Why wait? Save time and avoid lines with advance tickets.

Group Planners

For other group visits, see:

Group Planners Pricing and Information

Any group of 15 or more-scouts, social organizations, park district, hobbyists, even huge families-can save money and enjoy custom service by booking and purchasing at least two weeks in advance.

Save money, and save your place

With advance prepaid reservations, your group of 15 or more receives discounts on Museum Entry and on any Giant Dome Theater films, temporary exhibits, tours and experiences you choose to add to your visit. Booking in advance also reserves your preferred times, avoiding any potential sold-out experiences during busy seasons.

Pricing for group planners (PDF)

Start your visit with ease

Your group can have access to a dedicated entrance, including easy access for motorcoaches and buses. A representative will meet your group, answer any questions you may have, and get your visit started quickly and smoothly. (These arrival options may be subject to availability.)

Other groups

See information for professional tour operators and teachers leading field trips.

Ask us

For more information about group visits, please contact us.

Make a group reservation

Visit information for group planners

  • Location

    The Museum is located at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, in the beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood—steps away from Lake Michigan and minutes from downtown Chicago.

  • Museum hours

    Our regular hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended hours are offered during spring break, summer, and winter holidays—check our full calendar of extended hours. We are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

  • Payment and cancellation

    Full payment is due 14 days before your visit or your reservation will be canceled. Cancellations made less than 14 days in advance will not be refunded. Please provide your final group count 14 days before your visit; students or chaperones not included in the final count will be charged full-price admission.

  • Chaperones

    One chaperone per 10 students in grades 4-12 and one chaperone per five students in grades K-3 is admitted free. Let us know if you are a special needs group that requires additional chaperones. Our chaperone guide (PDF) will help you provide instructions to chaperones during your visit.

  • Lunch options

    Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but lunch plans make the most of your day at MSI. With so much to do and see at MSI, the last thing your group will want to do is spend time on lunch logistics. Make that plan in advance!

    We will ask for your lunch plan during your reservation process. Even when bringing your own lunches, a time and space for your lunch must be prearranged. There are three lunch options available:

    Museum Kitchen (advance vouchers or cash, open seating)
    Our food court features fresh-made pizzas, sandwiches, fresh-tossed salads, delicious stir-fry dishes, grilled items and more. Seating is open and is subject to availability.

    Box Lunches (pre-ordered, semi-private seating)
    A variety of boxed lunches are available at $20 each. Choose from a number of sandwich or salad options, which also include a bag of chips, whole piece of fruit, cookie and a drink. (Boxed lunches for children 3-11 are $11 each and offer a choice of kid-favorite sandwiches.) A timed reservation for semi-private seating will be arranged as part of your box lunch order.

    Group box lunch menu (PDF)

    Bringing Your Lunch (requires seating reservation)
    Bringing lunches still requires scheduling a time and space to eat. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to choose the "Bringing our own" lunch option during reservation.

  • Parking and buses

    Convenient motorcoach access is available for drop-off and pick-up of your group. Your reservation materials will confirm your assigned location and provide directions. You will be directed to either our Group Center entrance on the Museum's west side or the Henry Crown Space Center entrance on the building's east side.

    While not available at MSI, motorcoach parking is available at the McCormick Place truck marshalling yard, located at 31st Street and Lake Shore Drive. For more information on motorcoach parking and loading zones in the City of Chicago, please visit Choose Chicago.

    Paid automobile parking is available in the Museum's underground garage. Oversize and van-accessible parking spaces are all located in the garage's Blue (D) section, where height clearance varies from 8'2" to 7'2" (check signs). There are also accessible parking spaces in all other garage sections, where height clearance is 6'6". Entry from the garage to the Museum is wheelchair accessible.