“TOTO, WE’RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE THIS IS CHICAGO AND WE’RE AT THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY AND THAT’S A GIANT TORNADO!”

BEWARE: THE GATHERING STORM is set to arrive today at the Museum of Science and Industry. After three years in preparation and just in time for the tornado season, the Museum of Science and Industry has one-upped Mother Nature by creating a 26,000 square-foot interactive exhibition, Science Storms, that recreates the worst nature has to offer from tsunamis to hurricanes and everything in-between. STARTING TODAY visitors to the new permanent exhibit can experience nature’s most brutal events in the safe confines of the Museum.  Only the brave will muster the courage to step inside the 40-foot tall twister to be surrounded by massive winds cycling around them.  Others will release their creative spirit by making their own tsunami by unleashing waves across a 30-foot wave tank.  Young and old alike can witness a high-voltage lightening storm, wage a battle of fire vs. water, make giant  rainbows and more at this awesome educational phenomena created by researchers from NASA, Harvard and the University of Chicago.

To celebrate today’s opening of Science Storms, admission the Museum will be FREE all day. Other days general admission is $15, adults, $14, seniors, and $10, children ages 3 to 11. City of Chicago residents receive a discounted price of $13, adults, $12, seniors and $9, children 3 to 11. Hours are 9:30 to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is available in the Museum’s underground garage. The entrance is located at the northwest corner of the building. 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive. 

Exhibit photo by: J.B. Spector, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

ON THE NORTH SIDE OF TOWN

TOAST UNCLE VANYA WITH VODKA…

What could be more appropriate than to sip a little vodka before watching Strawdog’s Jeff-nominated production of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. Join Strawdog in their Hugen Hall Gallery for a preshow discussion of the history and importance of vodka to the Russian Culture and Russian Literature hosted by Seth Rickard from the Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. from 7p.m. to 7:30p.m. Then stay and enjoy the show. Tickets $25, 3829 N. Broadway, (773) 528 9889.