Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Touted as the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry certainly has enough to fill a day with adventure and fun for visitors or all ages. Guests can descend into a mine shaft, walk the streets of 1910 Chicago and explore a fairy's dream home created by silent film star Colleen Moore. At the Transportation Gallery, visitors can see the first machine to break the 100 mile-per-hour barrier and a real United 727, while the Ships Through the Ages Exhibit showcases reproductions of everything from early sea craft to luxury liners, including a live-size replica of a quarterdeck from a 19th century "tall ship."
When not exploring exhibits, guests can also visit the Omnimax Theater. As Chicago's only five-story, wrap-around theater, the Omnimax transports audiences into the action of films such as Grand Canyon Adventure and Wild Ocean.
The museum has numerous gorgeous spaces for private events, including the grand Rotunda for up to 2,000 guests and the South Portico and Lagoon for up to 650 guests. Specialized group tours are available. The Museum of Science and Industry is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. It is closed Christmas. General admission is $9 for children ages 3-11, $13 for adults and $12 for seniors. Special exhibits and theater tickets may require additional fees. Group rates are available. For more information: 773-684-1414
