Over half a year of Marvelmania is coming to an end.
News released early last year sent Marvel fans into hysteria when The Museum of Science + Industry announced dates for their interactive new exhibit Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes. It was set to open on Thursday, October 8, 2020, but… well you know, 2020 happened.
The much-anticipated exhibition then opened in March of 2021 and with an October 24th end date, Chicagoans have been treated to half a year of Marvel madness right here in the Windy City.
The interactive exhibition celebrates Marvel history with more than 300 artifacts. Original comic book pages, sculptures, and a whole load of fantastic interactive displays offer a day of unparalleled Marvel fun. With costumes and props from Marvel’s record-breaking blockbuster films, there is something for all ages and all different levels of Avengers-enthusiast.
It’s not just interactive props you’ll find, however. Guests can delve into the origins and histories of iconic characters like Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Captain Marvel, reading about how they evolved alongside society over the past 80+ years from their inception to their place in modern-day Marvelmania.
At the exhibition, you will learn of Marvel’s story all the way back to its roots when Martin Goodman founded the company in 1939. All those decades ago it was known as Timely Comics and then Atlas Comics in 1951. It wasn’t until 1961 that Marvel Comics launched with The Fantastic Four and other classics written by creators like Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko.
The new exhibit pays tribute to these comic book legends and looks at how Marvel has responded to historical events and addressed social issues like gender, race, and mental illness. It previously took Seattle by storm when it took over the Museum of Pop Culture in 2019, and we are the next lucky bunch to see the miraculous Marvel world land in one of our most beloved museums.
Back at the start of 2020 MSI’s director of special exhibitions and business partnerships, Anne Rashford, said “We are excited to bring this exhibition to MSI because we believe Marvel’s message resonates with so many of our guests and connects with our own mission.“The comics and movies encourage us to find our inner strengths, to make the world a better place, and as an institution, we strive for our guests to realize their full potential so they can solve the challenges of today and in the future.”
Tickets can be reserved via the Museum of Science and Industry’s website. The Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibit is not included in Museum Entry, it requires a separate, timed-entry ticket, though members get a reduced price.
Adult – $18
Child (3-11) – $14
Members – $9 (Free for Annual Fund members)
The museum can be contacted at tickethelp@msichicago.org and membership inquiries can be made at membership@msichicago.org.