Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
4.7(35K)google
4.3(1.6K)yelp
ScienceInteractiveEducationalFamily
Overview
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI; formally Museum of Science and Industry) is a private, non-profit science museum located in Jackson Park, the Hyde Park neighborhood, Chicago, Illinois. It is adjacent to Lake Michigan and the University of Chicago campus. The museum is housed in the Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.
Practical Info
Mon9:30 AM 4:00 PM
Tue9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-7 hours
Best TimeLate November through December is magical due to the spectacular 'Christmas Around the World' tree exhibit. Plan to arrive at the 9:30 AM opening bell to secure immediate, early boarding slots for high-demand ticketed highlights like the U-505 Submarine onboard tour and the Coal Mine descent before wait times swell.
Getting ThereLocated in Hyde Park. Take the Metra Electric Line train from downtown's Millennium Station and get off at the 55th-56th-57th St Station, followed by an 8-minute walk east. Alternatively, catch the CTA #6 Jackson Park Express bus from Michigan Avenue, which drops passengers off right at the 57th St & Stony Island museum stop.
Travel Tips
- The iconic U-505 onboard interior walkthrough and the Coal Mine simulation are premium premium upgrades with strict capacities; book online 2 to 3 weeks ahead to secure your timed entry.
- Located in Hyde Park, the facility utilizes a flat-fee $22 subterranean garage; budget travelers should hunt for scarce, free parallel parking options scattered eastward along Columbia Drive early.
- Encompassing over 14 acres of floor space, this facility demands intensive walking; wear supportive footwear and download offline digital map files as underground exhibition halls are notorious cellular dead zones.
Reviews
Positive
- The German U-505 submarine and the coal mine experience are breathtaking and highly interactive, making dry scientific principles easy to understand and fun.
- The museum building itself is a grand remnant of the 1893 World's Fair; internal signs are clear in multiple languages, and restrooms are very well maintained.
- The staff and volunteers are extremely enthusiastic, especially at guiding and inspiring children, and emergency evacuation signs are clearly visible.
- The general admission covers large exhibits that are enough to fill an entire day, offering incredible value for money for science and engineering enthusiasts.
Heads up
- Located in South Chicago, it is far from downtown, requiring a longer commute, and some nearby neighborhoods have a mediocre safety reputation at night.
- The underground parking at the museum is quite expensive, and queuing to enter and finding a spot takes a lot of time during weekend peaks.
- Attractions like the onboard submarine tour and certain holographic theaters require separate timed tickets, which often sell out before noon.
- Because the venue is massive, seating benches are insufficient in some areas, making it hard to find a place to sit and rest after long walks.