Planning an Event
Whether you are hosting a corporate cocktail reception throughout the entire museum, a holiday dinner in our Rotunda space, a wedding reception in the Lagoon area, a summer picnic on the front lawn, our on-site event planners will work with you on every detail.
We've got the "little things" down to a science; the essence and style of your event will be embodied in everything we do including table settings, lighting, floral arrangements, room decor and entertainment. From the simple to the sublime, our catering packages have something for every taste.
The Museum is only 4-1/2 miles from the McCormick Place Convention Center and just 3 miles south of the loop on beautiful Lakeshore Drive. A unique destination and ideal location for those in town for conventions, meetings, or leisure travel.
To arrange a Museum tour or to find out more about Special Event planning services at the Museum of Science and Industry, call (773) 753-2583. You can also Download our Private Events Brochure (PDF).
Services and Amenities
- Event Planning Services
- Convenient underground direct access parking or Valet Services
- Coat Check
- Security
- Personal Tour Guides and Exhibit Staff
Other Amenities to Compliment Your Special Event
Museum Gift Shop
The Museum gift shop, Big Idea, can be open for your special event for a small fee so your guests may take home mementos of your special event. Or, prior to your event, our Event Planners can assist you in selecting a gift to compliment the theme of your event from the Museum's gift shop.
Photogenic
Don't miss the chance to capture a unique photo to remember your special event. Choose an old-time photo or a custom back-drop of your choice---such as a Chicago city-skyline, a winter wonderland, or astronauts in space!
Finnigan's Ice Cream Parlor
Reminisce with a trip to 1920s Chicago. Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres along authentic Belgian block pavement, past street lights and period shops and into an old-time ice cream parlor. For dessert, old-fashioned soda jerks will greet your guests and prepare sundaes, banana splits, malts, shakes, sodas and more!
Brain Food Cafe
Open our cafe for a late night coffee station serving freshly brewed Starbucks mochas, lattes, cappuccinos, coffee, tea and desserts.
Audio/Visual Equipment and Customized Gift Packages
Contact us to learn more about our full-service AV capabilities and available gift packages!
Planning Packages
- Weddings
- Whether your looking for dramatic elegance or casual fun, the Museum's expert event planners will help you plan a wedding or reception that fits your budget.
- Birthday Parties
- Plan a birthday party at the Museum that is out of this world! Celebrate your child's special day while you explore the Museum's one-of-a-kind exhibits.
- Signature Events
- It's not necessary to invent a theme when planning a special event at the Museum; there are plenty from which to choose.
- Policies and Procedures
- See our policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Museum Hours
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- Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Open every day except Christmas Day
- Museum Location
- Getting Here
Video Tour of Event Spaces
Take a video walk-through of the Museum's unique interior spaces.
Summer Picnic
- Make the best of summer and host a summer picnic at the Museum.
- Download the Summer Picnic Menu (PDF)
- Happening Now
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Wired to Win
Go inside the science of surviving cycling's most grueling race.
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Smart Home: Green + Wired
The "greenest home in Chicago" is back with more new eco-friendly technology for 2009.
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Wild Ocean (limited run)
Swim with the sharks and other big game fish along the Wild Coast of South Africa.
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- Coming Soon
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White House: A Look Inside
Explore a meticulously detailed, large-scale replica of America's most famous landmark.
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Explore the White City: World's Fair Simulation
Dr. Lisa Snyder presents a fascinating virtual simulation of the 1893 World's Fair.
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Discoveries ... Member Travel: France
Members can explore culture, science and advanced technology in Paris and Toulouse.
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Support Us
- Become a Member
It's fun, easy, and a great value to earn your "Degree" in science! It's an adventure you don't want to miss.
- Donate
Support from individuals, corporations and foundations help us fulfill our goal of inspiring all who visit.
- Volunteer
Be part of our history of fun by volunteering at the Museum of Science and Industry.
about the museum
Opened in 1933, the oldest science Museum of its kind in the Western Hemisphere attracts approximately 2 million visitors per year.