Museum of Science and Industry: a colossal experience in Chicago
See baby chicks hatch, study the cockpit of a Boeing , journey into a working coal mine and board a World War II submarine — all under one roof at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.
This colossal 400,000-square-foot museum focuses on science, technology, medicine and engineering, and it has been named one of the world’s top 15 museums by Life magazine. The Museum of Science and Industry houses more than 35,000 artifacts in the only remaining buildings from Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
Among its top draws is the U-505 submarine, captured from Germany during World War II. This interactive exhibit brings visitors aboard the submarine and reenacts its capture. Visitors can explore a United 727 jet (it had to be towed through the city streets to the museum) from its cockpit to its engines in its "Take Flight" exhibit.
For the ecology-minded, the Museum of Science and Industry became the first museum to build on its property a complete “green” home. Titled "Smart Home: Green + Wired," this fully functioning modular house educates both children and adults on the importance of moving towards a more eco-friendly future.
Showcasing new technologies, the museum’s permanent exhibit, "Fast Forward… Inventing the Future," is an ever-changing gallery showcasing prototype inventions and new ideas from around the globe.
The Museum of Science and Industry is known world-wide for its creative hands-on, interactive exhibits. Many are computerized and take off with the push of a button. Others prompt the turning of a crank or spin of a wheel. With emphasis on inspiring young people to consider careers in technology, science and medicine, the Museum of Science and Industry provides so much information and insight that it's likely adults will be inspired, too.
One attraction will make you may consider spending an entire day. For lunch breaks, the Museum of Science and Industry has two food areas, Brain Food Court and Brain Food Café. And if you would like to experience some of the museum’s wonders back home, pay a visit to The Big Idea Gift Shop where you can purchase a little bit of everything.
The Museum of Science and Industry is open every day except Christmas. Annual memberships to the museum range from $55 to $180.
General admission (with no IMAX, Learning Labs or special exhibits or activities) is free for Illinois students on a field trip.
Posted on Apr 19, 2011 by Lori Rotenberk
