Unleash your inner scientist: MSI's spring events unveiled

From robots to solar eclipses, the Museum of Science and Industry will celebrate science all spring long. The MSI is kicking off spring with a series of events and programs designed to encourage excitement in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) and inspire the inventive genius in visitors of all ages. MSI’s spring line-up includes programming for young scientists to hone their science skills outside of the classroom and for adults to explore their own curiosity.

Here are the highlights of MSI’s spring calendar. For more information, visit msichicago.org.

• 007 Science opens: Iconic cars, gadgets and props from the James Bond film series are set for the spotlight at the Museum of Science and Industry. The Museum's new, limited-time exhibit, 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond, is the first-ever official exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the world's longest-running movie franchise. Open now through Oct. 27.

• The Black Creativity Experience: Art. Music. Party.: This adult-only event celebrates Chicagoland artists across the African diaspora, including various forms of art, from performance to music to dance. Guests can explore the Museum after hours, experiencing exhibits like the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and The Blue Paradox, and enjoy entertaining festivities including music from DJ Bash Beats, live music from Vibe Music Live, live painting from Brionna Sorret, games, creative activities, and more.

• Spring Break Camps (3-8 grade): Come spend your spring break at MSI and get the full VIP experience with its Spring Break Camps. With two options you can Spring into gear with hands-on Maker activities from the Wanger Family Fab Lab, or Explore Engineering through the concepts of biomimicry—design inspired by nature—and biophilia—design incorporating nature. Including activities that will keep your child entertained and learning all spring break long.

• Solar Eclipse event: The next great American total solar eclipse is coming on Monday, April 8, and here in Chicago we’ll get a partial view of the spectacle. Join the Museum of Science and Industry to celebrate science in action by viewing the eclipse firsthand through solar telescopes on its front lawn, watching a livestream from NASA with MSI’s very own NASA Solar System Ambassador, and experiencing more hands-on STEM activities throughout the Museum. Can’t make it to the Museum on a Monday? Check out our satellite locations at Millenium Park, the Michigan Avenue bridge or North Avenue Beach.

• EXPO Chicago: EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art, features leading international galleries alongside the highest quality platform for contemporary art and culture. EXPO CHICAGO will return to Navy Pier April 11–14, 2024 for its eleventh edition, and MSI will once again join the list of the EXPO’s exhibitors. MSI’s exhibition will display an array of artwork from Black and African American artists as an extension of MSI’s 2024 Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition.

• Robot Block Party: Celebrate National Robotics Week with MSI's Robot Block Party featuring cool 'bots and mecha-stars presented by area robotics groups. Learn what they can do and how they do it—and discover how robots are increasingly becoming part of everyday life.

• Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition closes: For more than 50 years, Black Creativity has provided an invaluable opportunity to not only celebrate Black and African American STEAM professionals but allow young people of color to see what is possible for their futures. The range of pieces include paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed media and photography, created by artists of all ages including 22 students ages 14-17.

• Earth and Space Science Day Camp: Explore how scientists investigate our System to better understand our planet Earth. Put yourself in the spacesuits of astronauts heading to Mars as you prepare for a long journey into space.

(All event details can be found at MSIChicago.org)