Accessibility

The Museum is committed to providing a quality experience for all guests. The following provides information about a range of accommodations.

Parking + Automated Doors

There are accessible parking spaces on all levels of our underground garage. Our oversize and van-accessible parking spaces (for vehicles under 8’2”) are all located in the Blue Section (D) of the parking garage.  The Blue Section (D) also offers an automated – push-button entry- into the Museum for ease of access. Elevators provide access from each parking level and Entry Hall. Learn more about our convenient indoor parking garage 

Please note that the metered parking lot in Jackson Park to the east and south of the Museum are operated by the Chicago Park District (CPD). There are no entrances to the Museum from this parking lot. Please park in the underground garage (Blue Section) for direct and accessible entry into the Museum.

Building Accessibility

Entrance

There are curb cuts in front of the Museum’s main pedestrian entrance. The entrance is equipped with automated (push-button entry) doors in addition to revolving doors. Once inside, elevators and stairs offer access to the Entry Hall ticket counters.

Inside the Museum

Elevators and ramps are located throughout the Museum providing access to all floors. There are accessible toilet stalls in all of our restrooms. The Omnimax Theater has designated seating for guests using wheelchairs and their companions with an elevator providing access to this seating.     

Mobility Devices

Wheelchairs, including manual or electric single seat chairs and electric mobility seated scooters, and other manually operated mobility devices including walkers, crutches, canes, braces and other similar devices, are permitted in all public areas of the Museum. No other type of manually operated or power-driven mobility devices are permitted in the Museum, including but not limited to Segways, self-balancing two-wheeled electric scooters or “hoverboards”, wagons, tricycles and carts. These devices are not permitted due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic in the Museum, the size, type, weight, dimensions and speed of these devices, and the substantial risk of harm to Museum exhibits, other guests and the user. If your mobility device is not permitted, the Museum has manually operated wheelchairs available for use free of charge.

Food Allergies + Special Dietary Needs

For allergen information or questions regarding menu items in our Brain Food Court, Museum Café and Finnigan’s Ice Cream Parlor, please contact our Food Service Team by email or phone: 773-753-6869. We ask that you contact the Food Service Team at least two weeks in advance of your visit to ensure you have the best dining experience while at the Museum. Please note that we do not have an allergen-free kitchen. Guests with special dietary needs or who suffer from sensitive or life threatening food allergies are welcome to bring pre-prepared foods to the Museum.

Service Animals

Service Animals are welcome at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Other Resources

The Museum has a long history of having unique hands-on experience that offers something for everyone. We are committed to finding solutions to the challenges presented by some of our historic artifacts and helping support individual needs. Please call the Museum at (773) 684-1414 or TTY (773) 753-1351, or email us at contact@msichicago.org if you have any questions, or if you would like to … 

  • Request assistive services, including for assistance in the Museum stores and food court
  • Request pre-visit materials or other tips such as quieter times to visit
  • Request scripts for tours, Omnimax films, or other programs 

 We are happy to assist in planning a visit around individual specific needs. Please contact us at least two weeks in advance of your visit for to arrange for assistive services.