Museum of Science and Industry: Putting the chick in Chicago (Sights & Attractions in Chicago)

Member Name: MurphEE

Product:	Sights & Attractions in Chicago
Date:	25/07/02 (149 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of interactive stuff.

Disadvantages: Too much to see in one day.

***I have had to put this in this category as I have already written in Museums and Art Galleries in Chicago and the site will only allow me to change my opinion when in fact I have a new opinion on a different museum. Maybe Dooyoo can sort this out and in the meantime please read on.***


We really like museums and especially museums that try to be a little different. Museums that try to engage the visitor in the exhibits and get you involved in what is going on in front of your very eyes. The museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is one such museum. It is an exciting and fun day out for all the family. You will need a full day at least if you want to get the most out of the experience, so plan your trip well before setting off.



The museum is at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive just ten to fifteen minutes south of the city. From downtown you can get a bus from the corner of State and Jackson. The number 6 will take you right to the front door while the number 29 stops just across the street. All buses are $1.50 each trip and you should ensure that you have correct change. Alternatively you can purchase a one-day visitor pass for $5, which allows you unlimited travel for 24 hours in the downtown area.


The museum is open from 9:30 to 5:30 and the admission charge is $9 for adults and $5 for children. The place is huge so it is well worth sitting down and having a look at the map before you set off on your adventures. We really enjoyed the place and could have stayed for another few hours but here is a flavour of what is on offer.


Omnimax Theatre.
A five-storey wrap around screen that shows two different movies and puts you directly into the action. While we were there they were showing The Human Body and Space Station. The former has now been replaced by Titanica, which visits the wreck of the tragic liner.

Time.
Over 300 different time pieces from all over the world and your chance to ex
plore the science behind time and how it affects our lives.

The Farm.
Have a go at driving a 20-ton combine harvester. Explore the inside of a milking parlour and generally learn about life on a family farm.

Idea Factory.
A learn through play experience for children. At busy times you will need a ticket but in quieter times this area will keep the kids amused for hours.

Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle.
Apparently Ms. Moore was a star of silent movies and had a penchant for dolls houses. You can view her fairy castle and listen to the commentary from the lady herself.

U-505 Submarine.
A real German submarine that was captured during WWII. You get to take a guided tour of the submarine and get a taste of what life must have been like for the crew in such cramped surroundings.

Baby Chick Hatchery.
This was really wonderful as you can watch as baby chicks peck their way out of the shell and take their first steps. I had never seen a chick hatch before and was eagerly pressed up against the incubator as the little guys struggled out.

Heart.
A huge 16-foot replica of the heart, which you can walk through. I was a little scared as I walked inside the model and heard the rhythmic pumping. It makes you realise how fragile life is and how reliant we are on this one muscle!

Henry Crown Space Centre.
Have your picture taken in a space suit! Walk around the lunar landing module and take a look at the first orbital space ships. They are so small and cramped that it is hard to believe that a man sat inside on top of a huge rocket and was shot skyward.


These are only the things that we had time to explore. There are many further attractions including virtual reality games, flight simulators and the Silver Streak, a Pioneer Zephyr Train, which takes you across the US on a tour every 30 minutes.


There is the usual array of food courts and shops to keep you satis
fied and let you pick up the odd souvenir. There is a lot of ground to cover so be prepared for lots of walking. You can get all the details on the museum website at www.msichicago.org

Thank you for reading.
© MurphEE 2002

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