Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Entry Tickets

The major special exhibition in 2026 is Anne Frank: The Exhibition, an immersive full-scale reconstruction of the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, with an expected run through early 2027. Separate tickets are required for Anne Frank: The Exhibition in addition to general admission. The VR Transporter experience, Interactive Flight Simulator, and Giant Dome Theater films also require separate tickets. Confirm current availability and pricing at griffinmsi.org before your visit.

The Coal Mine Tour is a guided experience taking small groups underground into a recreated early 20th century working coal mine beneath the museum. Participants board a simulated mine shaft elevator, explore authentic mining equipment and tunnel environments, and learn about the conditions and technology of industrial-era coal mining. The Coal Mine Tour requires a separate ticket purchased in addition to general admission and must be booked in advance as it has limited capacity per session and frequently sells out on busy days.

The U-505 is a German Type IXC submarine captured by the United States Navy in the Atlantic Ocean on June 4, 1944, the first such capture by the American Navy since the Civil War. The submarine is displayed in a dedicated climate-controlled underground pavilion at Griffin MSI and is one of the most extraordinary museum artifacts in the United States. A separately ticketed onboard guided tour takes small groups inside the vessel to explore the crew quarters, engine room, and command spaces. The tour must be booked in advance as capacity per session is strictly limited.

Yes. Griffin MSI is one of Chicago's top family destinations. The Chick Hatchery showing live eggs hatching in real time, the weather simulations in Science Storms, the immersive Coal Mine Tour, and the Giant Dome Theater all captivate younger visitors. The museum covers 400,000 square feet so comfortable shoes and a planned route are recommended for families with young children. Children under 3 enter free. The museum is accessible throughout with elevators and stroller-friendly pathways.

Griffin MSI has multiple dining options across the museum. The main restaurant and café facilities offer a range of quick-service food and beverages including sandwiches, hot entrees, pizza, snacks, and drinks. The Rotunda Café near the main entrance is the largest venue. Outside food and beverages are permitted in designated areas. The museum gift shop carries science-themed merchandise, educational toys, branded items, and souvenirs appropriate for all ages.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, formerly the Museum of Science and Industry, is the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere, located in Hyde Park, Chicago, in the only surviving building from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. The museum covers 400,000 square feet of hands-on interactive science, technology, and engineering exhibits including the captured German submarine U-505, a simulated coal mine, Science Storms, the Giant Dome Theater, and dozens of interactive permanent galleries.

Griffin MSI is at 5700 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637, in Hyde Park, approximately five miles south of downtown. By bus, take the number 10 Museum of Science and Industry bus from near downtown hotels directly to the museum entrance. By Metra, the Electric District line stops at 57th Street Station, a short walk from the museum. Underground parking is available at the museum at an additional cost. Public transit is recommended given limited and expensive downtown Chicago parking.

Yes. Advance timed-entry tickets are required for all visits to Griffin MSI and daily capacity is limited. Booking as early as possible is strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and school holiday periods when tickets can sell out days or weeks in advance. The U-505 onboard guided tour and Coal Mine Tour are especially popular and frequently sell out on busy days; these should be booked at the same time as general admission. Illinois residents can reserve free general admission on designated free days at griffinmsi.org.