Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Sprawling, hands-on museum full of informative, child-friendly scientific & industrial exhibits.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is rated 4.7 / 5 from 35,837 Google reviews and sits about 4.0 km (50 min walk) from Garfield station.
General overview
About Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is a large interactive science museum in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, located near Jackson Park and the University of Chicago. Its exhibits cover technology, transportation, space, biology, industry, and hands-on science. Information below is based on general training knowledge and has not been live-verified.
- A major Chicago science museum with extensive interactive galleries
- U-505 German submarine exhibit
- Coal Mine experience
- Science Storms interactive exhibit
- YOU! health and human-body gallery
- Transportation Gallery, including aircraft and locomotives
- Henry Crown Space Center and space-related exhibits
- Mirror Maze and other family-oriented interactive experiences
- Located in the historic Palace of Fine Arts building from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition
Things to do here
U-505 Submarine
Explore the captured German U-505 submarine and learn about its history during World War II. Access may require a separate timed-entry ticket.
Coal Mine
A guided, ride-based underground mining experience explaining coal extraction and mining technology. Usually requires a separate ticket and may have height or age restrictions.
Science Storms
Hands-on demonstrations and installations exploring tornadoes, avalanches, fire, sunlight, and other natural phenomena.
YOU! The Experience
Interactive exhibits about the human body, health, genetics, and personal well-being.
Transportation Gallery
Historic and modern vehicles and transportation technology, including aircraft, locomotives, and other large-scale objects.
Henry Crown Space Center
Spaceflight-related displays and artifacts, with exhibits about astronomy, exploration, and human space travel.
Mirror Maze
A walk-through optical illusion experience involving reflections and spatial perception; availability and separate pricing may vary.
Giant Dome Theater
Large-format educational films and planetarium-style or space-related programming may be offered in the museum’s theater facilities, generally with separate admission.
Allow extra time for parking, security, ticket collection, and finding timed-experience meeting points. Plan the attractions you most want to see first because the museum is very large.
Advance online booking is recommended, particularly for weekends, holidays, school breaks, and add-on experiences such as the U-505 and Coal Mine.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
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Most asked
How to reach
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is about 4.0 km (~50 min walk) from Garfield station on the Chicago "L".
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Griffin Museum of Science and Industry from Garfield station?
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is about 4032 m (roughly 50 min walk) from Garfield station on the Chicago "L". Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Griffin Museum of Science and Industry rated?
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 35,837 reviews.
What's near Griffin Museum of Science and Industry?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Happy Homes, DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, Jewel-Osco.
Is Griffin Museum of Science and Industry wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Griffin Museum of Science and Industry?
Google lists these parking options near Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: paid parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking, paid garage parking.
Is Griffin Museum of Science and Industry good for children?
Yes — Google lists Griffin Museum of Science and Industry as good for children.
Where is the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry?
It is at 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Chicago’s Hyde Park area, near Jackson Park and the University of Chicago.
How long should I spend there?
Allow at least three hours for major highlights. Families and visitors using several timed attractions can easily spend most of a day.
Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
Advance timed-entry booking is recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, and school-break dates. Some special experiences require separate reservations.
Are the U-505 and Coal Mine included with admission?
They have commonly required separate timed tickets or an upgraded package, although inclusion rules can change. Check the current ticket options before purchase.
Is the museum suitable for young children?
Yes. Many galleries are highly interactive and family-oriented, although some experiences may have height, age, or safety restrictions.
Can I bring a stroller?
Strollers are generally allowed in many museum areas, but restrictions may apply in crowded galleries or special experiences.
Is there parking?
The museum generally has on-site paid parking. Arrive early during busy periods because parking and nearby traffic can be challenging.
Can I bring food into the museum?
Food-service areas are generally available. Outside food and drinks may be restricted except where permitted for medical or infant-care needs.
Is the museum accessible?
The building generally provides accessible routes, elevators, restrooms, and visitor accommodations. Contact visitor services for details about a specific exhibit or experience.
Are tickets refundable?
Refund and change rules vary by ticket type and date. Review the official booking terms before purchasing.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.