Museum Of Science And Industry To Reopen To Public Aug. 1 With Free Admission

Museum Of Science And Industry
Photo credit Museum of Science and Industry (Dreamstime.com)

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Museum of Science and Industry announced Thursday it reopening plans after being closed for more than four months.

MSI members will be the first to be welcomed back during special member-only days July 29-31. The museum will reopen to the public Aug. 1.

According to MSI, all guests will receive free admission through Aug. 14 as part of the museum’s commitment to providing access to science learning.

“We’re excited to invite guests to explore science with us again,” said Matt Simpson, Vice President of Strategy and Marketing/CMO, sain in a statement. “As one of the largest science museums in the world, our exhibit galleries are big enough to fit an entire submarine, a dozen cars and trains, and even a 727 airplane. It’s a great place to discover science in a way you never could at home.”

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Following city and state guidelines, the museum has implemented comprehensive new procedures to ensure guests and staff remain safe. MSI said daily capacity is limited to 2,000 guests, which is under the 25 percent capacity limit. Timed admission tickets and physical distancing measures will reduce crowding.

Face coverings are required for all staff and guests ages 2 and older.

Other changes include:

  • MSI will be open Wednesday through Sunday, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Guests must reserve a timed-entry ticket in advance of their visit at msichicago.org. Tickets will be delivered via email for no-contact entry scanning on mobile phones.
  • Some exhibits and experiences are closed or modified to reduce contact. Tours inside the Coal Mine and on-board the U-505 Submarine are suspended, although the U-505 exhibit remains open. The Idea Factory and Future Energy Chicago exhibits are closed.
  • High-touch areas are being disinfected hourly, and hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the museum.

“As a science museum, we listened to health experts and scientists to develop a safe and welcoming environment for Chicago-area families to unleash their curiosity,” Simpson said. “We wanted to make it easy to get out of the house and do something fun together.”

According to MSI, new attractions include the film Superpower Dogs, shown on a five-story, domed wraparound screen with a safe, capacity controlled environment. Narrated by Chris Evans, you’ll meet remarkable dogs who fight crime, protect endangered species and save lives.

MSI has also rescheduled the opening of Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibit was scheduled to open at MSI on Oct. 8. The new dates are March 4, 2021 through September 6, 2021. Guests who purchased tickets will be contacted to reschedule their visit.

The museum said guests also can unwind on the museum’s front lawn, which will offer food and beverage sales under a tent, tables for dining, and plenty of grass for picnics and playing.

For the first time in 15 years, the museum's iconic north doors will be open for entry.

Detailed information is available at msichicago.org/welcome.

As part of its mission to inspire the inventive genius in everyone, MSI will continue to engage people at home with free experiments and activities through its Science at Home campaign and across its social media channels. The Summer Brain Games program encourages families to discover STEM in the city with free activities. Learn more at msichicago.org/summerbrain.