Member FAQ and Services
New Membership
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How do I become a member?
You can join or renew online, by phone at (773) 947-3161 or onsite at the Museum.
You will receive a digital membership card that you can save to your mobile device or print. You can request physical cards be mailed to you—they will arrive in 6-8 weeks.
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Can I apply my Museum Entry tickets to a membership?
The Museum Entry portion of your tickets (excluding additional experiences) can be applied toward the purchase of a new membership within seven days after your visit. Please call (773) 947-3161 or stop at the desk in the Entry Hall at the end of your Museum visit.
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If I purchase a membership today, when can I begin using it?
You can begin using your membership immediately-and we hope you do!
If you purchase your membership online, you will immediately receive a digital membership card in your email that you can print or show on your mobile device upon arrival at MSI. You will also be able to utilize your benefits online right after making your purchase by following the prompt on the confirmation screen.
If you purchase your membership over the phone, our team will assist you in booking any free or discounted tickets you may need. You will also receive your digital membership card via email after your purchase.
If you purchase your membership at the Museum, you will be able to book your exhibit tickets at the same time! You will also receive your digital membership card via email after your purchase.
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Do you offer membership discounts for seniors, students, or teachers?
Seniors (ages 65+) and students (ages 18+) can receive $20 off the Individual and Dual Level memberships when they present a valid photo or student ID.
Illinois teachers receive a $20 discount off all regular membership levels, when they present a valid employment ID.
Discounts can only be used for the individual's household and cannot be combined with other promotional offers including Auto-Renew discounts.
These discounts cannot be redeemed online—please call (773) 947-3161 or visit the Museum to purchase in person.
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How long is my membership valid?
Membership is valid for one full year and expires on the last day of the purchase month.
If you are renewing, your new membership year begins on the first day of the month after your current membership expires, regardless of when you renew.
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Is there a member code of conduct?
Yes. By purchasing a membership entering the Museum of Science and Industry (“MSI”), you, as the card holder, on behalf of yourself and any minor accompanying you (“You”), agree to be bound by these terms and other terms found at msichicago.org/terms. Your membership status is a revocable license for entry to MSI which may be revoked without refund if you do not comply with the terms.
Using Your Membership
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I'm planning to visit the Museum for the first time since becoming a member. What do I do?
Skip the lines! Just bring your membership card (physical or digital), a valid photo ID and any additional tickets purchased in advance (printed or digital), and go to the Member Express line.
For additional tickets onsite, use your membership card (digital or physical) at the desk in the Entry Hall.
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Which exhibitions and experiences require additional tickets and what are the member prices?
Visit Explore the Museum and Ticket Prices for more information about what MSI has to offer today. You'll find all the additional experiences and exhibitions available and your special pricing as a member.
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How does parking as a member work?
Your membership card (physical or digital) serves as your parking pass. You will need to scan your card upon entering and exiting the garage. If your membership level does not include free parking, your appropriate rate will be charged when you scan your membership card at pay stations (near all garage entrances to the Entry Hall) or at the exit gate. Learn more about Member Parking.
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How can I update my contact information?
You can update your membership account information by using the Membership Services form, emailing membership@msichicago.org, calling (773) 947-3161 or visiting the desk in the Entry Hall.
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I have changed my mind and would like to receive a refund for my membership.
We hope that never happens! A membership with MSI functions as a tax-deductible donation to the Museum and is not eligible for a refund for any reason.
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How long does it take to receive my membership card(s)?
You receive a digital card immediately upon purchasing your membership. This card will have your member ID number, which you can then use to book advance tickets online or over the phone.
If you choose to receive physical cards, your membership card(s) will arrive in the mail 6-8 weeks from time of purchase. Until your cards arrive, you can visit using your confirmation email, digital membership card or printed temporary card issued onsite.
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I lost my membership card(s). How do I get replacement card(s)?
You can request a new digital or physical card using the Membership Services form, emailing membership@msichicago.org, calling (773) 947-3161 or visiting the Membership Desk in the Entry Hall.
- Digital cards can be resent via email as soon as possible following your request.
- Physical cards will be mailed to you within 6-8 weeks of your request.
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Can my teenage children use my membership card to take advantage of benefits?
Yes. With a Family or Society Level Membership, 16- and 17-year-old household members with a proper ID will receive free Museum Entry for themselves and one guest, without a parent present. Children 15 or younger require adult supervision in the building at all times.
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Can I let a friend or family member not listed on my membership use my card?
No. Membership benefits are nontransferable, and all guests must be accompanied by a named cardholder to take advantage of member benefits. Members who transfer their cards to others are subject to having their membership benefits revoked.
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Can my caregiver visit MSI with my children but without me?
Yes! If you have a Family or Society Level membership, your caregiver can use your membership benefits when they visit with your child(ren). Just be sure to notify us about the caregiver at the time of membership purchase or prior to the caregiver's first visit. One caregiver is permitted per membership account.
Please note that caregivers are not permitted to bring a guest and are required to present your membership card and their photo ID at the Membership Desk in the Entry Hall.
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Does my MSI membership allow me to visit other museums for free or at a discount?
Yes. MSI members receive free or discounted admission to more than 300 Association of Science and Technology Center (ASTC) museums around the world, and members at all levels receive 50% off general admission to several museums in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Please note that there are no reciprocal admission benefits between MSI and Field Museum, Adler Planetarium or Shedd Aquarium.
Learn more about the ASTC Travel Passport Program and the details of this reciprocal admission program: Reciprocity details
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Does the Museum share my contact information?
From time to time, we collaborate with other nonprofit organizations in the arts and culture sector to offer special promotions and interesting opportunities to our members in the mail. In such cases, we may exchange member names and postal addresses. The Museum of Science and Industry never exchanges or sells member email addresses. If you do not want your name or mailing address shared with other arts and culture focused nonprofit organizations, please notify us at membership@msichicago.org.
Renewing Memberships
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Will I lose time on my membership if I renew early?
There's never a penalty for renewing early and your benefits will be extended for another year from your current expiration date.
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If I want to upgrade to a higher membership level, do I have to wait until my current membership expires?
No. You may upgrade to a higher level at any time. To upgrade, you must pay the price differential between the two levels. Please note we do not prorate upgrades based on the number of remaining months of membership, which means your membership will continue to have the same expiration date. To upgrade, please call us at (773) 947-3161 or visit the Membership Desk in the Entry Hall.
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How does Auto-Renew work?
Auto-Renew is an easy way for you to make sure your membership never lapses, and you'll receive a $20 discount every time your membership is automatically renewed.
We send an email reminder two to three weeks before your membership expires, your renewal payment will be processed five days before your expiration date. The email will also describe how to change or update your auto-renewal settings.
MSI does not store your payment information. Instead, your information is safely kept on record within an independent credit card processing system. MSI does not have access to your personal information but will receive it for the exclusive purpose of processing your auto-renewal payment.
If you'd like to make changes, such as names on the membership, change the membership level, or cancel auto-renewal, please contact Member Services at (773) 947-3161 or email membership@msichicago.org.