Museum of Science and Industry

February 8, 2012

It’s February in Chicago so this note may find you in full hibernation mode. While this is a good time for us all to catch up on our reading, I hope I can tempt you to break away from home and hearth for a family trip to MSI. Here are a just a few highlights this month:

February Free Days

Every Wednesday in February is a free day for our guests who are Illinois residents.  If you plan to visit us on a free day this month, here are a few tips to help you get the most of your visit.

Advance Tickets: If you plan to see an Omnimax film or take an on-board tour of the U-505, purchase and print your tickets in advance online to bypass the ticket line in the Entry Hall.  (On our ticketing page, Omnimax tickets are paired with general admission. For a sub ticket, select general admission first and then add on a sub ticket by clicking the “select more tickets” button. The price of general admission will be automatically deducted if you’re an Illinois resident). By reserving these tickets in advance online or over the phone (773-684-1414), you also guarantee entry into these popular special experiences that can sell out on peak days.

On-Site Tickets: If you just want to enjoy free general admission, that’s OK too. Those tickets are available at our ticket counter with proof of Illinois residency.

Come Early!  We’re open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. this month. Most of our guests tell us they can easily spend a full day here, so make the most of your experience by arriving in the morning.

Planning on driving? For a speedier exit out of our underground parking garage, pay for your parking at one of our automated stations, located on every level of the garage.

Take Public Transportation. It's Easy. From downtown Chicago, there are several buses that will bring you within a block of the Museum: #2, #6, #X28 and (on weekends) the #10. Metra Electric Line trains to and from downtown Chicago stop at the 55th/56th/57th Street station, just two blocks from the Museum. For travel to and from Indiana, South Shore Line trains also stop at the 55th/56th/57th St. station.

Visit our Getting Here page for an outline of your options; you can also go to transitchicago.com or metrarail.com for more detailed directions from your specific location.

What's New?

How about a little winter golf?  Powerful: African Americans in Energy features a nine-hole miniature golf experience. You’ll learn about alternative energy sources as you putt your way through diverse landscapes of oil, natural gas, wind, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear power. The final hole ends with an opportunity to “putt the vote” and chose your energy future. Also, don’t miss the Juried Art exhibit spotlighting the creativity and innovation of a variety of talented youth and professional artists. Both are included in general admission but Powerful does require a free timed-entry ticket, available at the exhibit entrance.

Coming Soon ... Ticket Kiosks

When you visit this month, please excuse the renovation work in our Entry Hall.  We’re making improvements to the ticketing experience, which includes the installation of new self-service ticketing kiosks.

We look forward to your winter visit.  In the meantime, stay warm and be well!

David R. Mosena
President and CEO