<P> The new Museum of Science and Industry opened to the public in three stages between 1933 and 1940 . The first opening ceremony took place during the Century of Progress Exposition . Two of the museum's presidents, a number of curators and other staff members, and exhibits came to MSI from the Century of Progress event . </P> <P> For years, visitors entered the museum through its original main entrance, but that entrance became no longer large enough to handle an increasing volume of visitors . The newer main entrance is a structure detached from the main museum building, through which visitors descend into an underground area and re-ascend into the main building, similar to the Louvre Pyramid . </P> <P> In 1983, due to increased attendance, the museum started construction of its underground parking lot, located in three underground levels below the front lawn . Construction of the underground parking lot was finished in the 1990s . </P> <P> For over 55 years, admission to the MSI was free . Fees were first charged in the early 1990s, with general admission rates increasing from $13 in 2008 to $18 in 2015 . Many "free days"--for Illinois residents only--are offered throughout the year . </P>

Chicago museum of science and industry show place