Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago — Attraction in Hyde Park Township

A mix of science, history, and play spread across 3-4 floors🔬 There are so many unique artifacts, exhibits, and experiences that make MSI an engaging learning experience for all ages!

If you're looking for something more space oriented, MSI is more limited. True to it's name, there's a significant focus on inventions and innovations in history, biology, and transportation.

MSI does an excellent job incorporating hands-on learning experiences for any age group, and often have 2-4 stations that allow multiple people to try something at one time. Information can be seen and understood by most people.

My favorite exhibits were Lower Level's U-505 Submarine + Swiss Jolly Ball + Fairy Castle, Main Level's Science Storm + Yesterday's Main Street, Balcony Level's You Experience + Science Storm, and the Pioneer Zephyr on the way out! If you can only do one Special Exhibition, highly recommend Pompeii or the U-505 tour!

Christmas Around the World exhibit is a must-see in December/early-January! There are trees spread throughout the main level, decorated by different organizations to represent various countries. Each has information about that country's traditions and symbols during the holidays. Information is also included in the country's native language.

Free, timed tickets can be obtained on-site by the exhibit itself for the mirror maze and blue paradox (both of which are suitable for adults, children and families)

Navigation: The exhibit halls are laid out in almost a circular fashion which make it easy to navigate. The lower level is more sectional/linear and has more kid-oriented exhibits like farm tech and the idea factory BUT also gives you access to the fairy castle, submarine and the world's largest pinball machine!

Cost: $25.95 / adult and $14.95 / child (ages 3-11), buying a membership can help families, groups looking to do special experiences/exhibits, with parking, and other local museums (even if it's a one time trip)

Transportation: MSI is most easily accessible by car and there's a paid MSI-owned and operated garage. You can also get here via public transit from downtown, either the green line and 55 or the 6 will take you directly there, about a 40-60min commute

Restrooms: Found throughout exhibits and were well maintained, often had water fountains near them

Other helpful information: Coat/item check is available but costs per item; food is available and limited though there are doughnuts, you can bring outside food and drinks but you can only eat in designated spots

For avid penny collectors, the machines are $1.01 (4 quarters and 1 penny). Change machines are located right next to the penny machines. These machines are located throughout the museum and pennies typically correlate to the exhibit...

Title: A Fascinating Journey Through Science and History - Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Review

Rating: 5/5 Stars

The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago is a treasure trove of scientific wonders, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibits that will captivate visitors of all ages. My recent visit was an unforgettable experience, and I'm excited to share the highlights with you!

U-55 Submarine: The museum's crown jewel is the U-55 Submarine, a German World War I vessel that's been meticulously restored. You can explore the cramped quarters, learn about the crew's daily life, and even peer through the periscope. It's a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime.

Tornado: The Tornado exhibit is a thrilling experience! You'll enter a circular room where a massive, swirling vortex is recreated, simulating the force of a tornado. The sounds, lights, and wind effects will leave you breathless.

Zephyr Train: The Zephyr Train, a pioneering stainless steel locomotive from the 1930s, is a marvel of engineering. You can explore the train's luxurious interior, learn about its record-breaking speed, and even take a simulated ride.

Tesla Coil: The Tesla Coil exhibit showcases the genius of Nikola Tesla's work. Watch in awe as the coil generates massive electrical discharges, producing an otherworldly display of lightning-like arcs.

Additional Highlights:

The Great Train Story: A sprawling model train layout that recreates the journey from Chicago to Seattle. Science of Storms: Interactive exhibits exploring the science behind natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. Yesterday's Main Street: A charming recreation of a 19th-century American town, complete with authentic storefronts and artifacts. The Coal Mine: A recreated coal mine from the early 20th century, offering a glimpse into the lives of coal miners.

Tips and Recommendations:

Plan to spend at least 4-5 hours exploring the museum, as there's so much to see and do. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Take advantage of the interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Don't miss the temporary exhibitions, which offer fresh perspectives and insights.

In conclusion, the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago is a must-visit destination for anyone curious about science, history, and innovation. With its diverse exhibits, interactive experiences, and historical significance, it's an unforgettable adventure for visitors...

Families with small children beware.

The current exhibits includes dead babies in jars in the name of science. I have found myself slightly traumatized after my visit. My visit with my family took place 7 days ago and I cannot stop thinking about it and decided to at least warn people.

We arrived early and were having lots of fun and enjoyment all day. We seen lots of great and interesting things all day. Every station/area was meaningful and fun. This was our second time here, and when it was close to closing time I felt that there was so much more to see and I would love to come back again. Pretty much how I felt the first time.

Unfortunately, at the end of the visit I found myself on the 3rd floor going through the human body exhibit.

Beyond the human body exhibit In an adjacent room, there is basically a room full of dead babies in jars. It is called the baby cycle or something similar. You walk in on one end and start seeing what one imagines are baby fetus "models" in jars. As you walk down the display the "models" grow in size and detail but still seem to be models. Before you know it and with out warning you end up face to face with with a 37 week old fully developed dead baby in a jar.

This was clearly not a model anymore and I couldn't believe my eyes. I ran my kids out of there and terrified that they'd realize they were actual human remains in those jars.

I returned by myself to look for a sign that said that they were just models, I was truly disturbed and still couldn't believe what I had seen. The only sign I found was one clarifying these were actual human samples from the 1930s.

This is the most distasteful and truly disgusting thing I have ever participated in. I see no scientific value in displaying a showcase full of dead babies to the world. Especially when technology can literally create any type of robotics.

Every other body in there surely signed up to be mutilated and put on display. But I'm sure no parent signed up to have their dead babies displayed for profit 95 years ago.

This place should be ashamed to have something like this on display. Even with proper warning this is subhuman behavior. You should fire whoever decided it was a good idea to show off dead babies in jars. Especially without warning and for kids to see. What kind of a sick person or group of people...