhibitions throughout a building that was originally built for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Visitors can enter a confounding mirror maze in the "Numbers in Nature" exhibit, step into a simulated tornado in "Science Storms” or see a gigantic, restored U-505 German submarine. There’s also the five-story Giant Dome Theater, where you can kick back and immerse yourself in a handful of larger-than-life-movies.

Get on board the submarine

Any visitor can walk around outside of the U-505 German submarine that’s contained within the Museum of Science and Industry, but if you want to actually go inside, there’s an on-board tour available daily. The 25-minute tour is a $12 add-on to your museum ticket, and includes a guided walk through the sub’s cramped interior, complete with lighting and sound effects, allowing you to imagine that you’re manning the torpedoes during World War II. 

Take a walk down Main Street

If you’re looking for the ultimate, kitschy time traveling experience, step into the museum’s “Yesterday’s Main Street’ exhibit, which recreates a Chicago street circa 1910. You’ll walk down cobblestone streets and peer into replicas of a Berghoff’s restaurant, the Chicago Post Office and the Walgreen’s Drug Company. There are silent movies playing at the Nickelodeon and an opportunity to get a vintage photo at the Old Time Photo Studio as a souvenir.

Our Chicago editorial team is constantly updating and reviewing the best attractions, activities and venues across the city, so that you're always in the know, with the best of Chicago at your fingertips. The Museum of Science and Industry was most recently updated with new tips on July 2, 2017.

Details

Address
5700 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago
60637
Cross street:
at 57th St
Transport:
Bus: 6, 15, 28, 55. Train: Metra Electric or South Shore Line to 55th, 56th and 57th Street.
Price:
$21.95 adults, kids ages 3–11 $12.95. $2 discount available when tickets are purchased online.
Opening hours:
Daily 9:30am–4pm. See website for extended seasonal hours.
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What’s on

007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has debuted an exhibit dedicated to the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running film franchise, James Bond. Fans can check out 13 vehicles and over 90 additional artifacts, including the prototype jetpack used in Thunderball, an MI6 Retina Scanner from GoldenEye and the Parahawk snowmobile hybrid from The World Is Not Enough. You’ll also be able to step into a lab space inspired by “Q” and test your skills developing the perfect vehicle for spy activities, designing stunts and more.

Christmas Around the World

Every year, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry puts up its four-story Grand Tree and surrounds the towering pine with more than 50 trees that represent Chicago's various communities and their respective holiday celebrations. Visitors will be able to take in even more seasonal cheer at the accompanying Holidays of Light exhibit, which recognizes the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day and St. Lucia Day. Admission to Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is included with a regular Museum of Science and Industry ticket.

  • Exhibitions
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