Program areas at MSI
World-class permanent exhibitions include Science Storms, a 26,000-square-foot exhibit that reveals the extraordinary science behind some of nature's most powerful and compelling phenomena; and You! The Experience, a 15,000-square-foot exhibit that explores the human mind, body and spirit. Other favorite experiences include the U-505 Submarine, the only German U-boat captured during World War II, surrounded by more than 30,000 square feet of artifacts and interactive activities; the Coal Mine, a reproduction of an Illinois coal mine that takes guest down 50 feet in a real hoist to the bottom of a mineshaft; The Great Train Story, a dynamic model display that illustrates modern rail operation; and the Giant Dome Theater, which features educational films, rich in content and presented on Chicago's only five-story, domed wrap-around movie screen.
Museum and Operations, which include Program Support Services and Exhibit Maintenance. These expenses support the Museum's mission of inspiring the inventive genius in everyone by providing guests and teachers with integrated learning experiences and programming that is centered on exciting and interactive exhibits that help explain how science directly impacts our daily lives.
Educational Programs and Activities. Education at the museum occurs both inside the museum walls, and the community and schools surrounding the museum and beyond. Hands-on student programming such as labs, STEAM clubs, Girls in STEM events, career showcases, teacher professional development, maker space training, and camps are some of the ways the museum approaches reaching students and their ecosystem to ensure STEAM opportunities and exposure is at the forefront of what the museum does to prepare them for skills needed beyond school.
Retail and supporting services represent various program offerings that enhance the guest experience. These include the musuem store, food services, and parking services.