MSI is the biggest science museum in the Western Hemisphere by square footage, and it's set up more like a day-trip than a stop — the U-505, the only German U-boat captured intact in WWII, sits in its own underground gallery, and the walk-through coal mine is a genuine multi-level ride through the building's foundation. Pick one or two headline exhibits rather than trying to cover the whole museum in one visit; it's genuinely too big for that.
How to Spend the Day
Morning (9:30 AM open)
Head straight for the U-505 gallery or the Coal Mine — both are the museum's signature draws and fill up with school groups by late morning on weekdays.
Midday
Your CityPASS special-experience choice (the Giant Dome Theater film, the Coal Mine tour, or the Motion Simulator) — pick one in advance since it's a choice of one, not all three.
Lunch
Museum Kitchen on the lower level has several counter-service options in one food hall, including a kid-friendly burger/chicken stand and a pizza counter.
Afternoon
The permanent exhibit floors — trains, flight, the Yesterday's Main Street recreation — are all included in general admission and worth the rest of the day.
How Chicago CityPASS® Actually Works Here (ELI5)
The short version: buy once online, get a mobile pass instantly, show it on your phone at the door.
- Buy Chicago CityPASS® online (button above) — you get a mobile pass delivered immediately, no printing needed.
- Use the email you buy with to set up the My CityPASS app or my.citypass.com — that's where your tickets, reservations, and attraction details live.
- If the attraction needs a timed entry reservation, reserve it through the app before you go — reservations are subject to availability, so earlier is safer, especially on weekends.
- At the door, show your mobile ticket on your phone. That's it — no separate line, no voucher exchange.
- You have 1 year from purchase to start using the pass; once you use the first attraction, the rest of the attractions are valid for 9 consecutive days.
Chicago CityPASS® covers general admission to every permanent exhibit — including the U-505 gallery space itself — plus your choice of ONE special experience: the Giant Dome Theater film, the Coal Mine walking tour, or the Motion Simulator. Several ticketed extras are confirmed not included: the guided on-board U-505 submarine tour (distinct from viewing it), the Anne Frank exhibit, and the Spider-Man exhibit all require their own separate timed ticket.
Parking
MSI has its own underground parking garage, priced by membership tier rather than by the hour.
- General public / individual member — a flat $22 for the day.
- Dual member — a flat $14.
- Family member — free for one car per visit.
- Separate metered lots nearby are run by a third-party operator; call ahead to confirm current rates rather than assuming a number if you're planning to use one of those instead of the museum's own garage.
Where to Eat
- Museum Kitchen (lower-level food hall) — several counters including a rotating "Market Bar," Crust Artisan Pizza, Farmstead Chicken & Burgers (with vegan options), and a Stan's Donuts outpost.
- A smaller grab-and-go café with coffee and pastries has also operated near the entrance in the past — confirm it's open the day you visit rather than planning around it.
Getting There
5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Chicago