A trip to the Museum of Science and Industry is always filled with immersive, educational fun and the museum’s newest exhibit, “Pompeii: The Exhibition,” is sure to be no exception.
Prepare to be transported back in time as you learn about Pompeii — the city that was preserved in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius — through gladiator holograms, 4D volcanic eruption simulators and more than 150 historical artifacts. The kids will be fascinated by the immersive experience, all while learning about the day-to-day lives of the people who lived in ancient Rome more than 1,900 years ago.
Quick details about Pompeii: The Exhibition
Opens Feb. 23, 2023
- Address: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Ideal for all ages
- Concepts to explore: Science, weather, geology and history
- Cost: This exhibit requires a separate, time-entry ticket in addition to general admission tickets. If you’re on a budget for your museum outing, check out these free days at Chicagoland museums to see when you can visit for free.
- Parking: There is a parking lot on site for $22. The museum is also accessible by the #2 and #6 CTA buses, and via the 57th Street Metra and South Shore train stations.
Once you’ve left the Lost City, be sure to check out MSI’s other kid-friendly exhibits, like Colleen Moore’s fairy castle, the interactive farm technology exhibit and The Idea Factory.
Tips for families when visiting Museum of Science and Industry
- Purchase tickets online and skip the long winter admission lines!
- Pack a lunch to enjoy at the food court, or take advantage of the three dining options located on the museum’s campus. There’s Stan’s Donuts for coffee, sweets, soups, salads and sandwiches; a space-themed cafe for snacks; and the Museum Kitchen offering delicious seasonal menus.
- Need to bundle up? MSI offers a $3 coat check so you don’t have to lug all your winter layers around the museum.
- Rental strollers are available for kiddos who need to get off their feet, ($3 single strollers, $5 double strollers) and there is a nursing room for mothers who prefer a bit of privacy.
Things to do near Museum of Science and Industry
- Enjoy a scenic walk along Promontory Point, a peninsula with green spaces and campfire pits that offers gorgeous views of Lake Michigan, or take a stroll through the Japanese garden in Jackson Park.
- Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House and take a self-guided tour.
- Browse the shelves at 57th Street Books and find a new read or bedtime story.
- Want to hit two museums in one day? Head to the nearby DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center or the Smart Museum of Art.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
