Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, MSI．Peace is hard-earned

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago is located in Jackson Park, south of the city center. Aside from visiting the museum and viewing cherry blossoms in Chicago during the summer, I would not typically venture into this area, as it is relatively more dangerous compared to downtown and even the northern parts of the city. Setting aside safety concerns, I highly recommend adding the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago to your itinerary if you have already visited all the major tourist attractions in downtown Chicago and have extra time to explore the city further.

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere.

The Museum of Science and Industry, established in 1933 in Jackson Park on the south side of the city, is the oldest modern science museum in the United States. The museum features exhibits on science, industry, human biology, storms, and space travel, making it a must-visit for both adults and children. Unlike other museums, it encourages interaction between visitors and exhibits by providing extensive space for hands-on and minds-on experiences, earning it the distinction of being the first museum in the United States to incorporate the concept of interactive exhibits.

In addition to the special exhibitions that require an extra fee, the Museum of Science and Industry has many permanent exhibits that are well worth exploring. For those looking to save money, you can visit the museum on its free admission days. However, I recommend booking tickets in advance regardless of whether you’re visiting on a free day or paying for admission, as tickets can sell out quickly. Also, try to schedule your entry time early in the day, preferably by noon, to ensure you have enough time to see everything.

Entry Hall

Upon entering the museum, it’s impossible to miss the first stainless steel diesel train, the Pioneer Zephyr, displayed in the Entry Hall. The Pioneer Zephyr is notable for being the second internal combustion engine-powered train in American railroad history and the first diesel-powered train set to be put into commercial operation.

At the time, the Pioneer Zephyr set the world record for the highest speed achieved by a railroad vehicle. It was retired in 1960, and subsequently, Burlington Railroad donated the Pioneer Zephyr to the museum for permanent preservation.

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📌 Recommended Chicago Itinerary

➣ Floating Above the City: Willis Tower Skydeck Tickets
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➣ Chicago River Cruise: Chicago Seadog Speedboat Tour
➣ Romantic Date: Chicago Seadog Speedboat Tour

The Crown Jewel: WWII German U-505 Submarine

The German U-505 submarine is one of the six German submarines captured by the Allies during World War II. It was displayed outdoors from 1954 and then reassembled and exhibited indoors in 2005. The museum dedicates an entire floor to narrate the story of the U-505. The exhibit begins with the terror of the Atlantic during World War II. In 1944, a German submarine prowled near the West African coast, searching for American and Allied ships. This submarine, known as U-505, was part of the fleet terrorizing the Atlantic but later became the prey. The U.S. Navy task force tracked the U-boats, eventually finding and destroying the submarine, saving Allied lives and supplies. Capturing the submarine helped unravel the mysteries of the U-boats, contributing to winning the war.

What surprised me the most was the transformation of the submarine originally displayed outdoors. Due to concerns about future weather-related safety risks and the potential loss of its valuable historical narrative, the museum initiated the largest exhibition preservation project in history – restoring the U-505 and relocating it indoors for display.

However, submarines are not ordinary in size, so the museum also showcases their operational processes, allowing visitors to understand how scientific principles are applied to exhibit artifacts. It only took 2 days to display it in the new gallery.

Upon reaching the third exhibition area of U-505 along the tour route, visitors can interact with the submarine to gain a deeper understanding of life aboard, experience patrol simulations, and even buoyancy exercises. Additionally, they can learn about the secrecy of the capture operation at that time. However, during my visit in the COVID-19 period, activities like entering the submarine’s interior were unavailable, which was somewhat disappointing for me.

Henry Crown Space Center

In the MSI’s Henry Crown Space Center, the Apollo 8 spacecraft is showcased. It was the first spacecraft to fly beyond low Earth orbit and journey to the Moon, allowing the crew to become the first humans to witness the entirety of Earth and conduct the first close-up observations of the Moon.

However, I must say, I distinctly remember taking photos, so why can’t I find any of them?

In addition to the Apollo 8 spacecraft, there are also the Atlas 7 and Lunar Module Trainer, which allow us to experience and closely observe NASA’s research and development achievements.

Science Storms

Transportation Gallery

If you’re a big fan of planes and trains, this place should be perfect for you! In the Transportation Gallery, you can see a replica of Stephenson’s Rocket, the first steam locomotive to achieve speeds exceeding 25 miles per hour.

In addition to trains, you can also see a replica of the Wright Brothers’ first airplane, two fighter jets, and the first commercial jet donated by United Airlines. Besides close observation, visitors can also step inside the aircraft cabins!

In the Transportation Gallery, another soothing feature is the use of train models to showcase the train tracks and operational routes in the Chicago and Seattle areas.

Swiss Jollyball

OMG! I simply can’t resist the Swiss Jollyball; does this mean I still have a childlike heart?!

This is the world’s largest pinball machine, created by a British man from Switzerland using recycled trash. The entire journey of the pinball isn’t short, but it had me standing there for nearly 30 minutes, just watching the pinball roll continuously, exploring the Swiss scenery (or so it felt, even though I’ve never been to Switzerland).

Coal Mine

The coal mine exhibit is highly recommended by many visitors to the museum, but due to time constraints, I didn’t get a chance to visit it.

The museum’s description mentions that this exhibit area has recreated the old equipment used in Old Ben #17 in 1933 and reconstructed a deep coal mine, making it one of the oldest exhibits in the museum. What’s especially unique is the opportunity to pay extra to experience a 30-minute ride on a mining train, exploring different parts of the mine and gaining insights into its operations and basic knowledge.

Christmas Tree Exhibition

That sounds like a delightful exhibition! It’s always fascinating to see how different countries decorate their Christmas trees with unique cultural elements. It must have been quite an experience to witness such diversity in holiday traditions.

For me, I don’t have much interest in overly scientific things, so I quickly passed over exhibits like those on human anatomy at the Museum of Science and Industry’s third floor. However, if you’re interested, I believe that area would be both enjoyable and enriching.

🏛️Museum of Science and Industry，MSI｜Officials Website

⏰Business Hours：09:30~16:00
📍Address：5700 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60637（Google Map）
🎫Ticket Price：$25.95

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