The 10 Best Science Museums in Illinois, United States

Kidzeum of Health & Science is a children's museum in the heart of historic downtown Springfield, Illinois. Explore and learn at all four of our exhibit galleries. Even climb a three-story child named Active Alex and learn all about the human body!

The Lizzadro Museum recently relocated to Oak Brook. We opened our doors in our new facility on November 12, 2019. Our museum was founded by Joseph Lizzadro in order to share his love of Lapidary Art with others. The Museum opened its doors in Elmhurst on November 4, 1962 with this statement of purpose from the Lizzadro Family, "To share with others our enjoyment of the eternal beauty in gemstones and our appreciation of the art with which man has complemented the works of nature". The museum is still owned and operated by the Lizzadro Family.

The Field Museum fuels a journey of discovery across time to enable solutions for a brighter future rich in nature and culture. With almost 40 million specimens and artifacts in our collections—including SUE, the world's most complete Tyrannosaurus rex—there's something for everyone. Start planning your visit at fieldmuseum.org.

The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere! Housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World’s Fair, MSI is a Chicago must-see. You’ll experience 14 acres of hands-on exhibits and have the chance to stand before a 40-foot tornado; climb aboard a World War II German submarine; take a run in a human-sized hamster wheel; descend into an Illinois coal mine; tour a fully functioning eco-friendly home; board a 727 hanging from the ceiling; transmit your pulse to a 13-foot, 3-D beating heart; and much more! MSI is not a place where you walk around quietly and observe. No way! You get involved in the fun—and learn—by doing. Just a few miles from downtown with convenient underground parking.

The International Museum of Surgical Science, a division of the International College of Surgeons (ICS), maintains over 10,000 square feet of public galleries committed to the history of surgery, and an exquisite permanent collection of art and artifacts from the history of Medicine. The Museum supports its Mission through medically thematized exhibitions and programs, in addition to a strong contemporary art exhibition program. The Mission of the Museum is to enrich people’s lives by enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the history, development, and advances in surgery and related subjects in health and medicine.

SciTech Hands On Museum offers over 200 interactive science and technology exhibits. There are three floors and 30,000 sq feet of exciting science fun in an historic post office building in downtown Aurora. Imagine standing inside a tornado! Discover how much energy you can generate in the ComEd Energy exhibit! Explore technologies from ancient times to modern space travel! An excellent destination for Field Trips, Scout Events, Overnights, and Birthday parties, SciTech will appeal to all ages. In the summer months (June - September), experience full-body physics experiments in the Fox Motion Park outside! Stop by the STEAMart Discovery Shop for gifts, gadgets, and gizmos-to-go for your budding SCIENTIST!

The mission of the Orpheum Children's Science Museum is to inspire, engage and educate diverse children of all ages through the exploration of the sciences and arts. With humble beginnings, the OCSM was established was in 1994 to protect the historic, 100-year-old "New Orpheum Theatre." Today, the OCSM attracts 30,000+ annual visitors across Champaign County and the region through STEAM camp/clubs, exhibits, special events, and more.

wndr museum is an ever-evolving immersive art and technology experience that is designed to ignite the curiosity that exists within and around each of us. Consider wndr to be a cultural and artistic hub that is constantly changing to fit the needs of the world around it. The wndr experience is one in which the thoughtful curation of world-class art, work by provocative emerging artists, as well as guest-made artwork creates a dreamy journey that reveals the wonders of the world around you. Around every corner comes an opportunity to be creative, discover something unexpected, ask questions, and play.