The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Collection
The Griffin MSI Collection embodies a spirit of relentless entrepreneurship, showcasing inspiring stories of exploration, experimentation and innovation. Spanning from the late 19th century to the present, it focuses on scientific research and industrial progress, highlighting the human ingenuity that has shaped our world. The Collection includes objects, models, artwork, and photographs — each created to explore, understand and solve complex challenges, ultimately paving the way for a better future.
Explore our Collection
With more than 1,000 artifacts digitized for online access, this collection is available for you to explore and discover fascinating stories of human ingenuity and groundbreaking achievements. Enjoy the journey and delve deeper into the rich history of science, technology and industry.
Search the Digital Collection
Search our extensive collection of artifacts and uncover the stories of innovation and discovery that have shaped the world of science and industry.
Digital Collection
Browse Curated Sets and Stories
Discover the connections between artifacts and uncover how they highlight key themes and breakthroughs in science, technology and industry.
Curated Sets and Stories
Explore by category
Navigate through specialized categories, each representing the strengths of our collection. These categories showcase the full scope of the collection, illustrating the wide-ranging impact of innovation across a wide range of fields.
History of the Collection
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry opened in 1933 during the Chicago World’s Fair, also known as A Century of Progress. In preparation for its opening, the Museum began collecting artifacts as early as 1929 to ensure it had the essential objects to tell the stories of science, technology and industry. Since then, the Museum has continuously expanded its collection, incorporating the latest artifacts that showcase groundbreaking advancements in science and innovation.