Museum of Science and Industry
We have events down to a science!
Event Types Welcomed
About
Dine beside a WWII submarine or a 40-foot tornado, sip cocktails with a Mars Rover, or mingle beneath historic aircraft. From the welcome reception to dinner and dessert, amaze your guests with an unforgettable event at the Museum of Science and Industry.
With thousands of exhibits, artifacts, and “wow” moments for memories that will last a lifetime, MSI is the premier Chicago destination for unique and engaging special events. In addition to our awe-inspiring and interactive displays, enjoy private guided tours, gardens surrounded by century-old oak trees, or open-air dining on our breathtaking porticos. Our world-class culinary and special events teams will customize your entire experience, from handcrafted cocktails to an innovative seasonal menu and decadent desserts.
We have events down to a science!
Meeting & Event Spaces
Rotunda
Located at the heart of the Museum, the Rotunda space features a breathtaking 120-foot copper-domed ceiling, a historic steam locomotive, a real 727 airplane and 1,400 feet of winding model railroad track. Your guests will reconnect with their sense of wonder as they stand inside a 40-foot tornado and witness the incredible forces of nature—all inside the awe-inspiring exhibit, Science Storms.
With customizable lighting, large expanses and soaring ceilings, the Rotunda is the perfect space for large seated dinners, receptions and corporate events.
Reception 5500 | Seated 1200
U-505 Submarine
Your guests can dine in the shadow of a legendary World War II German submarine. This impressive two-story space is perfect for separating reception and dinner. The U-505 comes complete with dramatic lighting and a customized soundtrack. Guests can enjoy 200 artifacts, interactive exhibits and a facilitator-led onboard tour of the boat.
Seated 200 | Reception 350
Entry Hall
The perfect location for event check-in, a welcoming red-carpet entrance, cocktail hour, an entertaining concert or a delightful dessert reception—our Entry Hall is a flexible and transformable event space. Directly attached to the Museum’s underground parking garage, it provides your guests with a grand entrance to your private event.
Reception 500
South Portico
In case more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space isn’t enough for you, consider adding an outdoor space to your private event! With lush landscaping, the South Portico is adjacent to the waterway created for the 1893 Columbian Exposition, the Jackson Park Lagoon.
Daytime Event: 1,000 | Tented Event: 1,500
North Portico
The North Portico is an opportunity to showcase your event on the front lawn of the Museum of Science and Industry. This expansive space can be tented for up to 1,500 people or provides a luxurious Museum entranceway for your gala or fundraiser.
Tented Event | 1500
Museum Garden
The Museum Garden offers a unique and flexible private event space. The Smart Home's interior offers an intimate setting for your guests to enjoy a home environment in the middle of the city—perfect for a team retreat or cocktail reception. Or take your private event outside into the beautiful garden, which features large bur oak trees that predate the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
Indoor Cocktail: 100 | Indoor Seated: 40 | Outdoor Reception: 250
West Pavilion
This two-story, multifunctional space is ideal for daytime meetings and events. The main floor can accommodate classroom seating for about 100 people with locations for breakout sessions and food service in close proximity. In addition, the Auditorium and Little Theater spaces may be incorporated in the rental.
West Pavilion Main Floor: 300 | West Pavilion Balcony: 200| Classroom: 120
Main Floor and Balcony: 850 Seated
Rosenwald Room
This space provides audiovisual capabilities with WiFi for your private event. The Rosenwald Room may be set up for classroom seating, roundtable discussions, lectures or business luncheon meetings. It is available during regular Museum hours, plus an adjacent space provides more room for catering or even a pre-function VIP bar setup.
Seated: 100 | Reception: 130 | Classroom: 80 | Theater: 130
Henry Crown Space Center
This is the perfect space for a unique corporate event and show-stopping presentations. Your guests will learn how the lunar landing almost failed, try to “dock” at the International Space Station, and remote control their own Mars Rover—while sipping cocktails and enjoying delicious cuisine.
Seated: 150 | Reception: 300
Food & Beverage Options
Catering options
Sodexo Live!, the Museum's On-Site Culinary Team
Featured Amenities
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Accessible Facilities
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Air Conditioning
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Bus
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Complimentary Parking
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Event Tent
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Hosted Bar
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In-House Catering
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Near Public Transit
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Open Bar
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Outdoor Space
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Paid Parking
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Taxi
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Theater Seating
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WiFi
Venue Location + Transportation
Address
5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive,
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Transportation
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Bus
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Lyft
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Taxi
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Uber
Nearby Airport
- Midway - 20 minutes
Nearby International Airport
- Chicago Midway International - 20 minutes
Parking
- Onsite Parking: Yes
- Car Charging Stations: No
Things to Know
Catering
- Must Use In-house Catering: Yes
- External Catering Allowed: No
- Can Bring in Own Food: no
- Cultural Catering Available: Yes
- Food and Beverage Onsite: Yes
- Do you offer tables, chairs, and linens?: No
Technology
The new daytime meeting space has projectors and screens. The Rotunda has state of the art lighting setups.
- Guest Wi-Fi: Free
- Onsite Tech Support: Yes
- Wi-Fi in meeting space: Yes
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Equipment Available On-Site:
- Projector Screen
Venue Policies
- Alcohol Consumption: Yes
- Smoking Permitted: no
- Cannabis Industry-Friendly: No
- Cannabis Consumption: No
- Eco Friendly: No
- ADA Accessible: Yes
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
Services
Get A Quote
Museum of Science and Industry
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