The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago is one of the largest science museums in the world. Located in the historic Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the museum Transportation Gallery features historic planes, trains, and automobiles, including the Pioneer Zephyr train and a replica of the Wright brothers’ plane.
Museum of Science and Industry Chicago
+1 (773) 684-1414
Daily 09:30 – 16:00
Closed Christmas Day
Admission fee
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
Boeing 40B NC288 United Airlines
| NC288
N7017U NR10632 2421 5954/A5+HL 1562668/AG-402 P9306 NR1313 – – – | Boeing 40B
Boeing 727-22 Curtiss D Pusher (replica) Curtiss JN-4D Jenny Junkers Ju-87R-2 Stuka Ling-Temco-Vought A-7A Corsair II Supermarine Spitfire F.Ia Travel Air Mystery Ship “Texaco 13” Wright Flyer 1903 (replica) Jean Piccard Stratosphere Gondola Apollo 8 Aurora 7 Capsule |
Boeing 727-22 N7017U United Airlines
Curtiss JN-4D Jenny 2421
Junkers Ju-87R-2 Stuka 5954/A5+HL Luftwaffe
Ling-Temco-Vought A-7A-3B-CV Corsair II 1562668/AG-402 US Navy
Supermarine Spitfire F.Ia P9306 RAF
Travel Air Mystery Ship “Texaco 13” NR1313
Wright Flyer 1903 (replica) N203WF
Among the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago‘s exhibits are a full-size replica coal mine, German submarine U-505 captured during World War II, a 3,500-square-foot (330 m2) model railroad, the command module of Apollo 8, and the first diesel-powered streamlined stainless-steel passenger train (Pioneer Zephyr).
The Transportation Zone contains several permanent exhibits.
The Great Train Story is a 3,500-square-foot (330 m2) model railroad and recounts the story of transportation from Chicago to Seattle.
The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago includes a replica of Stephenson’s Rocket, which was the first steam locomotive to exceed 25 miles per hour.
The 999 Empire State Express steam locomotive was alleged to be the first vehicle to exceed 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) in 1893, although no reliable measurement ever took place (and such a speed was likely impossible). Designed to win the battle of express trains to the World’s Columbian Exhibition, it was donated to the museum by the New York Central in 1962. The locomotive was located outside the museum until 1993, when extensive restoration took place and it was moved indoors as an exhibit in the Transportation Zone.
Two World War II warplanes are also exhibited. Both were donated by the British government: a German Junkers Ju 87 R-2/Trop. Stuka divebomber—one of only two intact Stukas left in the world—and a British Supermarine Spitfire. Also on display is the museum’s Travel Air Type R Mystery Ship, nicknamed “Texaco 13”, which set many world records in flying.
“Take Flight” features the first Boeing 727 jet plane in commercial service, donated by United Airlines, with one wing removed and holes cut on the fuselage to facilitate visitor access.
Photos Johnny Comstedt