Museum of Science and Industry

This weekend, Tornado Alley makes its world premiere at MSI's Omnimax Theater. To celebrate the event, join us Friday and Saturday for two full days of events with Sean Casey, the star of the film and Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers.

Catch the Film

Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m.: screenings introduced by Sean Casey; showtimes all day on both days
Armed with an IMAX camera, a fleet of customized vehicles designed to withstand gale-force winds, torrential rains and unrelenting hail, and an arsenal of the most advanced weather measurement instruments ever created, the stars of Tornado Alley will take you on a thrilling quest to experience a tornado’s destructive power at point-blank range. Sean Casey will give a special introduction to the 11 a.m. screenings on Friday and Saturday. To buy tickets to these special screenings, or to any other showtime, click here. (Advance tickets are highly recommended; day-of tickets are subject to availability.) The film is not included in general admission, and requires a separate ticket.

Tornado Alley trailer and information

Panel: Twisted Careers: Science, Film, Adrenaline

Saturday, 1-2 p.m. Requires a free ticket available on a first come, first served basis at 12:45 p.m. in the Rotunda.
Don’t miss a special discussion with Sean Casey and a panel of experts, who will take audience members through the making of Tornado Alley and explore the inspiration and career paths that drive the panelists towards tornados when others run. Moderated by NBC5 meteorologist Ginger Zee, the panel will include Casey and: Dr. Joshua Wurman, Ph.D, President, Center for Severe Weather Research; Terra Thompson, Ph.D Candidate, School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma; and Kevin H. Goebbert, PhD., Assistant Professor of Meteorology, Valparaiso University. This event is included in general admission, but requires a free ticket (see details above).

Get an Autograph!

Friday only from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m., Henry Crown Space Center
Sean Casey will be signing autographs outside the Omnimax Theater.

Storm Vehicle Viewing

Friday and Saturday during Museum hours, outside the Henry Crown Space Center;
Saturday only: Sean Casey with the vehicles from 11-11:45 a.m. and 2:30-4 p.m.
Visit the 14,000-pound Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV)—a military-style vehicle with bullet-resistant windows and four hydraulic drop-down metal “skirts” used to block wind and debris. You can also see the 26,000-pound Doppler On Wheels (DOW)—complete with high-tech computers, a giant rotating radar dish and an impressive antenna. Both vehicles are featured in Tornado Alley, and Sean Casey will be outside with them, greeting guests on Saturday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m. Included in general admission.

Hands-On Activities

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Rotunda
Students from Valparaiso University will be on hand to lead some fun activities revealing the science behind storms. Demonstrations include Thunderstorms and Tornados, Hurricanes, Satellite and Radar, Clouds and Participation, and Pressure and Wind.

Times and events are subject to change. Please check posted schedules upon arrival at the Museum.