S. 57th St. and Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone Number: (773) 684-1414
www.msichicago.org

Located on the lakefront in Hyde Park, the Museum of Science and Industry, like its counterparts on Museum Campus, is a historic structure that has been renovated over time to improve its access for all visitors. It, too, is huge, with over 800 exhibits and 2,000 interactive opportunities. Most are accessible with a few major exceptions like the German U-boat, which can, however, be viewed from the ramps that wrap down and around the vessel. One can even roll onboard a real Boeing 727, suspended at balcony level.

Hours:

• Mon-Sat 9:30am-4pm
• Sun 11am-4pm
• Extended Summer/Holiday Hours - Daily closing at 5:30 pm

Admission:

• Check museum website for current entrance and show prices, discounts and packages.

Parking/Loading Zone

• Accessible loading zone
• Private parking lot-designated accessible spaces
• Note:
  • Underground parking garage has 21 accessible spaces, 7 on each level
  • Check website for current rate information
  • There are also 3 free accessible spaces outside the Henry Crown Space Center entrance.

Features for People with Hearing Loss

• Assistive listening system-Omnimax Theatre
  • Headsets available from theatre ticket booth
• Captioning of videos/films
• Script/text available-Omnimax Theatre
  • Available from theatre ticket booth
• Portable DVD with captioning-U-505 exhibit
• Strobe alarms in public areas and restrooms
• Elevator has visual indicators

Features for People with Vision Loss

• Guided tour-on request, groups only
  • For specific exhibits such as U-505 or Coal Mine
• Exhibit labels-large print/high contrast/non-glossy labels for exhibits
• Interior signage-large print/high contrast/non-glare
• Server will read menu on request
• Height clearance at least 80"
• No undetectable protruding objects in path of travel
• Braille/tactile signage-restroom, elevator controls, hoistways
• Elevator has audible indicators
• Nearest grassy/dog relief area
  • Outside entrances
• Notes: Limited height clearance in U-505

Entry

• Secondary entrance is wheelchair accessible (not a service entrance)
• Location-Henry Crown Space Theatre entrance
• Level entry
• Door has at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• Automatic or push button door
• Note: Entrance from parking garage is ramped but slope exceeds 1:12 so some individuals with manual chairs may require assistance

Assistive Equipment for People with Physical Disabilities

• Wheelchairs
• Available from-Coat check, Great Hall
• Note: ID required, regular and extra large sizes available

Interior Access

• Corridor/path of travel at least 36" wide
• Ramps provide access to one or more areas
  • Great Hall entrance from parking
  • Corridor from Henry Crown Space Center
  • Ramps down and around U-Boat
• Inaccessible areas-U-505, Coal Mine

Accessible Facilities/Amenities

• Café/Restaurant-Brain Food Court and Cafe
  • Accessible restroom in or near the restaurant
• Ticketing-36" max. counter in middle section, Great Hall
• Brochure rack
• Gift shop
  • 36" max. counter or section-Big Idea Store
  • Space to turn/maneuver
• Seating-benches without arms
• Public Phone-54" max. to top control for side approach
• Drinking Fountains
• Vending machines
• ATM
• Children's play area

Performance Spaces

• Omnimax Theatre
  • Fixed seating
  • Wheelchair seating
    • 10 Spaces
    • Locations-Front, Rear
  • Companion seating
    • 2 fixed, alongside; 8 moveable
• 3-D Theatre
• Fixed seating
• Wheelchair seating
  • 6 Spaces
  • Locations-At end of rows
• Companion seating
  • Fixed, alongside

Exhibits

• On accessible route
• Space to approach/view/maneuver
• Freestanding cases 36"-39" max.
• Wall hung cases 36-39" max. bottom level
• Wall hung displays 54" to center line
• Labels are viewable from seated position

Elevator

• Door clearance at least 36"
• Car size at least 54" x 80" with centered door or 54" x 68" with side door
• Elevator controls 54" or less

Café/Restaurant

• Menu on sign/wall only
• Counter service only
  • Staff will assist/carry food to table
  • Cafeteria/buffet line on accessible path of travel
  • Counter/buffet 36" high or less
  • Tray slides 34" high or less
  • Cashier counter 36" high or less
• Wheelchair accessible tables
  • Knee clearance at least 27" high by 30" wide
  • Surface no more than 34" high
  • Pedestal does not block toe clearance
• 36" path to/between tables

Restroom

• Men's and Women's
• Location-Henry Crown Space Center, Great Hall, Ground Floor
• Access symbol identifies facility
• Entry door at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• Space in restroom to maneuver-5' by 5' or T-shaped space to turn
• Stall door at least 32" clearance
• Stall door swings out or has clearance beyond door swing
• Grab bar behind and alongside toilet
• Ambulatory stall-grab bars on both sides of raised toilet
• Lateral transfer space at least 30" wide
• Toilet height 17" to 19"
• Roll under sink with knee clearance at least 27" high and 30" wide
• Insulated sink pipes-except Ground Floor
• Mirror 40" or less from floor or tilted
• Towels/soap/vending within reach-48" or less from floor
• Faucet controls automatic or lever type
• Latch operable with closed fist
• Easy grasp/lever handle or none
• Notes: Ambulatory stall available in Great Hall restrooms only