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Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

We have events down to a science!
5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60637
12000 Guests

Event Types Welcomed

Adult Social Events
Corporate Social Events
Expo/Competitions
Family Reunions
Professional Meeting / Training / Conference / Retreats
Wedding Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions

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 Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

With thousands of exhibits, artifacts, and “wow” moments for memories that will last a lifetime, Griffin 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

Max Capacity: 12000 Guests
Largest Classroom Style: 200
Largest Theatre Style: 850
Largest Auditorium Seating: 700
Largest Seated Reception: 4000
Largest Standing Reception: 12000
Maximum Casual Dining Seating: 4000

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
  • 1200 Banquet Style

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
  • 200 Banquet Style

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
  • 1000 Banquet Style

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
  • 40 Banquet Style

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
  • 300 Banquet Style

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
  • 100 Banquet Style
  • 80 Classroom Style
  • 130 Theatre Style

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
  • 150 Banquet Style

Catering Options

Sodexo Live!, the Museum's On-Site Culinary Team

Featured Amenities

Accessible Facilities
Air Conditioning
Bus
Complimentary Parking
Event Tent
Hosted Bar
In-House Catering
Near Public Transit
Open Bar
Outdoor Space
Paid Parking
Taxi
Theater Seating
WiFi

Venue Location + Transportation

Address

5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive,

Chicago, Illinois 60637

Transportation

Taxi
Bus
Lyft
Uber

Nearby Airport

Midway - 20 minutes

Nearby International Airport

Chicago Midway International - 20 minutes

Parking

Parking on Site: Yes

Car charging stations: No

Things to Know

Catering

In-house catering available

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

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

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

Equipment Available On-Site:
  • Projector Screen

Services

Event Planning Services

We've got the "little things" down to a science; the essence and style of your event will be embodied in everything we do including table settings, lighting, floral arrangements, room decor and entertainment.

Convenient underground parking or Valet Services

Coat Check

Security

Personal Tour Guides and Exhibit Staff


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MEET TO YOUR OWN DRUM

At Unique Venues we believe that at the core of being unique is inherent inclusivity. We celebrate the notion that people gather for different reasons and that audiences are filled with humans of every race, gender expression, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, age, political leaning, and more.

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