COVID-19 Policies
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Do I need to show proof of COVID vaccination to enter?
In accordance with changes to City of Chicago and State of Illinois COVID mandates, MSI no longer requires guests to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the Museum.
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Do I have to wear a mask?
Certain exhibits, classrooms and lab activities with limited space for physical distancing require masks to be worn. These include the U-505 On-board Tour, Coal Mine, Dissect an Eye at MSI, and the Wanger Family Fab Lab. Providing great experiences takes all our talented staff and we appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe.
In spaces that require them, masks will be provided and are required for everyone ages 2+ regardless of vaccination status. They must be worn to fit snugly and fully over the nose and mouth for the entire time in the space. If you do not follow these mask guidelines, you will not be permitted in such spaces.
If you are unable to medically tolerate a mask and need a mask exemption, please inform the staff at the entry of these spaces who will provide you with an exemption form to complete.
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How do I request an accommodation for accessibility or medical reasons?
We are happy to assist in planning a visit around specific individual needs. Learn more about the kinds of accommodations available with advance notice. Please complete the Guest Service Request form at least a week in advance of your visit to request assistance or accommodations (some requests may require more time).
Mask policy accommodations
Certain exhibits, classrooms and lab activities with limited space for physical distancing require masks to be worn. These include the U-505 On-Board Tour, Coal Mine, Dissect an Eye at MSI, and the Wanger Family Fab Lab. Providing great experiences takes all our talented staff and we appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe.
If you are unable to medically tolerate a mask and need a mask exemption, please inform the staff at the entry of these spaces who will provide you with an exemption form to complete.
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What if I am not feeling well or have recently been outside Illinois?
Please reschedule if anyone in your group is experiencing potential COVID-19 symptoms, awaiting COVID test results or has tested positive, or may have had recent COVID close contacts. If you have recently traveled, we expect that you will comply with the current City of Chicago Emergency Travel Advisory.
If you already have tickets, our Call Center is ready at (773) 684-1414 or tickethelp@msichicago.org to help you rebook.
Planning Your Visit
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What are your hours?
View the Museum's Hours.
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How do I get to the Museum?
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What exhibits and experiences are open?
All but a few exhibits and experiences are open and ready for your visit. Many have been modified or adapted to create physical distancing, including reduced capacity in the Giant Dome Theater. ToyMaker 3000 is currently closed.
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Does the Museum offer free days?
MSI offers free Museum Entry on select dates throughout the year to Illinois residents who show valid proof of residency.
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Can my children visit the Museum alone?
For the safety of our guests, all children should be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older.
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Where can I get information on Chicago and where to stay while visiting the Museum?
See our Tourists page for hotel information, which features special offers that include Museum admission. Also, you can visit the Chicago Office of Tourism at choosechicago.com for details on hotels, restaurants and things to do in the Windy City.
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Can I save by bundling MSI admission with other Chicago attractions?
Yes, use CityPASS® and save 48% off admission to MSI plus four more top Chicago attractions! First, purchase CityPASS® online for immediate, paperless delivery to your mobile device. Next, use the MSI reservation system to reserve your entry date/time. Bring your CityPASS® and reservation confirmation to the CityPASS® counter in the Entry Hall for admission.
Ticketing
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If I am early/late for my entry time, will I get into the Museum?
If you arrive early, we may ask you to wait for your entry time. If you are running late, we can’t always guarantee same-day admission due to our capacity limits, so please call us at (773) 684-1414 or email us at tickethelp@msichicago.org to reschedule your visit.
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With a timed-entry ticket, must I also leave the Museum at a certain time?
You are welcome to stay as long as you’d like. If you leave the building, such as to go to your car or get something to eat outside on our front lawn, your ticket will be rescanned for entry.
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What is the Museum's Illinois Free Day schedule?
View the Museum's schedule of Illinois resident free days.
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Do active military personnel, veterans, firefighters, police officers or teachers get in free?
United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) receive free Museum Entry for themselves using this online request form or by showing a valid occupation/military status I.D. when purchasing tickets onsite.
MSI also offers United States military active-duty personnel and veterans a $4 discount on U-505 On-board Tour tickets for themselves. This discount is available while redeeming the free Museum Entry offer above.
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Where can I purchase tickets?
To purchase tickets to the Museum of Science and Industry, you may buy them online, by phone at (773) 684-1414, or at the Museum's ticket counters. Purchasing in advance ensures that you can avoid lines and receive tickets for the Giant Dome Theater film or special exhibits you'd most like to see.
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What if I have trouble using your online ticketing?
Our online ticketing is compatible with almost any computer, smartphone, tablet or device. If you experience trouble using our online ticketing, please order by phone at (773) 684-1414 (option 3, then 1) during Museum hours. Outside Museum hours, fill out our Ticketing Help form, noting the device and operating system you are using.
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What is your online ticketing fee?
There is no processing fee for Museum tickets purchased online.
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Can I visit MSI using a Chicago CityPASS®?
Yes, one easy CityPASS® purchase saves 48% off admission to MSI plus four more top Chicago attractions. First, purchase CityPASS® online for immediate, paperless delivery to your mobile device. Next, use the MSI ticketing page to reserve your entry date/time. Bring your CityPASS® and reservation confirmation to the CityPASS® counter in the Entry Hall for admission.
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I have a Chicago CityPASS®. Can I add more exhibits online?
CityPASS® holders may add additional experiences & special exhibits to MSI admission during the reservation process. (CityPASS® admission includes MSI permanent exhibits and one special timed-entry experience). Learn more
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Do Chicago CityPASS® holders need to reserve a visit date/time?
Yes—especially since it reserves your preferred times and experiences. First, purchase CityPASS® online for immediate, paperless delivery to your mobile device. Next, use the MSI ticketing page to reserve your entry date/time. Bring your CityPASS® and reservation confirmation to the CityPASS® counter in the Entry Hall for admission.
Learn more about saving 48% off MSI plus four more top Chicago attractions with CityPASS®.
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Can I use online ticketing with my voucher, offer or coupon?
Vouchers, offers and coupons must be redeemed in person at Museum ticket counters. This also applies to reciprocal admission offered to members of participating ASTC institutions.
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How do I reprint my tickets?
Your tickets can be reprinted using your original ticketing confirmation email. If that's unavailable, email tickethelp@msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 (option 3, then 1) to request your tickets to be resent.
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What if I couldn't print or have lost my ticket?
As long as your purchase was completed, your ticket is still in our system. If you don't have the original ticketing confirmation emailed to you, email tickethelp@msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 (option 3, then 1) to request your tickets to be resent. You may also bring identification to Museum ticket counters to have tickets reprinted on the day of your visit.
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I think I get reciprocal admission to MSI. Can I use online ticketing?
Reciprocal admission for members of participating ASTC institutions located more than 90 miles from MSI must be redeemed in person with your valid and current membership card from your institution. Before your trip, first check with your institution's membership department to confirm current reciprocity at MSI.
Groups and Field Trips
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Does the Museum offer group discounts? How do I book a group?
Find out about group visits to the Museum.
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Where can I find tips for planning a field trip for my class?
For helpful hints on planning a field trip to the Museum, visit our Field Trips page.
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Where can I find other teacher resources?
The Museum's education programs offer hands-on programs for students, professional development opportunities and classroom resources for educators and out-of-school-time programs at the Museum and in Chicago-area communities.
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What are your resources for visits from home school families?
Your best place to start is our Home School Groups and Families page, which has information on admission policies, special Learning Labs, and tips for your visit. You can also sign up there for our quarterly home school e-newsletter.
At the Museum
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Can I get food and beverages while there?
Yes. You can see all of our current food options on our Shops and Restaurants page.
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Can I bring my own food? Where can I eat it?
You may bring in your own food to eat at designated eating areas. Limited seating is available at tables spaced for physical distancing. You may also eat outdoors on our front lawn.
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Is photography allowed in the Museum?
Yes. Photos and videotapes for personal use may be taken inside the Museum, except in the Giant Dome Theater and in certain special exhibits or presentations. Due to safety concerns, tripods are not allowed. Photos, videotapes or audiotapes for any other use require advance notice and the express prior written permission of the Museum's Public Relations Department.
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Do you have an area for nursing mothers at the Museum?
Nursing moms can breastfeed their babies in any public area of the Museum, with or without a cover based on their preference. Additionally, MSI offers a special nursing space in the Idea Factory exhibit. Moms who bottle feed may also feed their babies anywhere.
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May I bring my own stroller, wheelchair or wagon?
Your own stroller and wheelchair is permitted inside the Museum, except in certain exhibits where posted. For the safety of our guests, wagons are not permitted.
Stroller and wheelchair rental are available in the Entry Hall. Please see our Amenities page for more details.
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Is the Museum accessible to guests with disabilities?
Yes. Please read our Accessibility page to learn more.
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Where can I store luggage or other items during my Museum visit?
The Museum's Coat Check is located in the Entry Hall. See our Amenities page for more details.
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Are there AEDs at the Museum?
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are located throughout the Museum.
After Your Visit
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How do I reach the Museum's Lost and Found?
Call the Museum's Coat Check at (773) 753-6862 to inquire about a lost item. While at the Museum, visit the Coat Check in the Entry Hall. Items turned in to our Lost and Found will be kept for 60 days.
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How can I purchase Museum merchandise?
If you forgot to pick up a DVD of a Giant Dome Theater film, a fluffy chick or a plush Einstein while at the Museum, visit our online store. For a shopping experience that's beyond unique, visit the Museum Store, U-505 Store or The Kid's Stop Shop at the Museum. They've got everything from the educational to the out-of-this-world!
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How can I sign up for the Museum's e-newsletter?
Keep up with the latest Museum news! Use the form at the bottom of this page, or any page on the website, to subscribe to our e-newsletter.
About the Museum
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Where can I find Museum press releases or talk to someone in the Public Relations Department?
By accessing the Museum's online Press Center.
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How can I request a ticket donation from the Museum for our fundraiser?
See our Donation Requests page for details and requirements.