Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry closed Wednesday to move military artifacts
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Museum of Science and Industry was closed on Wednesday while staff removed some military artifacts from its archives.
Wednesday's closing was initially attributed to "unplanned maintenance." Later, officials said the museum was relocating some military artifacts from its archives.
"Out of an abundance of caution, and to ensure proper and safe removal, we have specially trained military personnel as well as local officials onsite. The Museum decided to close to the public during the assessment and removal process," the museum said in a statement.
A museum spokeswoman told CBS 2 said the military items had not been on display, and are now in storage.
Anyone who purchased advance tickets will be refunded – or can call 773-684-1414 to book for another time.
The museum plans to reopen for normal hours on Thursday.
When the museum initially announced its plans to close for "unplanned maintenance," a few wisecrackers were quick to comment on a Facebook post before it was revealed that the reason was the relocation of military artifacts.
"U-boat's on the fritz—torpedoes won't fire. Pretty sure," a woman wrote.
"Did the tornado escape?" another woman wrote.
"Did the Boeing fly off? Or was the Zephyr running late?" one man wrote.
"I thought maybe the submarine sank…again," a woman wrote. Others were quick to point out that the U-505 German submarine never sank, hence why it still exists today – it was captured by the U.S. Navy in 1944 and was donated to the MSI 10 years later.
"The baby chicks took over the museum," another woman quipped.
The tornado mentioned in the comments in question is part of the Science Storms exhibit, where the MSI also points out the Tesla coil is temporarily offline for maintenance.
The United Airlines Boeing 727 is cantilevered on the East Balcony at the MSI for the "Take Flight" exhibit, which opened in 1994. The Pioneer Zephyr train has been part of the museum's collection since 1960, and the Baby Chick Hatchery has been on display since 1954 – none other than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II got to see it during her visit to Chicago in 1959.
What's happening now at the Museum of Science and Industry?
The MSI is now hosting "007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond" – the first-ever exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the iconic movie franchise.
Also on exhibition is "The Blue Paradox," an immersive exhibit taking visitors below the surface of the ocean to explore the impacts of plastic pollution.
The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition – which the MSI has hosted each year since 1970 – will be on display until Sunday, April 21.
At the Giant Dome Theater – formerly the Omnimax – "Dark Universe," "Michael Jordan to the Max," and "Tornado Alley" are showing through May 17.