Visiting the Museum of Science and Industry should be on your bucket list if you’re visiting Chicago for the first time. There are many reasons this museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Chicago. You also do pay a visit to it, but not with your bulky suitcase or heavy luggage, because there isn’t any luggage storage facility inside. So, What about storing or leaving your luggage somewhere safely? Well, we are also here to find out the same answer for you.
Storing luggage is extremely important if you’re visiting a museum, Becuase sometimes during your visit your luggage can distract you a lot or you may end up lugging luggage all around the streets. Even your normal-size backpacks will be enough to distract you from exploring things that you wanted.
So it’s always a better idea to leave your luggage somewhere safely, and that’s what we are trying to find today by sharing this detailed guide with you. But let’s go through some of the things that the Museum of Science and Industry has to offer.
About the Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world. The museum is housed in an amazing old building which is a former Palace of Fine Arts for the 1893 Columbian Exposition. It was transformed into a science museum in 1993. Today, the museum features a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits. Showcasing more than 35,000 artifacts and a variety of hands-on exhibits meant to inspire creativity, The Museum of Science and Industry shows the innovative roots of Chicago. You can learn about so many things inside the museum, you get to explore a variety of topics related to science, wars, space, and others.
Located in Jackson Park, in the Hyde Park neighborhood between Lake Michigan and The University of Chicago, The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the most visited attractions in Chicago with around 1.5 million annual visitors. The Museum of Science and Industry is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. And visitors can get to the museum from any point in the city by taking a bus ride. A short train ride to the 55th – 56th – 57th Street Metra station which is just two blocks away from the museum will also take you to the attraction.
In addition to its ever-growing and permanent exhibits, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibits. It’s a great place to visit for those who love technological, scientific, and industrial things that have changed our world and continue to help it to evolve. The museum is designed to attract minds with curiosity to learn about new things. If you’re one of them, don’t miss it when you visit Chicago.
Where to Store Luggage near the Museum of Science and Industry?
You maybe be wondering where to store luggage near the Museum and thinking about what items you can store at the museum. Although there is a coat check for visitors, you will not find any lockers inside the museum. At the museum, Coat Check is available in a limited capacity in the Entry Hall. And you can’t store electronic devices including but not limited to laptop computers and cell phones; food of any kind luggage and large backpacks. Coat Check is staffed during all open hours, but any items are checked at the owner’s own risk.
In other words, you can’t store your luggage or bags inside the Museum and you have to search elsewhere for luggage storage. And considering an alternative option you can store luggage at Union Station’s luggage parcel or at the luggage storage available at Greyhound Bus terminal, but both have their disadvantages. Union Station’s luggage storage costs $20 which is very high, at the same time Greyhound luggage storage is not accessible to all, it’s accessible only to passengers traveling on greyhound buses. But it’s up to you if you’re traveling by train or bus you can store your luggage at any of these two points.
But what’s that one option we think is more reliable and will work for all travelers and help them with luggage storage? And that’s of course a luggage storage company such as BagsAway or Stasher, and also a few more companies doing the same thing. These companies can better deal with your luggage and handle them more effectively than you can. They have a few major advantages over any locker, including flexibility on the duration of the storage, flexibility in pricing, and availability of storage locations. They have a pretty straightforward process. You just book online and drop your luggage off by visiting their location and you’re free from your luggage.
How Much Does it Cost to Store Luggage?
Now you know where you can leave your luggage but what about the cost of luggage storage near The Museum of Science And Industry? It actually depends on several things such as the duration, availability, items, and more. And If you’re storing luggage at the Union Station railway terminal, you need to spend $20 per item for a day or a few hours. But in case you’ve got a valid Amtrak train ticket, you can get a $10 discount which makes this cost a little affordable. But for most passengers, $20 for luggage storage is considered expensive.
Because there isn’t any other option let’s jump right into the pricing offered by these luggage storage companies like Stasher, Bagsawy, and more. To store your luggage with a luggage storage brand you need to pay around $1-2 per hour, and if you are okay with the one-day duration you will be paying somewhere around $6 to $10 per day. If you want to save some money on luggage storage you better plan for the longer term, they offer extra discounts on long-term luggage storage.
If you’re still thinking that how much it costs to store an item at coat check of the Museum of Science and Industry, then you’re not paying more than $3 per item which will be placed in an individual storage bin. But it’s always a better idea not to try taking your luggage inside while a visit to the museum.
Quick Details About the MSI Chicago
Attraction: Museum of Science and Industry (MSI)
Location: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, Illinois
Opening Hours: 09:30 AM – 04:00 PM, All seven days
Parking: Free & Paid Parking Available
Contact: (773) 684-1414
More Info: For more information on tickets and charges, you can visit msichicago.org
Lost & Found: Although, the museum in a statement confirms that it’s not responsible for any loss of the items you store at Coat check it does offer lost and found support to its visitors. Lost and Found is located at the main ticket counter in the Entry Hall. To inquire about a lost item, you can contact (773) 753-6862 or [email protected].
What to Expect At the Museum of Science And Industry?
Being one of the most popular Museums in Chicago as well as in the whole United States, The Museum of Science and Industry has so many things to explore. While taking a tour of the museum make sure you explore and experience all the exhibits inside the Museum. Experience the most famous The Art of the Brick – The world’s largest display of LEGO® art with more than a million LEGO bricks transformed into 100+ sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya. Do you want to know how coal mining works? ride down and experience the Coal Mine Exhibit at MSI Chicago.
Another thing that you can’t miss at the museum is the U-505 German submarine which is huge and almost the length of a city block, weighing three times the Statue of Liberty. This deadly submarine was hunted and captured by the US navy during World War II. If you’re fascinated by space and its incredible stories, you can deep dive into the space and solar system by visiting the Worlds Beyond Earth exhibit. There are so many other exhibits inside the museum and the list is so long that you need at least 4-6 hours to check them out one by one.
The Museum of Science and Industry has all the other facilities that most attraction offer. There are restrooms on all three levels for guests to take some rest while exploring the museum. Washrooms are accessible at different places, and the museum features First Aid for any emergency medical help. To access wheelchairs as well as strollers, one needs to show a valid ID proof, which you can also request before visiting using an online form. Other facilities including Wheelchairs, Nursing Rooms, Elivators, and ATMs are also available inside the Museum. Along with all facilities the museum also offers some restaurants to try some delicious food while having a tour of the Museum.
Places to Stay near the Museum of Science and Industry
If you still need help with luggage storage after all finding luggage storage isn’t as easy as it seems, so the next option comes in the form of an affordable hotel. A hotel can help you stay in the city as well can help you with storing your luggage. Most hotels do offer luggage storage for their guests for free and you can also store the same way. But not all hotels do offer unlimited luggage storage, some may even not allow taking any luggage inside. Here are some of the best hotels near the Museum of Science and Industry.
High Chicago Hostel
Situated in the south Loop, moments away from beautiful Lake Michigan, HI – Chicago Hostel provides easy access to some of Chicago’s top attractions, museums, renowned restaurants, shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife all within walking distance. One of the most affordable options near The Museum of Science and Industry but it’s not the closest. It offers everything from free WiFi to 24×7 assistance and comfortable and contemporary accommodation in the heart of the city center.
Chicago Lake Shore Hotel
Another great hotel situated close to the Museum of Science and Industry, it’s located 1.7km away from the museum. This hotel offers comfortable rooms, free guest parking, free local area shuttle service, and an on-site restaurant. Chicago Lakeshore Hotel is ideally placed only steps from dining, shopping, and public transport leading to downtown Chicago. Free Wifi is also available at the hotel. It’s a bit expensive campared to the HI Chicago hostel and costs around $130 per night.
Other Hotels & AirBnbs
Let’s put some research into the work on your own, if you have some time and are not in hurry, give calls to some affordable hotels and ask them about luggage storage, you might end up getting into a great hotel. You don’t have to book a top-notch 5-star hotel to store luggage, neither you have to pay a higher rate. You can also book an Airbnb available within Chicago that allows storing luggage. You can choose a hotel according to your budget, and location preference.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Where can I store my luggage near the Museum of Science and Industry?
There isn’t luggage storage or locker available inside the Museum of Science and Industry, but you can store luggage at Union Station luggage parcel which is available at the railway terminal. You can also store luggage with companies like BagsAway which provides luggage storage at multiple locations.
How much does it cost to store luggage near the Museum of Science and Industry?
It depends on so many factors, but because there aren’t many lockers near the Museum, the storage option available at Union Station costs $20. Other storage options can cost anywhere between $5-15 per day. If you are going to store with storage companies you need to pay an hourly rate of $1.5 or $5-8 per day.
What exhibits and experiences are open at the Museum of Science and Industry?
All exhibits and experiences are open and ready for your visit. But some experiences and events are temporally organized and open, You can visit the official website of the Museum to know more about current open exhibits.
Which is better field museum or science and industry?
Both museums are equally popular in Chicago and worth a visit, if you are a traveler who loves discovering new things both can take you through some great experiences. But considering reviews from visitors, the Museum of Science and Industry is a better choice compared to The Field Museum.
How long does it take to walk through the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago?
You need 4-5 hours for a tour of the Museums it exhibits. The submarine tour is amazing, so you should take the time for that and other exhibits as well. To save your time and take the most out of your visit get your tickets ahead of the visit, otherwise, you will be stuck in long lines or miss the tour as tickets often sell out.