Explorers Society Membership
As a member you get to experience the best the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has to offer. We want you to take full advantage of your membership benefits every day of the year. This is your guide to being an Griffin MSI member.
How do I visit using my free admission?
Step 1: Reserve your tickets online. You’ll need to log in as a member using your ID number and your zip code and don’t forget to add on additional experience tickets! Your membership benefits will be applied once added to your cart.
Step 2: Go to the Membership express line when you arrive at Griffin MSI. You only need to stop at the Membership Desk if you want to purchase additional tickets, have questions, or want to renew or upgrade your membership.
Step 3: Have fun exploring and discovering something new!
What free and discounted tickets come with my membership?
As an Explorers Society Member, you can reserve free tickets up to your admit number for 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond any time you visit. You also can reserve free tickets each visit for the Giant Dome Theater, Coal Mine and U-505 On-board Tour up to your admit number as part of your membership. There are additional discounts on Fab Lab Workshops and Dissect an Eye.
What benefits will Explorers have for future temporary exhibitions?
Starting with Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition, Explorers will receive one set of free tickets for the number of people covered by their membership. These complimentary tickets must be redeemed in a single visit — the complimentary rate will be applied at checkout. All additional tickets will be at the $9 member rate.
Who can I bring with me to Griffin MSI?
An Explorers Society membership provides free admission for two named adults and all children living in your household. You can bring two guests of any age with you every time you visit for free, 363 days a year. One member must be present for your membership benefits to be used.
Can my children visit with a caregiver?
Yes! Children in your household ages 15 and under can visit without you but must be with an adult caregiver. Learn more and contact us to add a named caregiver to your membership.
I haven’t received my membership card yet. When will it arrive, and can I still visit?
You don’t need a physical membership card to visit or access any of your membership benefits! Your digital membership card is all you need. It comes from the email tickets@msichicago.org.
- If you requested a physical membership card, it takes 5-7 weeks to arrive.
- If you haven’t received your digital or physical cards, please email membership@msichicago.org.
How does parking work?
With your Explorers Society membership, you receive free parking in the Museum's underground garage for one car per day. You must use your membership card—print or digital—to enter and exit the garage to receive your discount.
Scan your digital or print card:
- FIRST to enter the garage.
- [SKIP the parking kiosks entirely.]
- SECOND to exit the garage and enjoy the rest of your day.
Where do I get my free member coffee?
Anywhere that has coffee on the day of your visit! Stan’s Donuts and the Museum Kitchen are open all year. Have your membership card ready to show and let them know you are looking for your free member coffee.
What discounts do I get for dining and shopping at the Museum?
As a member, you receive a 10% discount for all purchases in our retail stores and restaurants. Just have your membership card ready to show at checkout and be on the lookout for special discounts during member events and Member Appreciation Month in July.
How do I register for member events?
Visit the Member Calendar (and bookmark it) for the most up-to-date information about upcoming events and exclusive opportunities. We will also email you when registration opens. Just like when you reserve tickets, you must log in with your ID number and ZIP code on the event page. We hope you join us at a member event soon!
Can I visit other institutions for free with my Griffin MSI membership?
Griffin MSI belongs to the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), a global organization of science centers and museums. As an Griffin MSI member, you may take advantage of the ASTC Travel Passport Program for museums and organizations that are over 90 miles away from both Griffin MSI and your residence. This distance is measured as a linear radius, not driving distance.
Please note: Museums in Rockford, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are within 90 miles and excluded from membership reciprocity. You can, however, visit some local institutions at a discounted price with your Griffin MSI membership. Please visit our website for more details.
How can I update my contact information?
You can submit a request via our Member Service Form.
Do you have more questions?
Many other answers can be found on our FAQ page.
If not, just contact the Membership team at membership@msichicago.org or (773) 947-3161.