The MSI in Chicago is one of the better science museums I’ve visited in North America, it’s probably my second favorite on the continent after the Canada Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa and undoubtedly my favorite along the great lakes. Cleveland, Buffalo, and Detroit have nothing comparable to this museum.
It’s suitable for kids and adults alike. So many science museums are only for primary to middle school-aged children that it leaves nothing for adults to discover. I found it refreshing to see exhibits and experiences suitable for all ages. A high school senior class could conceivably do an educational field trip here.
There are live experiments like dissecting a cow’s eye and immersive rides like a flight simulator to enrich the experience. Visitors can also opt for a timed tour of the German U-505 submarine that haunted the Atlantic during WWII, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’ve already seen the real thing underwater in Bremerhaven or Hamburg. I’m very disappointed that the museum defaced the submarine by cutting two holes in its side for visitor access instead of allowing entry through the narrow top hatch – this is not how you conserve history or experience submarine life.
The Apollo lunar model training unit from the 1960s used by Neil Armstrong and his crew to train for mock landings is definitely worth a visit. The original Apollo 8 command module is also on display, but I liked it better in Cleveland where they don’t put a pane of glass around it.
Chicago is absolutely the right place for this type of museum.
