Go Visit Chicago Let's Discover the Windy City
Chicago Museum of Science and Industry
Situated in Jackson Park in Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry is considered to be one of the most popular museums in the world. It is in the neighborhood of Hyde Park and Lake Michigan and is regarded as the best in interactive museums. The museum boasts over 2,000 exhibits and it is advisable to reserve a day at least in order to see most of them.
One of the oldest exhibits is an interactive Coal Mine, which first made an appearance in 1934. Over a period of time, various advanced mining techniques have been incorporated, however, the highlight is undoubtedly a simulated tour down into the dark and unknown interiors of a coalmine. It transports you to an era when workers had to go down hundreds of feet with hardly any security and safety features. Another popular exhibit is a German submarine, U-505 that has been in the museum since 1954. It was captured in 1944 and it depicts the reality of a claustrophobic life under the sea.
The Transportation Zone features exhibits on land and air transportation. It has the world famous 999 Empire State Express, which was the first to achieve a speed of 100 miles per hour. It also has two World War II planes and the first diesel powered train.
At the exhibit ‘All Aboard the Silver Streak’ visitors get to enjoy a guided tour on one of America’s first diesel-electric passenger train, famously known as Pioneer Zephyr. Apart from this, the other interesting exhibit, Transportation Gallery allows you to discover fascinating aspects of various modes of transport such as the trains, airplanes and cars. You get the chance to board the engine of the Empire State Express 999 or observe the functioning of an actually United Airlines Boeing 727.
Yet another interactive exhibits is the Genetics and the Baby Chicken Hatchery, which shows how genetics alter animal and human development. At the hatchery you will get to see chicks come out of their shells and take their first steps and even get to learn about cloning and how genetic engineering can make frogs’ eyes glow.
From the scientific lab move onto something more charming like the Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle, a fascinating reminiscent of a fairytale wonderland. This miniature palace will surely charm you with its impressive range of tiny treasures that includes murals and paintings, chandeliers ensconced with diamonds, emeralds and pearls, ancient statues and the tiniest bible dating back to 1840. Any kid who visits this place is really going to have his or her hands full for an entire day and would want to come back again for more.
A recent addition to the museum is the Henry Crown Space Center. It consists of a five story OMNIMAX Theater, which shows the story of space exploration in detail along with a space-shuttle experience. It also flaunts the Apollo 8 spacecraft, which was the first one to orbit the moon. This is truly once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed at any cost.
Last but not the least is the Yesterday’s Mainstreet, which is based on a street from the beginning of the last century. It has old fashioned fixtures, fire hydrants and several shops that started some huge Chicago businesses like the Jewel Tea Company, Berghoff’s Restaurant, Dr John B Murphy, Commonwealth Edison, Nickelodeon Cinema and many others.
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is designed to fire your imagination and take you on a truly unique and an unforgettable journey.
Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Tickets Discount & Coupons:
FREE Access With Go Chicago Card
Cost without the go Chicago card:
- Adult $20.00, Child $14.00
Operation Hours:
- Monday-Saturday, 9:30 am-4:00 pm;
- Sunday, 11:00 am-4:00 pm;
- Closed on Christmas Day
Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: 773-684-1414
www.msichicago.org
