Bringing Back History: Museum Revives Century-Old Entrance

The Museum of Science and Industry once had a grand southern gate that welcomed guests over a century ago—long before cars, airplanes, or even household electricity became common. That door, part of the original World’s Fair building from 1893, has remained closed for decades, but plans are now in motion to reopen it. This time, visitors won’t arrive by horse-drawn carriage or sailboat. Instead, they’ll step through a newly restored entrance designed for accessibility and modern comfort. The $22 million project isn’t just about returning to the past—it’s about blending history with today’s needs. A new indoor café, an outdoor terrace with views of Jackson Park, and restrooms will greet guests when the project finishes in 2027. The entrance will also be fully wheelchair-friendly, something the original design never had to consider. The renovation aims to balance preservation with practicality, ensuring the landmark stays true to its roots while serving today’s visitors. Built for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the building was one of the few fair structures meant to last. Unlike most exhibits made of temporary plaster, this one was built with brick, making it sturdy enough to survive. After the fair, it briefly housed the Field Museum before falling into disuse. In the 1920s, a Sears executive funded its transformation into the science museum we know today. Yet, over time, its main entrance shifted north, favoring car traffic over scenic walks.The south entrance’s revival isn’t just nostalgic—it’s strategic. The museum’s CEO has long wanted to open it, especially for events like cherry blossom season. But old stairs and lack of accessibility made that difficult. Now, with a new design, the entrance will welcome everyone, including those with disabilities. The restoration even includes a glass wall to frame the original bronze doors, keeping the historic look intact. Architects are taking a careful approach, ensuring changes are subtle enough to preserve the landmark’s status. The project has support from local preservation groups, who praise the thoughtful updates. It also aligns with the upcoming Obama Presidential Center, potentially creating a cultural hub on the South Side. Free admission, a practice last seen in the 1990s, is also being considered—a bold step for a museum that once relied on ticket sales. Not everyone is convinced the changes will work smoothly. Some wonder if the new café and terrace will feel too commercial in a historic space. Others question whether the $22 million cost could have been spent elsewhere. Still, if the project succeeds, it could set a new standard for how museums handle old buildings—honoring the past while adapting for the future.