museum of science and industry free days

Free Days at Museum of Science and Industry

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The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago is full of hands-on exhibits and amazing experiences. It’s great to visit without paying admission fees. On free days, families and people can start a journey of discovery for free.

This article will tell you why these days are special. It will give you important info to enjoy your visit to this famous Chicago museum.

Key Takeaways

  • The Museum of Science and Industry offers designated free days for visitors to explore its exhibits.
  • Free admission is a fantastic chance for families to enjoy family fun free museum days in Chicago.
  • Illinois residents can enjoy free admission on specific days throughout the year.
  • Reservations for free tickets can often be made online, ensuring a seamless visit.
  • The museum’s free days are a great opportunity to engage with scientific discovery without cost barriers.

Introduction to the Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is a top spot in Chicago. It opened in 1969 and has welcomed over 190 million visitors. It’s a key place for families looking for fun and learning.

This interactive museum Chicago makes science fun with hands-on activities. It has cool exhibits like the Robots show and Tim Peake’s Soyuz spacecraft. These drew lots of visitors in 2017 and 2018.

The museum aims to inspire the next generation of thinkers. It shows how science affects our daily lives. It’s a great place for families to explore together.

Year Event Description
1969 Opened The museum started as a place for science and industry.
1983 Reopened It reopened on the 153rd anniversary of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.
1988 Xperiment! Center Opened a science center on the top floor of the Great Western Warehouse.
2001 Free Entry The museum became free to enter, making science accessible to everyone.
2017 Robots Exhibition Welcomed nearly 67,000 visitors; a big hit for the museum.
2018 Soyuz Spacecraft Attracted over 168,000 visitors during the showcase of Tim Peake’s spacecraft.

Understanding Free Days at the Museum of Science and Industry

Visiting the Museum of Science and Industry on museum of science and industry free days is a great chance for Illinois folks. These days let us see all the exhibits without paying. To get in for free, you just need to show you live in Illinois.

On these free days, you can see most exhibits and some special ones too. I always check the dates each year, like January 22-24 and February 5-8, 2024. Knowing when to go makes the visit better.

It’s smart to get there early since it gets busy fast. I suggest looking for any special rules or health advice before you go. This way, we can all have a good time without worrying about money. It’s a great way to learn about science and industry for free!

Importance of the Museum of Science and Industry Free Days

Free days at the Museum of Science and Industry let everyone dive into science, tech, and the arts. These days are more than just free entry. They show a big effort to make learning in science open to everyone, no matter their background. This helps build a strong community and lets families who might not usually visit learn about science.

Free days are key for getting kids excited about science. They have fun exhibits and programs that make learning cool. For example, Notes to Neurons mixes music and feelings to teach in a new way.

There are over 20 free days each year, including special ones for Illinois folks. The name change to Griffin Museum of Science and Industry shows how important these days are. It’s thanks to Kenneth C. Griffin’s big donation of $125 million. This change shows the museum’s focus on giving everyone a chance to learn.

The museum is always looking to improve, like with the new Pixel Studio. This digital space is a big deal in North America. It makes the free days even more special, showing how the museum is keeping up with new ways of learning and connecting with people.

Benefits of Free Days Impact on Community
Enhances accessibility to science education Encourages diverse visitors to explore STEM
Promotes interest in technology and innovation Fosters inclusivity for underrepresented groups
Engages families and children through interactive exhibits Creates lifelong learners and future scientists

Upcoming Free Days Schedule for 2024

Are you thinking about visiting the Museum of Science and Industry this year? The msi free days schedule for 2024 is perfect for Illinois residents. These days offer a great chance to see science and industry without spending a lot. Here are the free museum days in January, February, and March. Don’t miss your chance for free entry.

January Free Days

Start the year with these free entry days:

  • January 22
  • January 23
  • January 24

February Free Days

February offers many chances to visit for free. Here are the days:

  • February 5
  • February 6
  • February 7
  • February 8
  • February 11
  • February 12
  • February 13
  • February 14
  • February 20
  • February 21
  • February 22
  • February 26
  • February 27
  • February 28
  • February 29

March Free Days

March also has free admission on these days:

  • March 1
  • March 5
  • March 12
  • March 19
  • March 26

msi free days schedule

Exploring the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is a top spot in Chicago. It opened in 1933 and is part of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. It has over 35,000 artifacts for visitors to see.

Inside, there are hundreds of exhibits that spark curiosity. The Numbers in Nature exhibit has nearly 20 activities and over 30 artifacts. The YOU! The Experience exhibit has about 50 interactive displays on health and wellness.

The museum has a U-505 Submarine, one of only five U-boats left. You can also see the Great Train Story with over 30 trains on 1,400 feet of track. The Coal Mine exhibit shows how coal mining works.

The Extreme Ice exhibit shows the fast melting of glaciers with time-lapse videos. Don’t miss the Science Storms exhibit with natural phenomena like tornados and lightning.

The ToyMaker 3000 exhibit is perfect for toy lovers, with a real toy factory and 12 moving robots. Other exhibits like the Art of the Bicycle and the Henry Crown Space Center offer more to explore.

Plan your visit to see the exhibits you like most. The museum is open to everyone, making sure all visitors have a fun and educational time.

How to Make the Most of Museum of Science and Industry Free Days

Planning is key for a great visit to the Museum of Science and Industry on free days. Illinois residents get special access. It’s smart to plan ahead with so much to see and do.

Planning Your Visit

First, check when you can get in for free and pick what science and industry exhibits you want to see. The museum is huge, with over 400,000 square feet and 35,000 artifacts. Focusing on the best exhibits at MSI helps you save time and stress.

Try to get there early to find parking easily. The garage can get full fast. If you can’t find parking, look for spots in nearby buildings. It’s a good idea to get timed tickets for popular spots like the mirror maze to skip the lines.

Science and Industry Exhibits to Explore

Don’t miss the Coal Mine and the Science Storms exhibit, where you can see a tornado up close. Make sure there’s something fun for the whole family. The Genetics and the Baby Chick Hatchery exhibit is great for kids.

Also, take breaks at the Idea Factory and enjoy some ice cream from Finnigan’s. Bringing snacks can save money since food there is a bit pricey. With some planning, your visit can be both fun and educational.

Planning your museum visit at the Museum of Science and Industry

Remember, a little planning makes a big difference. Free days at the museum can be unforgettable adventures for the whole family.

Additional Discounts and Special Offers

Visiting the Museum of Science and Industry is a great experience. You can save a lot with special offers. The Chicago CityPASS is a great deal for families or groups. It gives you access to the Museum and four other attractions.

There are also discounts for certain groups at the Museum. Military, veterans, teachers, and first responders get lower prices. Illinois residents can get in free on certain days with ID.

Adults pay $25.95 and kids 3-11 pay $14.95. Members get free entry and special perks. The Giant Dome Theater costs $12 for adults and $9 for kids. The U-505 Tour is $18 for adults and $14 for kids, with member discounts.

For families, the “007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond” has different prices. School and tour groups get special rates. This helps visitors save on entry fees.

The Museum has $5 Days on the first Sunday of each month. This lets everyone see exhibits and labs cheaply. The Arts for All program also offers $5 tickets for those on income assistance.

Things to Do Nearby: Family Fun-Free Museum Days

Visiting the Museum of Science and Industry is a great experience. But, the fun doesn’t have to end there. There are many free museums in Chicago for families to enjoy. This makes for a fun day out without spending a lot of money.

It’s amazing that 100% of Chicago’s museums offer free days in the summer. This means you can save a lot of money. For a family of four, savings can be from $28 to $145 on these free days.

Other Free Museums Around Chicago

Chicago has many museums that let Illinois residents in for free. Here’s a quick look at them:

Museum Average Savings
Adler Planetarium $76
Art Institute of Chicago $54
Field Museum $98
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry $82
Shedd Aquarium $145
DuSable Museum of African-American History $39

Family-Friendly Activities in the Area

After visiting museums, check out some family-friendly spots in Chicago. You can find parks, cool places to eat, and historical sites nearby. Here are some top picks:

  • Promontory Point offers stunning views and a perfect picnic spot.
  • Play at local parks like Jackson Park or Washington Park.
  • Visit the Frederick C. Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright for architecture enthusiasts.
  • Grab a bite at the Museum Kitchen, known for its delicious seasonal menus.

Whether you’re visiting other free museums or doing fun things in Illinois, your family outing will be both educational and affordable. You’ll make memories that last a lifetime.

Conclusion

As we finish this summary, it’s clear that visiting the Museum of Science and Industry is great for families and individuals. These free days let you see the wonders of science and tech without worrying about money. I suggest you look at the free days schedule and plan your trip to MSI. There, you can dive into many exciting exhibits.

On these special days, you get to see the museum’s huge 400,000 square feet of exhibits. You can enjoy big attractions, learn about science, and check out the museum’s dining and gift shops. Whether you like the U-505 submarine or the changing exhibits, there’s something for everyone.

So, bring your family and friends to these free days at the Museum of Science and Industry. Plan your visit now. Don’t miss this chance to learn and have fun in the heart of Chicago!

FAQ

What are the Museum of Science and Industry free days?

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) has free days for Illinois residents. You can see most exhibits without paying. Just show proof of where you live.

How can I find the MSI free days schedule?

Check the museum’s official website for the free days schedule. Look for dates in January, February, and March. Remember to check the dates and how many people can come.

Are there age restrictions for free admission to the museum?

No, there are no age limits for free days at MSI. Toddlers to seniors can all enjoy the museum’s fun and learning.

What exhibits can I see for free at MSI?

On free days, see the Science Storms, the U-505 submarine, and the Coal Mine. There are many interactive exhibits for all ages. It’s great for families!

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance for free days?

Arrive early on free days because spots fill up fast. You don’t need to buy tickets ahead of time. But coming early helps you have a better visit.

What discounts does MSI offer outside of free days?

MSI has discounts like the Chicago CityPASS for savings on more attractions. Military, educators, and residents might also get discounts. This makes the museum more accessible for everyone.

What are some other free things to do in Chicago after visiting MSI?

After MSI, check out free museums like the Field Museum or the Art Institute. You can also find parks, restaurants, and activities for families to enjoy.

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