Museum of Science and Industry

A Brief Overview
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Opened in 1933, the museum has served over 180 millions guests who have been amazed with technological wonders and prominent exhibits such as a full-sized replica coal mine, the U-505 submarine, and the Apollo 8 spacecraft. As noted in its mission statement, the Museum of Science and Industry is dedicated to entertainment and education for all ages.

History
In 1893, the Palace of Fine Arts is constructed for the World's Columbian Exposition. After that it houses the Field Museum until the Field moves out in 1920. In 1926, Philanthropist Julius Rosenwald donates three million dollars to the project of creating an industrial museum and identifies the Palace of Fine Arts as an ideal location to house it. In 1933, the Museum of Science and Industry opened its doors for the first time, with the Coal Mine as one of the first interactive exhibits on the continent. Since then the museum has acquired a number of important exhibits, such as the famous U-505 whose capture helped win WWII, which arrived in 1954, and the Apollo 8 capsule in 1971.

Mission Statement
The Museum's mission is "to inspire the inventive genius in everyone" and its vision is "to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine, and engineering".

Educational Programs
The Museum of Science and Industry's Center for the Advancement of Science Education contains programs such as
 * Wanger Family Fab Lab
 * Black Creativity
 * Science Leadership Initiative
 * The Art of Science Learning
 * Field Trips
 * Professional Development
 * Out of School Programs
 * Classroom Resources

Organization
The Museum house more than 35,000 artifacts in a permanent collection and hosts several rotating exhibits each year. The Museum contains several youth development and education departments such as Science Minors and Science Achievers and the Center for the Advancement of Science Education.

Contact Information

 * Open from 9:30 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.
 * Open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
 * Entry is costs $18, $11 for children 3-11, and $17 for seniors 65 and older.
 * www.fieldmuseum.org/
 * 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
 * (773) 684-1414

For More Information
http://www.msichicago.org/