Planning Your Visit

• What are your hours?

  View the Museum's Hours.

• Does the Museum offer free days?

  MSI offers 52 free days each year to Illinois residents who show valid proof of residency.

• What is the Museum's Illinois Free Day schedule?

  View the Museum's schedule of Illinois resident free days.

• How do I get to the Museum?

  Look at directions to the Museum.

• Where can I get information on Chicago and where to stay while visiting the Museum?

  See our Tourists page for hotel information, which features special offers that include Museum admission. Also, you can visit the Chicago Office of Tourism at choosechicago.com for details on hotels, restaurants and things to do in the Windy City.

• Do active military personnel, firefighters, police officers or teachers get in free?

  Active military personnel, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) can receive free Museum Entry for themselves by showing a current I.D. when purchasing tickets.

• Can my children visit the Museum alone?

  For the safety of our guests, all children should be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older. 

Ticketing

• Where can I purchase tickets?

  To purchase tickets to the Museum of Science and Industry, you may buy them online, by phone at (773) 684-1414, or at the Museum's ticket counters. Purchasing in advance ensures that you can avoid lines and receive tickets for the Omnimax film or special exhibits you'd most like to see.

• What if I have trouble using your online ticketing?

  Our online ticketing is compatible with almost any computer, smartphone, tablet or device. If you experience trouble using our online ticketing, please order by phone at (773) 684-1414 (option 3, then 1) during Museum hours. Outside Museum hours, fill out our Ticketing Help form, noting the device and operating system you are using.

• What is your online ticketing fee?

  Our processing fee for tickets purchased online is $1.50 per Museum Entry ordered.

• Can I use online ticketing with my voucher, offer or coupon?

  Vouchers, offers and coupons must be redeemed in person at Museum ticket counters. This also applies to reciprocal admission offered to members of participating ASTC institutions.

• How do I reprint my tickets?

  Your tickets can be reprinted by retrieving the email sent at the time of purchase. If you are unable to retrieve it, go to Buy Tickets and choose Resend Ticket Email. Guests who cannot access their order that way should call the Museum at (773) 684-1414 (option 3, 1).

• What if I couldn't print or have lost my ticket?

  As long as your purchase was completed, your ticket is still in our system. You can resend your ticket email (see How do I reprint my tickets? above) when your printer is working, or you may bring identification to the Museum's Will Call counter to have tickets reprinted there on the day of your visit.

• If I have a Chicago CityPASS, can I use online ticketing to add more exhibits?

  Additions to CityPASS tickets cannot be made via online ticketing. CityPASS holders can add special exhibits or other experiences during their express entry at Museum ticket counters.

• What are your resources for visits from home school families?

  Your best place to start is our Home School Groups and Families page, which has information on admission policies, special Learning Labs, and tips for your visit. You can also sign up there for our quarterly home school e-newsletter.

• Do you have an area for nursing mothers at the Museum?

  Nursing moms can breastfeed their babies in any public area of the Museum, with or without a cover based on their preference. Additionally, MSI offers a special nursing space in the Idea Factory exhibit. Moms who bottle feed may also feed their babies anywhere. 

• Where do I order reprints of photos taken at Museum photo studios?

  If you had pictures taken at one of the Museum's photo studios, such as at the U-505 exhibit, Yesterday's Main Street or a temporary exhibit, you can visit msichicago.org/photos to order reprints or other photo products.

• Where can I find Museum press releases or talk to someone in the Public Relations Department?

  By accessing the Museum's online Press Center.

• How can I request a ticket donation from the Museum for our fundraiser?

  See our Donation Requests page for details and requirements.

Groups and Field Trips

• Does the Museum offer group discounts? How do I book a group?

  Find out about group visits to the Museum.

• Where can I find tips for planning a field trip for my class?

  For helpful hints on planning a field trip to the Museum, visit our Field Trips page.

• Where can I find other teacher resources?

  The Museum's Center for the Advancement of Science Education offers hands-on programs for students, professional development opportunities and classroom resources for educators and out-of-school-time programs at the Museum and in Chicago-area communities.

At the Museum

• Is photography allowed in the Museum?

  Yes. Photos and videotapes for personal use may be taken inside the Museum, except in the Omnimax Theater and in certain special exhibits or presentations. Due to safety concerns, tripods are not allowed. Photos, videotapes or audiotapes for any other use require advance notice and the express prior written permission of the Museum's Public Relations Department.

• May I bring my own stroller, wheelchair or wagon?

  Your own stroller and wheelchair is permitted inside the Museum, except in certain exhibits where posted. For the safety of our guests, wagons are not permitted.

  Stroller and wheelchair rental are available in the Entry Hall. Please see our Amenities page for more details. 

• Is the Museum accessible to guests with disabilities?

  Yes. Please read our Accessibility page to learn more.

• Where can I store luggage or other items during my Museum visit?

  The Museum's Coat Check is located in the Entry Hall. See our Amenities page for more details.

• My child has food allergies. Are there allergy-free options for us in the Brain Food Court?

  The Brain Food Court offers a variety of lunch options including salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, market station, grill favorites, soup, fruits and desserts. There are gluten/dairy/nut free options; please check with our food service staff to confirm any ingredients.
  
  For specific 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 at 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.

After Your Visit

• How do I reach the Museum's Lost and Found?

  Call the Museum's Coat Check at (773) 753-6862 or email coatcheck@msichicago.org to inquire about a lost item. While at the Museum, visit the Coat Check in the Entry Hall. Items turned in to our Lost and Found will be kept for 60 days.

• How can I purchase Museum merchandise?

  If you forgot to pick up an Omnimax DVD, a fluffy chick or a plush Einstein while at the Museum, visit our online store. For a shopping experience that's beyond unique, visit the Museum Store, U-505 Store or The Kid's Stop Shop at the Museum. They've got everything from the educational to the out-of-this-world!

• How can I sign up for the Museum's e-newsletter?

  Keep up with the latest Museum news! Use the form at the bottom of this page, or any page on the website, to subscribe to our e-newsletter.