Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), in Hyde Park's Jackson Park, is one of the largest science museums in the world — 400,000 sq ft of hands-on exhibits spanning space, weather, submarines, and coal mines. Founded in 1933, it draws families, students, and curious minds from around the globe.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 09:30–16:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | CTA buses #6, #28, #55 stop at the museum entrance; Metra Electric Line to 55th–56th–57th St station (~14-min walk); South Shore Line to 55th/56th/57th St |
| Time needed | ~4 hours for a full visit |
| Best time to go | Mondays and Tuesdays are generally the least crowded |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value7.5
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- Are there extra costs beyond general admission?
- Yes. The Giant Dome Theater, Coal Mine Tour ($12 adult/$9 child), and U-505 Submarine On-Board Tour ($18 adult/$14 child) all require separate tickets. Special traveling exhibitions also carry their own admission fees.
- What are the museum's regular hours?
- The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Extended hours are offered during spring break, summer, and winter holidays. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Is there parking at the museum?
- Yes, paid parking is available in the museum's underground garage, accessible via the 57th Street exit off DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The garage closes one hour after the museum does.
- Can I save money with a pass or discount card?
- Chicago CityPASS® saves up to 49–50% on admission to Griffin MSI plus four other top Chicago attractions, including one special timed-entry experience. The Go Chicago Card also includes MSI access. Military personnel, veterans, Chicago firefighters, police officers, and Illinois teachers receive free general admission.
- What are the must-see exhibits at Griffin MSI?
- Top highlights include Science Storms (featuring a 40-foot tornado and 1.5 million volts of lightning), the U-505 German submarine, the Coal Mine, Henry Crown Space Center, and The Blue Paradox. The Giant Dome Theater is Chicago's only five-story domed wraparound movie theater.
- What are the current admission prices at Griffin MSI?
- General admission is $25.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 3–11. Chicago residents receive a discount ($9 off for adults, $5 off for children). Illinois residents can visit free on select Illinois Free Days throughout the year with valid proof of residency.
- How do I get to Griffin MSI by public transit?
- CTA bus routes #6, #28, and #55 serve the museum directly. The Metra Electric Line and South Shore Line stop at 55th–56th–57th Street, about a 14-minute walk away. From downtown, the #6 Jackson Park Express and #2 Hyde Park Express run along DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
- Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
- Yes, the museum and Giant Dome Theater are fully accessible with elevators. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the entry hall. Accessible parking spaces are available in all sections of the underground garage.
Nearby in Ask Chicago
- Griffin Museum of Science and IndustryMuseum0.02 km · 0 min walk
- 57th Street BeachBeach0.33 km · 4 min walk
- Promontory PointPark0.77 km · 10 min walk
- Hyde ParkNeighborhood0.78 km · 10 min walk
- Jackson ParkPark1.1 km · 14 min walk
Where to stay near Museum of Science and Industry
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