Frequently Asked Questions

We are happy to assist in planning a visit around specific individual needs. Complete the Guest Service Request form at least a week in advance of your visit to request and learn more about the kinds of accommodations available with advance notice. (Note: Some requests may require more time.)

If you have already purchased tickets and need to modify your plans, our Call Center is ready at (773) 684-1414 or [email protected] to help you rebook.

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition tickets are non-refundable. 

The Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Visit our hours page to view upcoming exceptions to our regular hours.

Griffin MSI is accessible by car, public transit, and bike. Visit Directions + Parking for more details.

Griffin MSI offers free General Admission on select dates throughout the year to Illinois residents who show valid proof of residency. Visit our Ticketing page to learn more about Illinois Free Days and other discounts.

For the safety of our guests, all children should be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older.

Yes, CityPASS® tickets save 48% off admission to Griffin MSI, plus four more top Chicago attractions! First, purchase CityPASS® tickets online for instant mobile ticket delivery. Next, use the Griffin MSI reservation system to reserve your entry date/time. Bring your CityPASS® ticket and reservation confirmation to the CityPASS® counter in the Entry Hall for admission.

If you arrive early, we may ask you to wait for your entry time. If you are running late, we can’t always guarantee same-day admission due to our capacity limits, so please call us at (773) 684-1414 or email us at [email protected] to reschedule your visit.

You are welcome to stay as long as you’d like. If you leave the building, such as to go to your car or get something to eat outside on our front lawn, your ticket will be rescanned for entry.

For all ticketing discounts, including upcoming Illinois Free Days, visit our ticketing page.

United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) receive free General Admission for themselves using our online request form or by showing a valid occupation/military status I.D. when purchasing at a Museum ticket counter.

Griffin MSI also offers United States military active-duty personnel and veterans a $4 discount on U-505 On-Board Tour tickets for themselves. This discount is available while redeeming the free General Admission offer above.

For more information on free and discounted tickets, visit our Ticketing page.

To purchase tickets to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, you may buy them online, by phone at (773) 684-1414, or at the Museum's ticket counters. Purchasing in advance ensures that you can avoid lines and receive tickets for the Giant Dome Theater film or special exhibits you'd most like to see.

Our online ticketing is compatible with almost any computer, smartphone, tablet or device. If you experience trouble using our online ticketing, please order by phone at (773) 684-1414 (option 3, then 1) during Museum hours. Outside Museum hours, fill out our Ticketing Help form, noting the device and operating system you are using.

There is no processing fee for Museum tickets purchased online.

Yes, one CityPASS® purchase saves up to 50% on admission to Griffin MSI, plus four more top Chicago attractions. First, purchase CityPASS® tickets online for instant mobile ticket delivery. Next, use the Griffin MSI reservation system to reserve your entry date/time. Bring your CityPASS® ticket and reservation confirmation to the CityPASS® counter in the Entry Hall for admission.

CityPASS® ticket holders may add additional experiences and special exhibits to Griffin MSI admission during the reservation process. (CityPASS® admission includes Griffin MSI permanent exhibits and one special timed-entry experience).

Yes — especially since it reserves your preferred times and experiences. First, purchase CityPASS® tickets online for instant mobile ticket delivery. Next, use the Griffin MSI reservation system to reserve your entry date/time. Bring your CityPASS® ticket and reservation confirmation to the CityPASS® counter in the Entry Hall for admission.

Learn more about saving up tp 50% on Griffin MSI plus four more top Chicago attractions with CityPASS® tickets.

Vouchers, offers and coupons must be redeemed in person at Museum ticket counters. This also applies to reciprocal admission offered to members of participating ASTC institutions.

You can reprint your tickets using your original ticketing confirmation email. If that's unavailable, email [email protected] or call (773) 684-1414 (option 3, then 1) to request your tickets to be resent.

As long as your purchase was completed, your ticket is still in our system. If you don't have the original ticketing confirmation emailed to you, email [email protected] or call (773) 684-1414 (option 3, then 1) to request your tickets to be resent. You may also bring identification to Museum ticket counters to have tickets reprinted on the day of your visit.

Reciprocal admission for members of participating ASTC institutions located more than 90 miles from Griffin MSI must be redeemed in person with your valid and current membership card from your institution. Before your trip, first check with your institution's membership department to confirm current reciprocity at Griffin MSI.

Rebooking or updating your visit is easy. Just call (773) 684-1414 or email [email protected] for assistance.

Tickets for Marvel’s Spider-Man Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition are non-refundable.

View our Groups page to learn about group visits to the Museum.

For helpful hints on planning a field trip to the Museum, visit our Field Trips page.

The Museum's education programs offer hands-on programs for students, professional development opportunities and classroom resources for educators and out-of-school-time programs at the Museum and in Chicago-area communities. Visit our Education page to learn more.

Our Home School Groups and Families page has information on admission policies, special Learning Labs, and tips for your visit. You can also sign up for our quarterly home school e-newsletter.

Yes! View all of our current food options on our Dining + Shopping page.

You may bring in your own food to eat at designated eating areas, where limited table seating is available. Weather permitting, you may also bring your meal outdoors to enjoy on our front lawn.

• Designated eating area outside Ships Gallery, Ground Level
• Lower Court, Ground Level near escalators
• Museum Garden outdoor seating (outside Henry Crown Space Center, Ground Level). Weather permitting. Closes late October.
   

Yes. Photos and videotapes for personal use may be taken inside the Museum, except in the Giant Dome Theater and in certain special exhibits or presentations. Due to safety concerns, tripods are not allowed. Photos, videotapes, or audiotapes for any other use require advance notice and the express prior written permission of the Museum's Public Relations Department.

Nursing moms can breastfeed their babies in any public area of the Museum, with or without a cover, based on their preference. Additionally, Griffin MSI offers a special nursing space in the Idea Factory exhibit. Moms who bottle feed may also feed their babies anywhere.

Your own stroller and wheelchair is permitted inside the Museum, except in certain exhibits where posted. For the safety of our guests, wagons are not permitted. Stroller and wheelchair rental are available in the Entry Hall. Please see our Amenities page for more details.

Yes. Please read our Accessibility page to learn more.

The Museum's Coat Check is located in the Entry Hall. See our Amenities page for more details.

For the safety of our guests and staff, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is monitored by security cameras. By entering the facility, you agree to be recorded. These recordings are used for internal purposes only.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are located throughout the Museum.

Call the Museum's Coat Check at (773) 753-6862 to inquire about a lost item. While at the Museum, visit the Coat Check in the Entry Hall. Items turned in to our Lost and Found will be kept for 60 days.

For shopping in person, you can visit the Museum Store in the Entry Hall along with other exhibit-related retail shops like the Launch Pad in the Henry Crown Space Center.

If you forgot to pick up a souvenir while at the Museum, visit our online store.

Keep up with the latest Museum news! Use the form at the bottom of this page, or any page on the website, to subscribe to our e-newsletter.

Head to the Museum's online Press Center for press releases and other media relations information.

See our Donation Requests page for details and requirements.