The Museum of Science and Industry, also known as MSI Chicago, is an interactive science museum at 5700 South Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois. Its galleries are built around hands-on exhibits, so visitors are encouraged to touch, test and explore rather than simply look.
What to see
- A German U-boat, displayed inside the museum, offers a close look at a submarine and the life aboard it.
- A coal mine recreates underground conditions, showing how mining work was carried out.
- Interactive science galleries invite visitors to experiment with the ideas on display.
The museum describes itself as the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, a claim that reflects the scale of its collection and floor space.
Is it right for you?
The museum suits families, school groups and anyone curious about how things work. Because so many exhibits are meant to be used, it is a good choice for visitors who learn best by doing. Allow a substantial part of a day to see the main areas at a comfortable pace.
For up-to-date information on visiting, you can call the museum on +1-773-684-1414. The Lake Shore Drive location places the museum beside Lake Michigan on Chicago's South Side, so it can be combined with a walk or a drive along the lakefront.