Museum of Science and Industry wheelchair accessibility

The Museum of Science and Industry sits at 5700 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Hyde Park, on the south side of the city by Jackson Park. The museum is now officially the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, often branded Griffin MSI, but the older Museum of Science and Industry name still appears in signage and search results.

Metra Electric is the fastest accessible route from downtown: the line stops at the 55th/56th/57th Street station, two blocks north of the museum, with a level walk to the north entrance. From the CTA L, the Red Line is closest but does not pass through Hyde Park; transfer to bus 10 (Museum of Science and Industry Express) at the museum's entrance, or bus 6 one block north.

By car, take DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Hyde Park. The underground garage is entered at East 57th Street and South Cornell Avenue. Van-accessible and oversize accessible spaces are in the Blue (D) section.

The easiest step-free route is through the underground garage. The automated push-button entry door opens directly into the lower level, and elevators take you up to the Museum Entry Hall. The street-level main entrance has curb cuts and is also accessible, but the long flight of grand stairs from the lawn is not the way in.

Complimentary manual wheelchairs are available with a photo ID at the Entry Hall information desk. Visitor-owned electric mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are permitted throughout public areas.

Elevators and ramps reach every floor. The Henry Crown Space Center, Yesterday's Main Street, the Coal Mine surface exhibit, and the Numbers in Nature mirror maze are all step-free. The Idea Factory on the lower level is also step-free.

Two paid add-ons are NOT wheelchair accessible: the U-505 Submarine On-board Tour (the actual submarine interior has tight hatches and narrow passages) and the Coal Mine descent (involves a hoist that is not wheelchair compatible). The U-505 Experience surrounding exhibit hall and the Coal Mine surface area ARE accessible, so the submarine and the mine context can be enjoyed without booking the paid tours.

Low-Sensory Mornings run from 8.30 to 9.30 am on select dates and continue at a more comfortable museum experience until noon. Reduced lighting, lower volume on interactive exhibits, and reduced capacity make the format work for sensory-sensitive visitors and families.

Service animals are welcome. The accessibility page does not list ASL interpretation or large-print materials as standard; contact the museum's guest services team ahead of a visit if you need those.

Buy timed entry online before arrival; tickets are gated behind a date-and-time booking widget. Standard adult General Admission varies by date. Chicago residents save 9 dollars off adult prices on every visit. Illinois Free Days for Illinois residents have specific 2026 dates listed on the tickets page.

Year-round hours are 9.30 am to 4 pm; summer hours (June to August) extend to 5.30 pm. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plan a full day if you want to cover the Space Center, U-505 Experience, Yesterday's Main Street, and Numbers in Nature.

Address: 5700 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive (officially Griffin Museum of Science and Industry). Step-free entry via the underground garage. Elevators and ramps to every floor. Complimentary wheelchairs with photo ID. U-505 On-board Tour and Coal Mine descent NOT wheelchair accessible (surrounding exhibits are). Low-Sensory Mornings 8.30 to 9.30 am. Chicago residents save 9 dollars on adult admission. 9.30 am to 4 pm year-round; summer to 5.30 pm. Nearest transit: Metra Electric.