Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

A few months ago, we had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Science and Industry with our boys. We both had not been there since we... more

I' v been to about ten different museums but thus one was the best!!!! i went with my friends and my family and they also loved and that's how awsome it really was Pros: the whisper gallery got my attention by a lot Cons: the 3rd level wasn't to hott more

I took my girlfriend here because we missed Chihuly's Pittsburgh exhibit and were lucky enough to find his Macchia here in Chicago while we were in, and had also heard good things about the museum. We got there via the convenience #10 bus which goes right to the museum. The general admission price for adults was $13, but if you wanted to see the special exhibit, which ""The Glass Experience"" was, you had to pay an extra $10 per person. Upon entering, we were amazed by the size of the place. Two floors absolutely filled with exhibits of all kinds, all kinds of interesting topics, covering topics from business to energy to genetics to the environment. The only issue I had was that if you want to do anything except look at small exhibits and read information cards, you have to pay extra. Some of what you had to pay extra for was not even listed. The submarine tour, the smart house tour, the navy flight simulator all were additional costs. It would have been nice if they sold an all-access pass, but regardless if you have the money to spend it is interesting to adults and fun for kids. Aside from that, some of the exhibits are just really cool! The petroleum exhibit had a 20-foot tall room with several multi-colored sections with bubble-filled water that just looked cool to stand in. Pros: Interesting exhibits, cool displays Cons: Expect to pay $13 to get in, but no less than $30 to make it worth it - Would just rather they be upfront more

First off, I disagree with several of the other recent reviewers. I'm a 30 something mother of 2 and enjoy coming to this museum quite a bit. It is my husband's favorite museum in the city of Chicago (maybe the country, though it might place 2nd after the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC). Pros: Great variety of exhibits, decent food court Cons: Long lines, but if you're a member you can bypass them all! more

This musuem is a must for visitors of all age ranges. A broad range of exhibits includes the newly renovated U-Boat display, as well as traveling exhibitions such as Body Worlds and one featuring anumber of video arcade games, new and old. Don't miss the coal mine (but take note of the hot dog smell as you enter parts of the mine thanks to the adjacent food court). See a real United 727 and plan on spending at least an entire day here because of the number of exhibits. There are a few bus lines as well as a tourist bus that serve the museum and cabs are plentiful. more

Visited the MSI for the first time last weekend. What a wonderful experience! Do yourself a favor, purchase tickets online and avoid standing in line just to gain admission. Also, go early as some special exhibits (i.e. Bodyworlds) are only available at certain times of the day. There is no way to see all this museum has to offer in one visti. We enjoyed the U-Boat 505 exhibit and the Navy flight simulator. However, Bodyworlds was far and away the most fascinating exhibit I've seen. Real human bodies preserved through a process involving liquid plastic. If you have any professional or personal interest in health, exercise or anatomy and physiology it is a must see. Pros: U-Boat 505, Bodyworlds Cons: long lines, limited weekend hours more

What happened to the free days that this and other museums in chicago used to have. Seems as if everyone is money hungry. Families with 3 or more children plus mom and dad can't afford to pay$8 or $9 for each person for each museum. I think each museum can afford to have at least one day out the week foe free. Kids are out of school for spring vacation, we used to be able to take the kids to the various museums, but they all charge now so you could spend a couple hundred dollors maybe more just to take them. HELP more

I can't believe this museum has only been given an 8.5. No, it is the best museum in Chicago. The only museum that might be superior is the Smithsonian. Thank you. Pros: Good Parking, No Crowded, Tons of exhibits. Cons: Needs longer hours. more

((Part 1)) For the last 16 years I've been coming to MSI 2 or 3 times a year. Sometimes to see special exhibits, sometimes for Omnimax films, and sometimes to requaint myself with old favorites or to show them to visitors for the first time. For the last several of those 16 years, MSI has charged an admission. I never once thought it wasn't worth the additional charge. My perception has changed completely on my latest trip, however. Let's start with the short hours. 9:30 until 4 ON A SATURDAY! Let's also keep in mind that weekends are the busiest days, especially once school is in session. Indeed, we waited in line for almost 40 minutes just to get tickets. more

This museum can be a lot of fun, but if you're expecting something like a more traditional adult museum, you may want to skip it in lieu of other chicago attractions. However, kids can become happily lost for hours. One more note: the ten bucks will get you inside, but major attractions within the museum cost extra! more

The best collection of mans accomplishments in the country. Even the building, whcih survived the worlds fair at the turn of the last century is a shining jewel on the shores of Lake Michigan Pros: Location, Coal Mine, U-Boat Cons: Traffic, Bad School Children more

This museum is great if you have kids, but otherwise I would suggest going to any other of Chicago's fine institutions. As a 30 something year old teacher escorting High School aged teenagers I had a difficult time keeping them engaged. The museum is large and does offer a wide variety of artifacts and things to look at, but they are all gaged for kids 13 and under. Pros: Kids 13 and under Cons: Not for adults or, people who can look, and not touch more

great museum at definte must see one but please you need to have time to see it . it could take you all day but its worth it Pros: great exhibits, child pleaser more

I enjoyed the permanent ant temporary exhibits. It is also good to find items relating to the exhibits in the stores. more

My vist to the Museum of Science and Industry surpassed all other museum visits! The creative exhibits and expressions of history and reality overwhelmed me. The gift shop in particular was most pleasing. I'm not usually the ""trinket"" type yet I found myself walking away with bags of educational and fun items and study material. Well done, Chicago. This one is a keeper and I recommend a return visit to adult and children alike. Don't foget to stop at the gift store - you won't be disappointed. more

Very educational and exciting for people of all ages. Glad to see their are different themes and loved Titanic! more

The exhibits and shops were all 1st rate. Great selections. Pros: stores, theater, service more

The museum is wonderful!! The permanent exhibts are fun and interesting and the new food court is a delight as well. The special Titanic exhibit is superb...It is worth the extra fee to view it if you get there before the end of October. The Titanica OmniMax movie, however, is rather boring and not worth $10-15 extra. Pros: Automated pay parking, Friendly staff Cons: Food court not finish, OminMax too expensive more

forever changing, but always the standard oldies. great displays. hands on for kids and adults alike, touch it and learn. what a great idea. set aside a full day to enjoy this one. more

This is the place that is constantly changing! The titanic exhibit was fabulous!! There are so many different things to view and learn. Also, the omnimax is second to none. more