Museum of Science and Industry Chicago: Hours & Tickets

There’s a reason Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry feels different from most science centers. Housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, it opened its doors in 1933 and has since welcomed millions of visitors who come to climb aboard a German U-boat, descend into a coal mine, and watch tornadoes form indoors.

Year opened: 1933 ·
Original building: Palace of Fine Arts (1893 World’s Columbian Exposition) ·
Location: Hyde Park, Chicago

Five numbers that frame the museum’s scale and history:

What are the Museum of Science and Industry hours?

Regular hours

• The museum is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, according to the official exhibits page (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (official museum site)). TripAdvisor listings echo the same daily schedule (TripAdvisor).
• Last admission is 45 minutes before closing, per the museum’s policy.

Holiday hours

• Extended hours are often offered during summer and major holidays; check the official site for exact dates (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry).

Special event hours

• Adult Night and other ticketed events may run later than regular hours. The museum’s events calendar provides individual timing (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry).

The implication: If you plan to see the U‑505 submarine or the Coal Mine – both of which require timed tickets – arrive early and check the website for reservation windows.

How much is admission to the Museum of Science and Industry?

Ticket prices by age

• Adult tickets (age 12+): $21.95 (CityPASS).
• Children (ages 3‑11): $12.95 (CityPASS).
• Members and children under 3: free.

Free admission days

• Illinois residents enjoy free admission on select days throughout the year. The schedule is released annually on the museum’s website (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry).

City Pass and discounts

• The museum is included in the Chicago CityPASS, which bundles admission to multiple attractions at a reduced price (CityPASS (tourist discount pass provider)).
• Student and senior discounts are available at the box office with valid ID.

The catch: General admission does not include special exhibits or the Omnimax theater; those add $5‑$10 per person.

What exhibits can I see at the Museum of Science and Industry?

Permanent exhibits

• U‑505 Submarine – A WWII German U‑boat captured in 1944, now housed indoors (Yelp (local business directory)).
• Coal Mine – A simulated underground mine tour that has been a signature exhibit since the 1930s (Yelp).
• Science Storms – 8,000 sq ft of interactive physics and weather phenomena, including a 40‑ft tornado.
• Henry Crown Space Center – Features the Apollo 8 spacecraft and a full‑size model of the Mars rover.

Special exhibits

• Rotating temporary exhibits cover topics from robotics to ancient Egypt. Recent examples include “The Science of Pixar” and “Earth Explorers.”
• Timed tickets are required for popular special exhibits; book online.

Interactive experiences

• Idea Factory – A hands‑on workshop for kids ages 2‑10 where they can build, splash, and experiment.
• Genetics & Reproduction – Includes the famous “Baby Chick Hatchery” and DNA extraction stations.

The pattern: Every permanent exhibit at Griffin MSI is built around a single, dramatic artifact – a submarine, a coal mine, a tornado machine – that anchors the science story. Expect queues for the most popular ones.

Where is the Museum of Science and Industry located?

Address and directions

• 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry).
• The museum sits in Hyde Park, adjacent to Jackson Park and the University of Chicago (CityPASS).

Parking

• On‑site parking garage: $22 per car (cash and card).
• Limited street parking is available but rarely open during peak hours.

Public transit

• CTA bus routes #10, #15, and #55 stop near the museum. The #55 bus runs along Garfield Boulevard and stops at the museum’s front entrance.
• Metra Electric District trains stop at 55th‑56th‑57th Street station, a 10‑minute walk east (Wikipedia).

Things to Do in Toronto: Top Attractions & Itineraries – a related guide for travelers planning multi‑city trips.

The trade‑off: Driving is convenient but parking is expensive. Public transit saves money and drops you at the door, but adds 30‑45 minutes each way from downtown.

What dining options are available at the Museum of Science and Industry?

On‑site restaurants

• Brain Food Cafe – The main restaurant, offering hot meals, salads, and kids’ options. Open during museum hours (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry).

Cafes and kiosks

• Puck’s – A grab‑and‑go counter near the Henry Crown Space Center, serving sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
• Several self‑serve kiosks throughout the museum sell coffee, water, and packaged snacks.

Outside food policy

• Outside food and drinks are allowed only in designated picnic areas outside the museum. No food may be consumed inside exhibit halls.
• A picnic grove is located on the south lawn, with tables and shade.

Why this matters: Meal breaks can eat into exhibit time. The Brain Food Cafe line moves slowly during peak hours, so consider eating at 11 AM or 2 PM.

“The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is a place where you can touch, feel, and experience science in action – it’s not a typical ‘look but don’t touch’ museum.”

– Museum spokesperson, welcome message on official site (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry)

“The building – the former Palace of Fine Arts – is the only remaining structure from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, making the museum itself a piece of history.”

– Wikipedia, citing historical sources (Wikipedia)

For anyone planning a trip to Chicago, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry offers a day of discovery that few science centers can match. The trade‑off: you’ll need to plan ahead, especially for popular exhibits like the U‑505 submarine, which often sell out early on weekends. Families with younger children should prioritize the Idea Factory, while science enthusiasts won’t want to miss Science Storms. Those who plan ahead will find the museum a rewarding experience. For broader travel inspiration, see Where is Purdue University? Location, Reputation, Cost & More.

For a similar experience across the Atlantic, consider visiting the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, which also explores industrial heritage through interactive exhibits.

Frequently asked questions