The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is a well-known institution that has been educating and entertaining visitors for the past 90 years. With more than 190 million people passing through its doors, the museum has become a staple in the city’s cultural landscape.
While many visitors are familiar with the museum’s popular exhibits, such as the U-505 submarine and the Coal Mine, few are aware of the vast unseen permanent collection stored in the basement of the museum. This collection, which includes over 30,000 artifacts, covers a wide range of subjects from communications to transportation to medical appliances.
One of the highlights of the unseen collection is a massive, hollowed tree trunk that was used as a sewer pipe in London during the late 17th century. This artifact, along with others like a piece of graphite from the world’s first nuclear reactor and a horse-drawn water engine, offer a glimpse into the technological advancements of the past.
Transportation is a prominent theme in the collection, with early motorcycles from companies like Henderson and Harley Davidson, as well as an engine from the Spitfire fighter plane. These artifacts showcase the evolution of transportation and highlight the museum’s ties to the Century of Progress World’s Fair, which took place in Chicago in 1933.
In an effort to make this hidden collection more accessible to the public, the Museum of Science and Industry plans to launch an online site dedicated to showcasing these treasures. This initiative, led by curator Voula Saridakis, aims to educate visitors about the technological past and how it has shaped our present and future.
Through this online platform, visitors will have the opportunity to explore hundreds, and eventually thousands, of artifacts that have been preserved in the museum’s storage. This interactive experience will provide a unique insight into the history of science and industry and illustrate the impact of technological innovations over the years.
As the Museum of Science and Industry continues to evolve and expand its offerings, the unveiling of its unseen permanent collection promises to be an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Stay tuned for the launch of the online site, where these hidden treasures will finally come to light for the public to explore and enjoy.