Exterior renovations can be seen making progress at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) at 5700 S Lake Shore Drive in Hyde Park. At the northern end of Jackson Park, just northeast of the now-underway Obama Presidential Center, this Beaux-Arts edifice is originally known as The Palace of Fine Arts, built for Chicago’s World Columbian Exposition in 1893. The building was designed by Charles Atwood for the Chicago-based firm D. H. Burnham & Co, originally founded by Daniel Burnham and John Root. Standing as a centerpiece to the original exposition plan, the structure was the only one within the fair grounds to utilize a brick substructure underneath its plaster facade.
Museum of Science and Industry. Photo by Jack Crawford
Having housed the Field Museum (formerly the Columbian Museum) up until 1920, the building sat vacant for another eight years until the MSI began its occupancy. During its museum conversion, the outer walls were reclad in limestone to retain the Beaux-Arts look, while the interior was renovated in an Art Moderne look designed by Alfred P. Shaw.
Museum of Science and Industry. Photo by Jack Crawford
Museum of Science and Industry. Photo by Jack Crawford
More recently in 1995, the MSI building was designated as a Chicago Landmark, and has seen numerous renovations and rehabilitations since. The scope of the more recent permits issued this past 2021 includes exteior refurbishment and cleaning, 44,000 square feet of roof repairs, interior renovation of the existing cafe area for a new Stan’s Donuts, alterations for the food court, and alterations to the lower level.
Museum of Science and Industry. Photo by Jack Crawford
Combined, the reported permit costs behind this most recent works tallies up just over $20 million. The architects of record involved within these various projects include Joseph Vajda, David Patrick Skiffington, and Henry Zimoch. Meanwhile, the general contractors have been listed in the permits as 41 North Contractors LLC, Oslo Builders LLC, Berglund Construction Company, and Value Pro Mechanical Inc.
Museum of Science and Industry. Photo by Jack Crawford
Museum of Science and Industry. Photo by Jack Crawford
Bus transit in the vicinity includes stops for Route 55 by the entrance of the building, while Routes 6, 28, and 66 are located via a three-minute walk north to Hyde Park & 56th Street. Closest rail access, meanwhile, can be found for the Metra at the 55th – 56th – 57th St. station, a six-minute walk northwest.
Museum of Science and Industry. Photo by Jack Crawford
Despite the ongoing work, the museum is currently still open to the public. It is unclear when the remainder of the changes are expected to fully wrap up.
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