Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

The Basics

Originally built as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition (later the World’s Fair), the museum is home to several larger-than-life permanent exhibits and innovative, educational programming. Its very first exhibit, the Coal Mine, opened in 1933 and still takes visitors to this expansive, subterranean world today. Other permanent exhibits include a real German U-505 submarine from World War II, a whispering gallery investigating the reflection of sound, a model ship gallery, and a miniature castle.

Prebook admission so you can skip the lines upon arrival or visit as part of a Chicago city tour. Several tourist cards—like the Chicago Explorer Pass and Chicago CityPASS—also include admission to the museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum is easily accessible by foot, car, bus, or train, or bicycle.

• There’s a food court, a cafe, and an ice cream parlor if you get the munchies.

• Several gift shops with science-themed souvenirs are on-site.

• Strollers and wheelchairs are available in the Entry Hall.

How to Get There

The museum entrance is at E. 57th Street and S. Cornell Avenue in the Hyde Park neighborhood, very close to downtown and Lake Michigan. CTA bus nos. 2 and 6, and the Metra Electric Line stop just blocks away. Bike the Lake Shore Drive path to reach the museum; racks are on each side of the main entrance.

When to Get There

The museum is typically open from 9:30am–4pm, but extends its hours during spring break, summer, and winter holidays. It’s a popular destination for children’s groups and field trips, so expect to see a number of large groups during the school year. The complex is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Shopping at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

You may not think “shopping” when visiting a museum, but you’ll think differently after seeing the variety of souvenir options available here. Some shops are exhibit-specific, such as the U-505 store and Launch Pad, in the submarine and space center exhibits, respectively. Find educational games, gifts, toys, and fun trinkets for all, or take souvenir photos at the photo studio.

Should I visit the Field Museum or the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago?

It depends on what you're looking for. The Field Museum has exhibits related to natural history, archaeology, and paleontology, while the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has hands-on exhibits related to science and technology. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is much closer to downtown if you're still unsure.

Can you go inside the U-505 submarine?

Yes, you can go inside the U-505 submarine at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Museum entry tickets give access to the U-505 exhibit, but taking optional 25-minute tours onboard the submarine requires an additional timed entry ticket. These tours include light and sound effects and a question-and-answer session.

Is parking free at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago?

Parking at the Museum of Science and Industry's underground garage— on East 57th Street and South Cornell Avenue—is free for visitors with Family Memberships. Visitors without memberships or individual and dual memberships must pay to park. One car per Dual and Family membership can park with a discount or for free.

Can I bring my own food to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry?

Yes, you can bring food into the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago to eat on the front lawn or at designated areas with table seating: outside Ships Gallery and the Lower Court on the Ground Level, and the Museum Garden outdoor garden outside the Henry Crown Space Center.

What is the closest public transportation station to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry?

Garfield and Cottage Grove are the closest CTA "L" train stations to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago—from the former, it's a short ride on the #55 bus. Also, Meter Electric Line trains stop two blocks from the museum at 55th - 56th - 57th Street Station.

How much are tickets to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry?

General admission tickets to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry cost US$25.95 for adults, US$14.95 for children, and free for members. These grant access to most permanent exhibits and some temporary exhibits—tickets for unique experiences, such as the U-505 submarine onboard tour, are between US$9 and US$18.

Ways to explore

Housed in the Palace of Fine Arts, built for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry boasts larger-than-life permanent exhibitions and innovative, educational programming. Its inaugural Coal Mine exhibit, opened in 1933, still invites you to an expansive, subterranean world today. Other permanent exhibits include a German U-505 submarine from World War II, a space center, Colleen Moore’s miniature Fairy Castle, and more.

Prebook admission to skip the lines upon arrival, or visit as part of a Chicago city tour. Select tourist passes, such as the Chicago CityPASS, also include museum admission.

Accessibility

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is fully accessible to wheelchair users and offers accommodations for visitors with other disabilities.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Food and drinks (to be consumed in designated areas), camera, tickets

What to wear

Wear layers and sturdy shoes for comfortable sightseeing.

Not allowed

Laptops or large electronics, bicycles or Segways, tripods

Amenities

Paid coat check, water fountains and restrooms, museum store, restaurants

Address

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is situated within Jackson Park, located in the South Side neighborhood of Hyde Park. To get there, you can drive (and use on-site paid parking), take public transit, use taxis or rideshares, or opt for tours with included transportation.

Driving

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is easy to reach via major Chicago thoroughfares like Du Sable Lake Shore Drive. A subterranean, paid parking garage is located on site.

Public transportation

Take the Red or Green line of the Chicago L to Garfield station, then transfer to the 55 bus eastbound. Alternatively, take Metra or South Shore Line commuter trains to the 55th/56th/57th Street station.

Best times to visit

The museum is open daily, typically from midmorning to early evening, with extended opening hours in the summer high season. Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Chicago museums and attractions are generally busiest on weekends and school holidays. Try for a weekday to enjoy a calmer visiting experience.

Best months to visit

Summer is the most popular time of year to explore Chicago. It’s also a good—if busy—time at the Griffin Museum, thanks to its extended seasonal opening hours.

Special events

The Griffin Museum offers late Super Sunday hours in summer. It also hosts a rotating range of workshops, exhibitions, screenings, and other special activities.