Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum offers two special events concerning the 1893 Columbian Exposition and our building’s role in it. Each offers its own unique way to explore the White City.

Offered throughout the year, Blueprints to Our Past is a 90-minute presentation for smaller groups. A Museum host presents a computer-simulated “virtual tour” of the Expo’s White City, created by Dr. Lisa Snyder of UCLA’s Urban Simulation Team. With highly detailed views and showing a variety of altitudes and angles, the simulation is narrated with facts and anecdotes about the Columbian Exposition. A short walking tour of the Museum (including the exterior, if weather permits) follows the presentation.

Held just a few times a year, Explore the White City is a 90-minute auditorium event, featuring Dr. Snyder in person as she presents her White City computer simulation. You will see the latest additions to this ongoing project, and hear behind-the-scenes details of her work and research on this landmark event. Tim Samuelson, the City of Chicago’s cultural historian, joins Dr. Snyder to provide his expert commentary and historical perspective. Q&A follows the presentation. This event does not include a walking tour.

Quick Comparison

Blueprints to Our Past

• Offered throughout the year
• Presented by Museum host
• Smaller groups, more conversational
• Short walking tour inside and (weather permitting) outside the Museum
• 90 minutes
• $35 for members, $40 for nonmembers (including Museum general admission)

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Explore the White City with Dr. Lisa Snyder & Tim Samuelson

• Offered on a few special dates
• Presented by its creator and a city historian
• Auditorium audience with some Q&A
• Most up-to-date version, with behind-the-scenes details and additional commentary
• No walking tour
• 90 minutes;
• $15 for members, $30 for nonmembers (including Museum general admission)

Back to "Explore the White City"