Popular Chicago museum reveals why it was closed Wednesday – NBC Chicago

While many Illinois students are out of school over spring break and heading to Chicago museums to enjoy their days off, one iconic venue was unexpectedly closed for ‘unscheduled museum maintenance’ .

A statement from the Museum of Science and Industry announced the closure and added that it would be open Thursday during “normal spring break operating hours.”

A subsequent announcement from the museum clarified the reason for the closure.

“Today, MSI is transferring certain military artifacts from the museum’s archives. Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure safe and appropriate removal, we have specially trained military personnel and local officials on site. The museum has decided to close to the public. during the evaluation and referral process,” the statement said.

The museum said later Wednesday that the move was complete and the museum would reopen as planned.

According to the website, MSI had been operating on extended “spring break hours” since Monday through Thursday, opening at 9:30 a.m. and closing at 5:30 p.m. Normal museum hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. are expected to resume Monday, April 8, the website indicates.

On April 21, the museum will offer one day of free admission for Illinois residents.

More information on Wednesday’s unscheduled closure can be found here.