DK Travel : Chicago : Museum of Science & Industry

Museum of Science & Industry

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The cultural star of the city’s Far South, this museum was the first in North America to introduce interactive exhibits, with a record of innovative, hands-on displays dating back to the 1930s. Two million visitors flock annually to this vast neoclassical building, which houses more than 800 exhibits and is a Chicago must-see, especially for families. Make sure you arrive rested, since it takes a whole day to hit just the top attractions.

Top 10 Exhibits

1. Apollo 8 Command Module

This, the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon, offers a genuine peek into the 1960s space race. The historic photos, space suits, and training module on display all help set the scene.
2. The Great Train Story

2. The Great Train Story

Thirty-four miniature trains race past skyscrapers, through prairies, and over the Rockies to the Pacific Docks on 1,425 ft (437 m) of track that replicates the 2,200-mile (3540 km) train trip from Chicago to Seattle.
3. Walk-Through Heart

A museum favorite since the 1940s, this 20-ft (6-m) tall model of the human heart would fit inside the chest of a 28-story person. Enter its chambers to see the marvel of human engineering.
4. The Coal Mine

Venture down a simulated 600 ft (184 m) in an authentic shaft elevator to discover how coal was extracted in the 1930s compared to today. The mini train ride enhances the underground illusion.
5. Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle

Star of the silent screen, Colleen Moore commissioned the design of this lavish 9-sq-ft (0.8 sq-m) castle and lovingly filled it with over 2,000 one-twelfth-scaled objects, including the world’s smallest Bible.
6. All Aboard the Silver Streak

Both Art Deco design afficionados and rail buffs alike are drawn to this streamlined, vintage Zephyr train with its ground-breaking diesel-electric engine. Onboard visits are by tour only.
7. Yesterday’s Main Street

A cobblestone, shoplined street gives a taste of 1910 Chicago, with a cinema screening free silent movies and a traditional ice-cream parlor serving sweet treats at present-day prices.
8. Omnimax Theater

Films shown in this five-story theater make the viewers feel like they are right in the thick of the on-screen adventures. Films on a rotating program are screened about every 50 minutes.
9. ToyMaker 3000

Twelve robotic arms work the assembly line to produce toy top after colorful top in this display of computer integrated manufacturing technology. You can race a robot to see who can trace letters faster, and souvenir tops come gratis.
10. U-505 Submarine

10. U-505 Submarine

Take a tour around this 1941 German U-boat: captured during World War II, it looks much as it did then, complete with an Enigma codebreaking machine.

Practical Information

The Brain Food Court serves above-average fare including wood-fired pizzas, and made-to-order salads and sandwiches. Advance tickets reserved on the Internet or telephone cost an extra $2 each but are worth it on busy weekends. Additional Omnimax tickets can be bought for $5 (adults) and $4 (children) at all museum entrances. 57th Street & Lake Shore Drive 1-773-684-1414 www.msichicago.org Metra station: 55th/ 56th/57th Open 9:30am–4pm Mon–Sat, 11am–4pm Sun Adm.: adults $9, children (3–11) $5; including one Omnimax show: adults $15, children $10 DA