Museum of Science and Industry history

A turning point in the direction and administration of the museum came in 1940, when the board of directors lured Major Lenox R. Lohr, the head of the National Broadcasting Company and former general manager of “A Century of Progress,” to its presidency.

1943 The 3,500-square-foot Santa Fe Model Railroad layout opens to explain the integration of the railroad with the country’s industry and agriculture.

1950 MSI’s giant walk-through heart opens to guests.

1956 The first baby chick is hatched at the Museum.

1970 Black Creativity begins as a tribute to the culture, heritage and traditions of African Americans in the arts, with a focus on the Juried Art Exhibition and live performances.

1971 The Apollo 8 capsule arrives and becomes the centerpiece of a growing space exhibit at MSI.

In 1983, due to increased attendance, the museum started construction of its underground parking lot, located in three underground levels below the front lawn.

1984 Black Creativity expands to celebrate the contributions of African Americans in the sciences, featuring an exhibit and educational programs.

1986 The Henry Crown Space Center opens.

The museum began charging an admission fee in 1991.

1994 Take Flight officially opens to the public as a permanent exhibit, explaining commercial flight and allowing guests to experience a simulated takeoff and landing.

2002 The Great Train Story, a 3,500-square-foot model train exhibit that explores rail operations in America, opens.

2003 The Museum celebrates its 70th birthday and having welcomed more than 160 million guests in its history.

2004 In April, as part of the largest restoration effort in the Museum’s history, the U-505 German submarine is moved almost 1,000 feet and lowered into its new home on the northeast side of the Museum.

2005 In June, the new U-505 Submarine exhibit opens to the public.

2007 The Museum opens a renovated Transportation Gallery, which interprets the history of flight in a new, spectacular overhead display.

2008 MSI’s 75th anniversary is celebrated throughout the year with a special six-day celebration held in June.

2017 Extreme Ice opens in March, revealing how climate change is dramatically altering the face of our planet through time-lapse footage and photography from James Balog.

On October 3, 2019, the museum announced that it intends to change its name to the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry after a donation of $125 million from Chicago billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin.

2020 Black Creativity celebrates its 50th anniversary and today reaches over 10,000 students, their teachers, and their families through exhibits and culturally relevant STEM education programs.