The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (formerly the Museum of Science and Industry) is one of the largest science museums in the world, housed in the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Located at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Chicago‘s Hyde Park neighbourhood, it features interactive exhibits covering physics, biology, and industrial history. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
To dodge the queues and secure entry, book your Griffin Museum tickets in advance.
This guide was updated in April 2026 and reflects the recent renaming to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, as well as updated combination pricing for the temporary Marvel’s Spider-Man exhibition.
Quick facts
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily: 09:30 to 16:00 (extended to 17:30 during summer/holidays) |
| Ticket prices | Adults (12+): $25.95; Children (3-11): $14.95; Under 3s: Free |
| Address | 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637 |
| Nearest public transport | 55th-56th-57th Street Metra station or CTA bus stops |
| Typical time needed | Four to five hours |
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry opening hours
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is open daily from 09:30 to 16:00. During the peak summer months (June through August), extended spring break weeks, and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods, these opening hours are extended until 17:30.
The facility operates year-round but is completely closed to the public on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On occasional dates when major local sporting events are held, such as the Bike the Drive or the Chicago Half Marathon, the museum implements a delayed opening time of 11:00.
Five great things to do in Chicago
- 🏙️ Marvel at the skyscrapers – on a Chicago River architecture cruise.
- 🖼️ Take an interiors architecture tour – to see stunning glass art and mosaics.
- 🍕 Taste Chicago’s favourite dishes – on a city favourites food tour.
- 🌆 Visit the Willis Tower observation deck – and see the city from above.
- 🕵️ Discover Chicago’s gangster heritage – on a crime and mob tour.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry ticket prices
General “Museum Entry” ticket prices for the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry are $25.95 for adults aged 12 and over, and $14.95 for children aged three to 11. Infants aged two and under enter for free. Active duty United States military personnel, veterans, Chicago police and firefighters, and Illinois teachers receive complimentary general admission. City of Chicago residents also receive a local discount.
Tickets should be bought online in advance.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026. General admission grants access to most permanent exhibits, but special experiences require additional paid tickets.
The Coal Mine and Giant Dome Theater cost $12 for adults, the U-505 On-Board Tour is $18, and the temporary Marvel’s Spider-Man exhibition ranges from $18 to $22. T
he museum is included in the Chicago CityPASS scheme, which provides bundled entry alongside attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago.
Why book the Go City Chicago Explorer Pass?
- 🏙️ Skydeck Chicago & 360 CHICAGO: Get high-altitude views of the city from its most famous observation decks, including the glass-bottomed “Ledge” at Willis Tower.
- ⛴️ Architecture River Cruise: Experience Chicago’s world-renowned skyline from the water on a Shoreline Sightseeing cruise, one of the city’s most popular activities.
- 🦕 World-Class Museums: Choose from premier institutions like the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Adler Planetarium, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
- 💰 Save up to 40%: Pay one flat price for your choice of 2 to 7 attractions and enjoy significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets at each gate.
- 📱 Total Flexibility: You have 60 days to use your pass once it’s activated at your first attraction, and your digital pass is easily managed directly from your smartphone.
How to get to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The most direct way to reach the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry using public transport is via the Metra Electric Line. Visitors travelling from downtown Chicago can take the train to the 55th-56th-57th Street station, which is just two blocks from the museum’s north entrance. The South Shore Line from Indiana also services this station.
For those using the CTA bus network, multiple routes stop directly in front of the museum or on the surrounding campus, including the 2, 6, 10, and 28 buses depending on the season and day of the week. Visitors travelling on the CTA ‘L’ train can take the Green or Red Line to the Garfield station and transfer to the eastbound 55 bus.
Why book the Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour?
- 🚌 Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off: Explore the Windy City at your own pace with a pass that allows you to join and rejoin the tour at any of the 11+ strategically located stops.
- 🏙️ Iconic Chicago Sightseeing: See the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Navy Pier, Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower), the Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park.
- 🎧 Informative Audio Commentary: Learn about Chicago’s rich history, world-class architecture, and vibrant culture through entertaining narration available in multiple languages.
- 📸 Unobstructed Top-Deck Views: Ride on an open-top, double-decker bus to capture perfect photos of the city’s towering skyscrapers and the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.
- ⏱️ Flexible Ticket Options: Choose a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass to perfectly fit your travel itinerary, with the freedom to spend as much time as you like at each attraction.
Parking at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Visitor parking is available in the museum’s dedicated underground garage, with the entrance located at the northwest corner of the building at the intersection of E. 57th Street and S. Cornell Avenue. The flat rate for the general public is $22 per vehicle.
Family-level museum members and above receive free parking, while Dual-level members receive a discounted rate of $14. Because the museum only owns the underground garage, guests should note that the metered surface parking situated to the south and east on Columbia Drive is managed separately by the city and Standard Parking.
How long to spend at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Because it is one of the largest science museums globally, spanning over 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, most people spend between four and five hours at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
If your itinerary includes a 25-minute guided tour of the Coal Mine or the U-505 submarine, plus a 45-minute film in the Giant Dome Theater, you can easily spend an entire day exploring the campus. Those travelling with young children often dedicate significant time just to the Idea Factory and the interactive Farm Tech area.
Accessibility at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is fully accessible for wheelchair users, featuring elevators and ramps servicing all public exhibition floors. Complimentary manual wheelchairs are available to borrow from the Entry Hall on a first-come, first-served basis, though a valid photo ID must be left as a deposit.
The museum provides extensive sensory accommodations, including noise-dampening headphones available at Guest Services and EnChroma glasses for guests with colour vision deficiency. Visitors should note that due to their historic and confined nature, the U-505 submarine on-board tour and the Coal Mine tour involve tight spaces, low lighting, and steep stairs, making them inaccessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Inside / what to see at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is divided into multiple sprawling exhibition halls covering natural phenomena, industrial marvels, and the future of human engineering. The Transportation Gallery is a major highlight, featuring a real United Airlines Boeing 727 aeroplane cantilevered from the ceiling and the famous Empire State Express 999 steam locomotive.
A centrepiece of the museum is the U-505, the only German submarine captured during World War II, housed in a massive underground bunker. While viewing the exterior of the vessel is included with general admission, walking through the cramped interior requires an additional timed ticket.
Other permanent highlights include “Science Storms,” a multi-level exhibit featuring a 40-foot indoor tornado and a giant Tesla coil, and “The Blue Paradox,” a powerful immersive digital gallery detailing the global ocean plastic crisis. In 2026, visitors can also explore “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing,” a temporary exhibit celebrating the history and impact of the comic book icon through props, costumes, and interactive displays.
For younger visitors, the Idea Factory offers water tables and structural play, while the historic Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle provides a glimpse into an astoundingly detailed miniature fantasy home.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Practical tip |
| Timing | Arrive as the doors open at 09:30 to secure a spot for the limited-capacity U-505 or Coal Mine tours before they sell out for the day. |
| Crowds | Avoid visiting during the spring break weeks of March and April or the peak holiday periods in December if you prefer a quieter environment. |
| Layout | Review the museum map before arriving, as the expansive 14-acre layout makes it difficult to see everything in a single visit. |
| Entry process | Add any additional ticketed experiences (like the Giant Dome Theater) to your cart online before checking out to guarantee your preferred time slots. |
| On-site logistics | Bring your own snacks or lunch to eat in the designated seating areas on the Ground Level to save money and bypass the busy Museum Kitchen queues. |
Frequently asked questions about the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
| Question | Answer |
| Is Griffin Museum of Science and Industry suitable for children? | Yes, the facility features highly interactive galleries, the dedicated Idea Factory for toddlers, and expansive train and plane exhibits. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Griffin Museum of Science and Industry? | Advance online booking is highly recommended, as walk-up tickets and special experiences frequently sell out during weekends. |
| Is Griffin Museum of Science and Industry open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open on Sundays from 09:30 to 16:00, with extended hours during the peak summer months. |
| Are bags allowed at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry? | Standard day bags and personal strollers are permitted. A coat check is available for $3 per item, but there are no self-service lockers. |
Things to do near Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
- Jackson Park: Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this historic 500-acre park surrounds the museum and features the Wooded Island and the scenic Garden of the Phoenix.
- Frederick C. Robie House: Located a 15-minute walk west on the University of Chicago campus, this architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright offers guided interior tours.
- Smart Museum of Art: Situated on the nearby university campus, this free fine arts museum houses an expansive collection spanning ancient antiquities to contemporary works.
- DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center: A short drive west brings visitors to this Smithsonian-affiliated institution dedicated to African American history, culture, and art.
- Promontory Point: A 15-minute walk east to the lakefront provides visitors with a man-made peninsula offering panoramic skyline views and paved walking paths.
More Chicago travel
Other Chicago travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A guide to parking at the Field Museum.
- What to expect when visiting the Chicago Architecture Center.
- Practical guide to visiting the Chicago Children’s Museum on Navy Pier.
- Meet the room service robots at Hotel EMC2 in Chicago.
- What you need to know before visiting the Chicago History Museum and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park.
