Museum of Science and Industry
The enormous Museum of Science and Industry in the Chicago, IL area pays homage to the city's innovative roots by displaying more than 35,000 objects and a range of hands-on displays that are aimed to spark visitors' own imaginations. At the heart of the museum is the former Palace of Fine Arts, which was built in 1893 to serve as the site of the renowned World's Columbian Exposition. Among those in attendance were some of the world's best scientific minds, including Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, who were competing to prove which sort of electricity was more successful at the time: direct current or alternating current.
Inside the museum, you may find out more about the "war of the currents" as well as a range of other topics of interest. The exhibits here are designed to appeal to a wide range of curious minds, including: Take a tour of the U-505 German submarine, which was seized during World War II; visit the Henry Crown Space Center to learn about distant stars and planets; and get up close and personal with baby chicks at the Baby Chicks Hatchery. The Museum of Science and Industry also has an Omnimax Theater and conducts a variety of live demonstrations. For more information, see their website.
Despite the fact that this museum is a little out of the way (it's about 9 miles south of the Loop), visitors have stated that the trip to the Museum of Science and Industry is well worth the inconvenience. Recent visitors recommend spending a little additional money on interesting displays like the interactive Coal Mine or Future Energy Chicago, which challenges visitors to reimagine Chicago's energy infrastructure in order to get the most out of their visit.
The Museum of Science and Industry, which is located in the Hyde Park district on Chicago's South Side, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week. (Please note that the museum has limited hours on some dates; thus, please check the museum's website before visiting.) For adults, general admission is $21.95 ($19.95 if purchased in advance online), and for children ages 3 to 11, it is $12.95 ($10.95 if purchased in advance online). If you've purchased a Go Chicago Card or a Chicago CityPASS, your entrance cost will be waived. Access to special exhibits and the Omnimax Theater will be subject to additional charges. There is no direct L service to the museum, however travelers can reach the location by taking bus numbers 2 or 6 to the region. There is a Metra station nearby at the intersection of 55th, 56th, and 57th Streets, or visitors can drive and park in the museum's underground garage, which costs $22 per vehicle per day. All ticket holders have access to property facilities like restrooms, gift shops, a food court, an ice cream parlor and a photo studio.