Museum of Science and Industry

What are the hours of the Snoozeum?

Registration generally begins at 5:30 p.m. Changes may be made to accommodate the Museum's closing schedule. The Snoozeum ends at 8:30 a.m. the following day.

What will we do during the evening?

You can experience the Museum at your own pace throughout the evening. Your group will not be scheduled for specific workshops. Omnimax® films and temporary exhibits are available for an additional fee. A program schedule will be sent to group leaders prior to the event.

Will my scout troop earn a badge?

Snoozeum programming is not geared specifically to any scout badge, but a Snoozeum patch is included in admission.

How do I make a registration if I don't know how many people are coming in my group?

Take your best guess, you will be asked to make a deposit based on your estimate. You may decrease your numbers without penalty up to four weeks in advance of Snoozeum. After that date, you will receive a 50 percent refund up to one week before the event. There are no refunds the week of - or after - the event.

Can I easily increase the number of my group size?

Our Snoozeum events often reach capacity early, so your extra group members may have to be put on a waiting list. Groups must confirm their numbers four weeks before the event and many drop numbers. At that time we will call you to determine if you still want to increase your group size. You do not have to put any money down to be on the waiting list.

If a Snoozeum is "sold out" can my group get on a waiting list?

Yes. Call the Museum's Group Reservations department and ask to be added to the waiting list. Groups must confirm their numbers four weeks before the event and many drop numbers. At that time we will call you to determine if your group still wants to attend. You do not have to put any money down to be on the waiting list.

How does check-in work the night of the event?

Prior to the event, the group leader will be sent tickets for each paid participant and a copy of the Participant Release Form. Each participant must have a signed release form and a ticket to enter the event. Children under the age of 18 must have a release form signed by a parent or legal guardian. You will be given the program for the evening, the times of activities, tours, snack and breakfast. Color coding will be used to determine your time for snack and breakfast. You will be given your assigned sleeping area and location to deposit your gear.

Does my whole group have to be there for us to check-in?

No. Individuals with their tickets and properly signed release forms may check in and enter the Museum.

What do I do if some people in my group are arriving late?

Participants may arrive late. Late arrivals should check in at the Snoozeum information table.

Where do I park my car and where do I enter the Museum?

Please park in the indoor garage located on the west side of the Museum. Parking is an additional fee. The entrance into the Museum leads directly to the Entry Hall, where your group will check in. Please pay for parking at the garage pay stations, located on each level of the garage as you enter the Entry Hall. To ensure safety, the parking garage will be patrolled all night.

What if my group is arriving via bus?

The bus should drop off and pick up your group members at the circle drive on the north side of the Museum on 57th Street (NOT the Group Center entrance). There are two kiosk entrances on the north lawn (marked "Main Entrance") that lead down into the Entry Hall.

Can I plug something in overnight?

If you need a device plugged in all night, please call the Snoozeum Hotline to make arrangements: (773) 684-9844 ext. 2687. Please leave a message and someone will return your call.

What do I need to bring with me?

We recommend bringing a sleeping bag, pillows and blankets. You may bring an air mattress if you wish (electricity is available). Please do not bring pajamas -- all participants must wear a t-shirt and pants at all times. Also bring a toothbrush, washcloth, small towel and other toiletries.

Can I bring food or drink?

Please do not bring any food or drink with you to the Museum.  No eating is allowed overnight in the exhibit areas. We have a bedtime snack and Saturday morning continental breakfast scheduled during your visit (both are included in the cost of the Snoozeum).

Will there be any restaurants open so we can buy dinner?

Dinner will be available for purchase at the Brain Food Court in the early part of the evening. Fare will consist of burgers, pizza, salads, etc.

What about bedtime snack and breakfast?

Your group will be pre-assigned a time to get snack and breakfast.  Times will be printed in the program schedule (given at check in).

Can I sleep anywhere in the entire building?

Sleeping areas will be assigned to your group upon arrival. For safety, please do not change your sleeping area on your own. If your group sleeps in an area other than your pre-assigned one, you will be asked to move. If you have a problem or concern about your sleeping area contact a Museum staff member.

Where do I store my gear while I'm exploring the Museum?

You should leave your gear in your assigned sleeping area. Important! In the hours before bedtime, please keep your gear rolled up against the wall so all Snoozeum participants are able to walk freely in the exhibit areas.                                                                    

Where do I get a Snoozeum T-shirt?

T-shirts may not be pre-purchased, but you can buy one at the event. T-shirts are available in the Museum's Big Idea Store.

Will the Museum Store be open?

The Big Idea Store located in the Great Hall will be open at some point during the Snoozeum. Check your program that night for details.

Can we wander and explore the Museum all night?

Because the Museum will be dark and Snoozeum participants will be sleeping throughout the building, for safety's sake, you must "bed down" at lights out. Children must be chaperoned at all times including trips to the bathroom during the night.

Can we stay up all night?

We ask that groups go to sleep at lights out. If you wish to stay up you will be asked to do so in a specially designated area. A chaperone must accompany anyone who wishes to stay up. Please contact a Museum staff member.

Does it get dark after the lights go out?

For guest safety, some lights will remain on throughout the night.  The Museum staff is not able to adjust the emergency lighting at any time during the Snoozeum overnight. If you have difficulty getting to sleep because of the lights, please contact a staff member for a complimentary sleep mask.

Does the Museum get cold at night?

The Museum is a very large, old building and the temperature will vary from area to area. Although we do turn down the boilers, most people think it is warm overnight. We recommend bringing layered clothing including a t-shirt, shorts, sweats and a sleeping bag so that you can regulate your temperature to meet your comfort level. All participants must wear a shirt and pants at all times.  Please do not bring pajamas. Shoes must be worn when walking through the Museum.

Is first aid available?

Staff trained in first aid will be available throughout the entire evening.  Should you have a need for first aid, please notify any Museum staff member, volunteer or security officer.

Can I get back to my car and leave the Museum at anytime?

Yes. Please contact Museum staff to let you out. Please be sure your group leader knows of your plans.

What if I need to contact someone who is attending the event?

Call our 24 hour Security Desk at 773-684-9844, Ext. 2320.

Questions before the event date? 

Call the Snoozeum hotline at 773-684-9844, Ext. 2687. Someone will return your call promptly.