Annual Fund

Member and Annual Fund Events

The Museum offers exciting events and experiences to members, donors and friends of MSI throughout the year. These include Member Days, events exclusively for Annual Fund members, and other unique events for select audiences that offer behind-the-scenes looks at MSI exhibits and programs.

Questions? Contact the Membership Team at membership@msichicago.org or the Annual Fund Team at giving@msichicago.org.

 

April

Member Days

Thursday, April 8 and Sunday, April 18, 2021
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Enjoy a day at the Museum reserved exclusively for our members. Reserve your timed tickets for Museum Entry and any additional exhibits here.

May

EXCLUSIVE ANNUAL FUND EVENT

MSI In-depth: Pioneer Zephyr and Take Flight

Thursday May 13, 2021
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

For members of our Catalyst Society and above, join us for a delightful evening of cocktails and a private behind-the-scenes look at the newly renovated Pioneer Zephyr and Take Flight exhibits.

*Annual Fund Event: Members of the Catalyst Society and above

July

every thursday night in July

Member Appreciation Evenings

Thursday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Every Thursday night in July, the entire Museum will be open for you to explore. We’ve got some special additions just for you, from presentations by teams all across the Museum to outdoor treats. Capacity is limited!

August

Exclusive Annual Fund Events

MSInsider Summer Block Party

[SOLD OUT] Friday, August 13, 2021
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

For members of our Explorers Society and above, join us for a sun-filled, fun-filled picnic. Enjoy a wide range of facilitated activities in the Museum’s beautiful Smart Park Garden and be sure to enter our raffle for the chance to win a Radio Flyer wagon. This event is sold out.

MSInsider Summer Block Party is presented by Radio Flyer.

*Annual Fund Event: Members of the Explorers Society and above

Rosenwald and Columbian Society Breakfast

Saturday August 28, 2021
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Members of the Rosenwald Society, Columbian Society and above are invited to this exclusive panel discussion on the present and future state of space travel, as well as a sneak peek at plans for a reimagined space center.

*Annual Fund Event: Members of the Rosenwald Society, Columbian Society and above

September

41st Annual Columbian Ball: A Grand Journey

Saturday, September 18, 2021
5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Our annual Columbian Ball returns to our historic building for a night dedicated to the excitement and happiness of going places. See old friends, enjoy unique performances and discover edible creations that evoke the wonders of new places. When you become a sponsor, buy a ticket or make a donation to MSI’s Columbian Ball, your contribution goes directly to our education programs and initiatives. We are welcoming young people to science every day. Your support of the Columbian Ball makes that possible.

October

Boo Fest Member Day

Friday October 29, 2021
1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween the MSI way with a haunted day at the Museum exclusively for members! Come in costume and trick-or-treat your way through the building, enjoy special films in the Giant Dome Theater and more.

November – December

Member Holiday Mornings

Saturdays from November 13, 2021
through January 1, 2022
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Explore our annual holiday displays without the crowds during exclusive Member hours. Enjoy holiday themed treats and snap a picture with Santa Claus for memories that will last a lifetime.

Member Holiday Evenings

Thursday, November 18, 2021
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 *
Thursday, December 30, 2021
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with a timeless tradition at MSI. Take a break from the cold and warm up with holiday-themed treats and drinks amid the most magical time of the year.

* December 15 is our Annual Fund Member Holiday Evening, open to Explorers Society members and above.