Hours of Operation
Monday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Museum is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The Museum may close in extreme weather situations. Please call ahead and check the Museum's website and social media (Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter) in case of heavy snow or extreme cold in Chicago.
Museum Admission
Museum Map
The Museum has gone green! In order to save paper and trees, the Museum will no longer provide paper maps at the door. Download our Museum map before you arrive, or download our Museum app for iPhone and Android for our interactive, location-aware map.
Wifi
Need wifi to download our app or get the digital map?
| Login | Password |
| imss-guest | bones1524 |
Accessibility & Inclusion
The International Museum of Surgical Science is committed to welcoming all visitors, including those with diverse needs and abilities. The International Museum of Surgical Science does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or ability. As a museum that explores the history and science of medicine and surgery, we strive to make our exhibits and programs accessible to all types of learners.
A stroller and wheelchair-accessible entrance is located on the north side of the building, to the right of the main entrance on 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive. Please knock or call the front desk at 312-642-6502 to be let in. There are two ramps on the first floor and a manually grated elevator that goes to all four floors. Please check-in with the front desk attendant for elevator use instructions.
The Museum has three single-use, gender-neutral restrooms located on the 1st and 3rd floors. ADA-approved service animals are permitted.
If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility at the IMSS please contact us.
Photography and Videography
Photography for personal use only is allowed at the Museum (unless otherwise noted in a special exhibit). The Museum does not allow tripods, monopods, video equipment, or selfie sticks in the galleries. Photo shoots and filming must be cleared with Museum staff, and are subject to venue rental fees. Please contact the Museum for more information.
The International Museum of Surgical Science is located at:
1524 N. Lake Shore Drive - Chicago, IL 60610
Paid Parking options (Prices Vary)
The IMSS has no on-site parking. Ample discounted parking is available in 2 locations within a few minutes walk of the Museum. Retrieve a discounted validation voucher/stamp at the Museum box office to present to the parking attendant upon exiting the lot/ramp.
*Please note: the Museum cannot verify lot prices due to fluctuation. Most range between $9-$17. Please call lot directly for pricing information.
Public Parking Lot – Behind the Chicago History Museum located at Clark and LaSalle Streets, Chicago, IL 60614; entrance on Stockton Drive. 773.549.3145.
Public Parking Lot – In the condominium building at 1350 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60610; entrance on E. Banks Street. 312.337.1350.
Spot Hero: For alternate parking options we recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero. To reserve your parking spot, visit the International Museum of Surgical Science Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.
New to SpotHero? Click here to download the SpotHero app.
The Museum is easily accessible by bus or train:
The CTA bus #151 stops at North Avenue, half a block north of the Museum.
From the Clark/Division stop of the Red Line elevated train walk east on Division until you reach Lake Shore Drive. Turn north and walk a few blocks to the Museum.
From the Sedgwick stop of the Brown Line and Purple Line Express elevated train, walk east on North Avenue until you reach Lake Shore Drive. Turn south and walk a block to the Museum.
For train and bus schedules call the CTA at 312-836-7000.
Going NORTH on Lake Shore Drive: Exit at the LaSalle/North Ave. Exit. Take a left off the ramp. Take another left onto Southbound Local Lake Shore Drive. The Museum is on the first block, on the right.
Going SOUTH on Lake Shore Drive: Exit at the LaSalle/North Ave. Exit. From the ramp go straight through the light onto the Southbound Local Lake Shore Drive. The Museum is on the first block, on the right.
From the Kennedy Expressway: Exit at the North Ave Exit. Travel east on North Ave. Turn right on State Street. Turn left on Burton. Burton ends at Lake Shore Drive, turn left. The Museum is on the first block on the left.
From the Dan Ryan: Take the Dan Ryan North to the Kennedy Expressway. Exit at North Ave. Travel east on North Ave. Turn right on State Street. Turn left on Burton. Burton ends at Lake Shore Drive, turn left. The Museum is on the first block on the left.
Parking
Mobile App
The International Museum of Surgical Science has partnered with Encurate Mobile Technology to create the Museum’s first mobile experience. Our mobile app includes an interactive map, self-guided tours using beacon technology, and exclusive content, including the history of Eleanor Robinson Countiss, the first resident of the Museum's land marked lakefront mansion.
Accommodations
10% off the best available rate at the Ambassador Hotel
For groups of 10 or more, contact Jenna Haymond at jhaymond@ambassadorchicago.com for discounts and availability
