Why Make a Gift?
The Annual Fund covers expenses for our everyday activities. It keeps the whistle blowing in the Coal Mine, the tornado turning in Science Storms and the wheels spinning in the minds of the million-plus guests who visit us each year. It's the engine that enables us to annually:
- Host over 360,000 students on field trips.
- Conduct nationally recognized science education programs for thousands of students, teachers and their families through MSI's education initiatives.
- Train 1,000 teachers to improve the way they teach science.
- Support after-school science across the Chicago region and northwest Indiana through our Out-of-School Time Educator Program.
You can help keep sparks flying at MSI. Support our vision to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, engineering and math by making a gift to the Museum Annual Fund today.
All Annual Fund gifts are tax deductible.
Annual Fund Memberships
Give $300 or more to the Annual Fund and automatically qualify for an Annual Fund Membership—and all of the out-of-this-world benefits that come with it!
Explorers Society ($300 - 599)
Includes a year of:
- Free admission for 2 members, 2 guests and children under 18 in the household
- Free parking in our underground garage*
- Unlimited free special exhibition tickets+
- Unlimited discounted tickets to Fab Lab and maker experiences, Flight Simulators and Virtual Reality simulators
- Unlimited free Giant Dome Theater passes
- Unlimited free tours
- Invitations to ticketed Member events^
- Invitations to complimentary MSInsider events
- A 100% tax deduction for the entire cost of your membership
Catalyst Society ($600 - 999)
All benefits above PLUS:
- Complimentary Individual Membership
- Two guest passes•
- Complimentary invitation to a behind-the-scenes event
- Reserved seating in the Giant Dome Theater**
Columbian Society ($1,000 - 2,499)
All benefits above PLUS:
- Custom visit itineraries and Concierge Service**
- Complimentary invitation to VIP events with an MSI curator or special guest
- Invitation to Columbian Ball
Curiosity Society ($2,500 - 4,999)
Includes the benefits above and adds:
- Seasonal recognition in our Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibitions
- Invitations to Curiosity Society events
Curiosity Society ($5,000 - $9,999)
Includes the benefits above and adds:
- Name recognition on special signage near your favorite Museum exhibit for one year
Curiosity Society ($10,000 - $24,999)
Includes the benefits above and adds:
- Seasonal or exhibition recognition, plus name recognition on special signage near a Museum icon for one year. Choose from: U-505 Submarine, Coal Mine, Giant Dome Theater or the tornado in Science Storms
- Behind-the-scenes tour of our Collections Department
For more information about these benefits and additional membership levels, please contact the Individual Giving team or call (773) 947-6146.
* One free car per membership per visit.
^ Events require registration and purchase of tickets. For more information on ticketed member events, see Membership.
** Advance notice required. To reserve exhibit, tour and Giant Dome Theater tickets call the Member Hotline at (773) 947-3161 or visit tickets.msichicago.org
+ Annual Fund members receive a $1 discount on maker experiences, including the Fab Lab, Makers United and Flight Simulators/VR.
• One time use, redeemable at the ticket counter.