Black Panther, Spiderman, Doctor Strange and more, up close and personal!
Mark your calendar for a Marvel-ous spring in Chicago, when some pretty sketchy characters will inhabit Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.
The “Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes” exhibit will make its long-awaited Chicago debut on March 7, 2021.
This exhibit is likely to be one of 2021’s hottest tickets in town. Although the exhibit will be in Chicago through Oct. 24, due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions and the popularity of this exhibit, Marvel fans are advised to buy tickets early — because they will go fast.
Pandemic disruption caused a delay in the exhibit’s residency at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, MI. That pushed back its Chicago tenure several months: the exhibit was originally supposed to open at the Museum of Science and Industry on October 8, 2020, which of course did not happen.
Before its stop in Michigan, the exhibit also appeared in Philadelphia and Edmonton; it originated in Seattle at that city’s Museum of Pop Culture in 2018.
From the exhibit website of The Henry Ford:
An exhibition for the hero in all of us. From comics to film, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes features more than 300 artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic and sought-after pages, costumes and props. Spectacular artifacts thrill both avid collectors and casual fans, while immersive set pieces, soundscapes and interactive elements bring the Marvel Universe to life in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
The biggest Marvel exhibition ever chronicles the story of Marvel and its influence on visual culture, while also uncovering the stories of individual characters like Captain America, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange.
Thousands of characters. Hundreds of creators. One experience beyond imagination.
Your experience includes:
- A fully immersive design with life-size scenes straight from the Marvel Universe.
- Rare hand-drawn images of iconic heroes, such as Spider-Man, Black Panther and Captain America, by the artists who designed them.
- Concept sketches, props, original comic art and costumes celebrating Marvel’s 80th birthday.
- Interactive elements, including the opportunity to travel through the mysterious mirror dimension of Doctor Strange and pose for selfies alongside life-size representations of Black Panther, Spider-Man and other iconic Marvel characters.
Please remember: Superheroes keep their masks on, even for photos.
IF YOU GO
The Marvel Universe of Super Heroes exhibit is not included in Museum Entry; it is an add-on to the base museum entry ticket price. A separate, timed-entry ticket must be added to your ticket order. (You don’t have to purchase this add-on for everyone in your party; only buy for those who want to enter the exhibit.)
Marvel Exhibit tickets cost $18 for adults, $14 for children (ages 3-11). Members pay $9 (Free for Annual Fund members) for exhibit entry, and can also access exclusive MSI Member Days March 4-6 before the museum opens to the public.
GENERAL MUSEUM INFO FOR 2021
All but a few exhibits and experiences at the Museum of Science and Industry will re-open in March. Many have been modified or adapted to create physical distancing, including reduced capacity in the Giant Dome Theater. (Tours inside Coal Mine and on-board the U-505 submarine are suspended, although the U-505 Submarine exhibit remains open. The Idea Factory and Future Energy Chicago exhibits are closed.)
While the Museum was closed due to the pandemic, guests had the opportunity to tour the U-505 Submarine from their living rooms. Complete with dramatic lighting and sound effects, the personalized online tours capture life aboard the sub in the days leading up to its capture. Upcoming Zoom tour dates: Feb. 26, Feb. 27. We hope that these online U-boat tours will continue once the museum has opened — no word yet on dates after February.
Check before you go to see if coat checks are operating, or if concessions are open or closed.
Buy tickets online here. Timed entry reservations are required for all visitors. The Museum has not yet scheduled any Illinois Free Days in 2021.
MAKE IT A WEEKEND TRIP
Here are some suggestions for where to stay if you go to the Museum of Science and Industry. The Museum is located in Hyde Park, south of the city center. This historic neighborhood is home to the University of Chicago as well as former President Barack Obama.
Please note we may make a small commission if you book with one of the links below. Thank you for supporting our small business. Please note that dates are limited and pricing is subject to change.
Walking distance from Museum: This two-bedroom apartment is within walking distance of lakefront beaches, golf courses, the Museum of Science and Industry, public transportation, and Jackson Park. Free off street parking available too. Rents for around $116/night before fees. Highly rated, with return guests.
Spacious two-bedroom overlooking the park: This highly rated, two-bedroom condo has plenty of free parking available. Half a block to public transit. “Guests can expect lots of clean, soft towels; lightening fast Internet; extremely responsive communications from Bill & Kathy; as well as quiet secure-feeling accommodations in close proximity to U Chicago!” Be aware it’s on the third floor. Rents for around $116/night. Fees are very modest compared to others, so overall a great value.
Convenient 2-bedroom Hyde Park apartment: A nice place to stay in Chicago for less than $100/night before fees? BOOM!- here you go. Stay in a garden level unit in this classic Hyde Park home, built in 1888. Apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and can accommodate four guests. Coffee maker, coffee and tea provided. “The location can’t be beat if you want to be close to anything in Hyde Park and just two blocks to the Metra station into downtown. We were very happy with everything about our stay.”