WITH MORE THAN 14 MILLION VISITORS IN 2011

CHICAGO – Jan. 26, 2012 – Despite a still-struggling economy, Chicago-area museum and zoo attendance remained steady in 2011, and several institutions saw a significant increase in numbers.

The 10 museums that comprise Museums In the Park (MIP) collaborate with four additional organizations on the Museums Work for Chicago public awareness campaign. Overall attendance at the 14 institutions in 2011 was 14.4 million, virtually the same as 2010.

“The numbers show that Chicagoans and visitors alike know they can count on our museums and zoos for a terrific experience,” said Gary T. Johnson, president of the Chicago History Museum and president of Museums In the Park.

Some institutions experienced an increase in attendance, including Adler Planetarium (4 percent), Field Museum (5 percent), Museum of Science and Industry (6 percent), Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (6 percent), John G. Shedd Aquarium (3 percent), Chicago Children’s Museum (5 percent), and Chicago Botanic Garden (5 percent). New exhibits at those institutions contributed to the bump in attendance.

“We are excited that for the second consecutive year we grew our attendance by 6 percent,” said Deborah Lahey, President and CEO of The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. “In 2011, we were especially proud to open Nature Trails, our first outdoor exhibition. Nature Trails is a one-third mile trail just outside our doors that showcases the lush vegetation and the abundant local flora and fauna found in our urban ecosystem. Whether inside our walls or outside, we look forward to continuing to nurture positive relationships between our guests and the nature that surrounds us, right here in the city.”

The number of school and youth group visitors also remained stable compared to 2010, with nearly 1.6 million children and teens visiting the 14 institutions through field trips and outings.

“We’re pleased that so many guests are able to explore science with us,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry. “There are so many dynamic experiences happening at MSI every day, from award-winning exhibits like Science Storms to hands-on, live science. We’re also thrilled that for the third year in a row we have hosted the most students on field trips of any Chicago museum, with more than 351,000 students visiting in 2011. We hope that these kids have been inspired to look at science in a new way, and maybe even one day pursue science for their careers.”

MIP institutions that welcomed the largest numbers of visitors include John G. Shedd Aquarium (more than 2.1 million visitors); the Museum of Science and Industry (more than 1.5 million visitors); the Art Institute of Chicago (more than 1.4 million visitors); and the Field Museum (more than 1.2 million visitors). Within the partner organizations, Lincoln Park Zoo attracted the most visitors, with an estimated steady attendance of 3 million; Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo reported attendance of more than 2.1 million visitors; and Chicago Botanic Garden had record attendance with more than 953,000 visitors.

“Our members and visitors have come to rely on the Chicago Botanic Garden as a place to enjoy and gain knowledge, a respite from a busy day or a place to find comfort and peace,” said Sophia Siskel, President and CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden. “We believe that people live healthier, better and more satisfying lives when they can create, care for and enjoy a garden. Demand for the Garden has never been stronger and our relevance and impact have never been greater.”

Museums Work for Chicago was formed to highlight the contributions these 14 institutions make to the region and to raise public awareness of their important economic and educational benefits to the city, region and state.

The 14 Museums Work For Chicago museums and zoos are: Adler Planetarium, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago History Museum, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, DuSable Museum of African American History, The Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry, National Museum of Mexican Art, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and John G. Shedd Aquarium.

The Museums In the Park acknowledge the generous support of the Chicago Park District and the people of Chicago.

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More than 14 Million Visitors Trekked Through 14 Chicago-Area Institutions

CHICAGO – Jan. 25, 2011 – In 2010, more than 1.58 million children and teens got to enjoy 14 Chicago-area cultural institutions through school and youth group visits, an overall increase of 5 percent over the previous year.

“It’s gratifying that teachers and youth leaders increasingly recognize the value of exposing children to the rich and diverse offerings of our local institutions,” said Gary T. Johnson, president of the Chicago History Museum and president of Museums In the Park. “These students got to experience real science, culture, art and animal observation in fun and engaging ways outside of the classroom.”

The 10 museums that comprise Museums In the Park (MIP) collaborate with four additional organizations on the Museums Work for Chicago public awareness campaign. Overall attendance at the 14 institutions dropped slightly to 14.4 million, a decrease of 3 percent over 2009. Johnson attributes this to the normal ebbs and flows that museums experience due to the weather, the economy and exhibits opening and closing.

“From year to year some numbers go up and some go down, but despite challenges, including a sluggish economy, Chicago-area museums and zoos have continued to attract an impressive and stable number of visitors from Chicagoland and around the world,” said Johnson, who also chairs the Museums Work for Chicago campaign. “It’s rewarding that people recognize the value we provide.”

MIP institutions that saw the largest numbers of visitors include John G. Shedd Aquarium (more than 2 million visitors); the Art Institute of Chicago (1.6 million visitors); the Museum of Science and Industry (more than 1.4 million visitors) and the Field Museum (more than 1.2 million visitors). Within the partner organizations, Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free, attracted the most visitors, with an estimated steady attendance of 3 million; Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo reported a 2 percent increase in attendance with more than 2.2 million visitors; and Chicago Botanic Garden had record attendance with more than 900,000 visitors.

Museums Work for Chicago was formed to highlight the contributions these 14 institutions make to the region and to raise public awareness of their important economic and educational benefits to the city, region and state.

The 14 Museums Work For Chicago museums and zoos are: Adler Planetarium, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago History Museum, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, DuSable Museum of African American History, The Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry, National Museum of Mexican Art, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and John G. Shedd Aquarium.

The Museums In the Park acknowledge the generous support of the Chicago Park District and the people of Chicago.

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MUSEUMS and ZOOS DESPITE RECESSION

Public utilizing benefits and value offered by world-class organizations

involved in Museums Work for Chicago campaign

CHICAGO – Jan. 27, 2010 – During difficult economic times, people often turn to community anchors, including museums and zoos, as a resource for family fun and educational experiences. That certainly occurred in 2009, when 14.8 million people visited 14 Chicago-area museums and zoos, reflecting a 7 percent increase in attendance over 2008.

The 14 museums and zoos collaborating on the Museums Work for Chicago public awareness campaign include the 10 museums that comprise Museums In the Park (MIP) plus partnering organizations Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo. The collaboration formed to showcase the contributions museums and zoos make to the region and to raise public awareness of how they contribute economically and educationally to city, metropolitan area and state residents.

Overall attendance at the 10 MIP organizations totaled 8.3 million in 2009, a 9 percent increase over 2008. The John G. Shedd Aquarium remained the highest attended organization with 1.9 million visitors. The Art Institute of Chicago, which opened its Modern Wing last May and experienced a 32 percent increase, drew 1.8 million visitors, and the Museum of Science and Industry rounded out the top three with 1.6 million visitors.

Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free, led the way for the partner organizations with an estimated attendance of 3 million, and Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo followed with near-record attendance of 2.2 million in its 75^th anniversary year. Attendance at the four partner museums and zoos was a combined 6.5 million in 2009, up 4 percent from 2008.

“We are encouraged that, even in these tough economic times, the attendance gains demonstrate that families see the incredible value that Chicago’s world-class museums and zoos offer,” said Gary T. Johnson, president of the Chicago History Museum and president of Museums In the Park. “When times are tough, people want to connect with something that matters in life. Our strong attendance numbers show that museums are meeting that need. In addition to offering fun, engaging and educational experiences for visitors, our museums and zoos are key economic engines, generating jobs and tax revenues that are vital to growing our economy.”

Free-day visits at the 14 museums and zoos showed a significant gain – up 24 percent in 2009, with more than 1.4 million people taking advantage of free-day programming. More than 1.5 million students visited the museums and zoos in 2009, 88 percent of whom visited free of charge. Johnson said Chicago’s 14 world-class organizations are continually offering new opportunities for students to benefit from the extensive educational resources museums provide through web-based programs, remote learning labs, teacher training and other offerings designed to advance classroom learning.

“We invest heavily in providing educational opportunities for students, and we are an increasingly important educational resource to people in the Chicago area as well as in Illinois and to visitors from around the world,” said Johnson, adding that museums and zoos continue to offer unrivaled exhibitions and programs despite working to do more with shrinking budgets. “Every organization has made very difficult budget decisions in the last two years, but our goal remains to provide visitors with extraordinary, quality experiences.”

The 14 Museums Work For Chicago museums and zoos are: Adler Planetarium, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago History Museum, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, DuSable Museum of African American History, The Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry, National Museum of Mexican Art, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and John G. Shedd Aquarium.

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For more information, contact: Rebecca Schejbal, 312-447-0460

2008 MUSEUMS IN THE PARK ATTENDANCE FIGURES

Museums Report Only a Slight Decrease Even in Difficult Economic Times

CHICAGO (January 27, 2008) – With a combined attendance of nearly 7.7 million, Chicago’s 10 world-class cultural attractions known as the Museums In the Park (MIP) report only a minor decrease in 2008 attendance – down only 1 percent from 7.8 million in 2007.  The John G. Shedd Aquarium maintains its position in the top spot with nearly 1.9 million visitors, followed by Museum of Science and Industry at 1.4 million and The Art Institute at nearly 1.4 million.

“When you look at what people are facing in a difficult economy, it is a relief to see that support for Chicago’s museums still remains strong.  When adults and families are reviewing their budgets, they are still appreciating the value they get when they visit Chicago’s rich cultural treasures.  Few cities in the world have such a diverse array of educational offerings.  The experiences people have when they visit one of these great attractions create memories that will last a lifetime,” said Chicago History Museum President and MIP President Gary T. Johnson.

Showing a tremendous increase in overall attendance this year was the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum at 300,000 up 46% from 2007.  The museum attributes much of its increase to the popular exhibition Lawn Nation. The second largest attendance increase was by the Chicago History Museum which was at 266,000 up 32% from 2007.  Having a major impact on its attendance was the critically-acclaimed fashion exhibition Chic Chicago.  The Museum of Science and Industry was down 15% which is attributed to having three major temporary exhibits in 2007, including Body Worlds II and Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination.  The Adler Planetarium, Art Institute, DuSable Museum, Field Museum and National Museum of Mexican Art all had notable increases in attendance in 2008.

“It is great to see such significant increases in some of the mid-sized museums.  It shows that local visitors are taking time to experience all that Chicago has to offer,” said Johnson.

For the third year in a row, school group attendance figures are on the rise.  In 2008, more than 1.16 school children visited a MIP museum – up by 2% from 2007.  Free-day visitation has also shown a significant gain – up 15% in 2008, with more than one million visitors taking advantage of the MIP free-day programs.

“The museums have worked hard to remain accessible by promoting their free day programs and by doing additional outreach to increase school group visitation,” said Johnson.  “Over the years, the 10 museums have developed strong partnerships with the Chicago Public Schools and have helped the schools to use the museum resources as part of their curriculum,” he added.

The MIP museums will be hosting a variety of new programs and exhibitions in 2009.  The Art Institute will be unveiling its highly anticipated new modern wing, Shedd will reopen The Oceanarium, its popular marine mammal pavilion, and the Museum of Science and Industry will be hosting the world premier Harry Potter: The Exhibition in the spring.  See below for a complete list.

“Each museum’s schedule of exhibitions and events in 2009 is worth seeing and experiencing first-hand.  Staying in Chicago and exploring the museums is a cost-effective way to spend time with family and friends,” said Johnson.

2009 Museums In the Park Offerings

The Adler Planetarium will present new space and 3-D shows and a major new exhibition to celebrate the 2009 International Year of Astronomy which kicks-off in March.

The Art Institute of Chicago opens The Modern Wing on May 16.

In February, the Chicago History Museum will kick off the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial celebration with a year’s worth of special events and exhibitions.

In May, the Museum of Contemporary Art presents the first U.S. full-scale survey of the work of Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson in the exhibition Take your time: Olafur Eliasson.

The Museum of Science and Industry will host the world premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition which opens in April.

The DuSable Museum of African American History will celebrate the 35^th anniversary of the DuSable Museum Arts and Crafts Festival in July.

The National Museum of Mexican Art will continue its new show Miradas: Mexican Art from the Bank of America Collection, which opened on January 23.

In February, The Field Museum will unveil a treasure trove in the new exhibition Real Pirates: The Untold Story of Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship.

Outdoor elements from the popular Lawn Nation will return at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum this summer.

The Oceanarium, the John G. Shedd Aquarium’s popular marine mammal pavilion and home to dolphins, whales, sea lions, sea otters, penguins and more, will reopen in early summer 2009.

About Museums In the Park

MIP is an association of Chicago museums located on Chicago Park District property.  MIP members are the Adler Planetarium, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, DuSable Museum of African American History, The Field Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry, National Museum of Mexican Art, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.

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Museum Exhibits Make It Fun – and Economical – to Spend Summer in the City

CHICAGO – Are sky-high gas prices threatening your family’s summer vacation plans? Lucky for you there are 10 world-class museums right here in Chicago – all of which offer fascinating, family-friendly exhibits and events all summer long. Keep your family entertained and your budget under control by taking your summer vacation in your own hometown. Visit these must-see summer exhibits:

ADLER PLANETARIUM
312.922.STAR
www.adlerplanetarium.org

Collisions
Opening June 6

Cosmic Collisions is a breathtaking new space show narrated by award-winning actor, director and producer Robert Redford. A spectacular immersive theater experience, Cosmic Collisions launches visitors on a thrilling trip through space and time-well beyond the calm face of the night sky-to explore cosmic collisions, hypersonic impacts that drive the dynamic and continuing evolution of the Universe. Groundbreaking scientific simulations and visualizations based on cutting-edge research developed by astrophysicists, scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other international colleagues-many seen for the first time-depict the dramatic and explosive encounters that shaped our Solar System, changed the course of life on Earth and continue to transform our galaxy. The new show explores the full range of space collisions, past, present and future.

The Adler Planetarium is free June 15-20.

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
312.443.3600
www.artinstituteofchicago.org

Warm summer days and school vacation breaks are perfect partners for family fun at the Art Institute of Chicago! To begin your adventure, stop by the Kraft Education Center for art-making workshops, gallery tours, the Thorne Miniature Rooms, and the special exhibitions BIGsmall and Improvisations: Picture Books by Chris Raschka. Kids of all ages are also invited to explore the African continent this summer with the “Passport to Africa” series-which features a variety of eye-opening art, lively music, and dynamic performances from across sub-Saharan Africa. Included in this celebration is the major exhibition Benin-Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria, which begins July 10 and includes more than 220 royal sculptures and ancient artifacts from the Benin Kingdom of Nigeria. And don’t forget: Target Free Summer Evenings means more fun times for everyone! For a complete schedule of events and exhibitions, check out the Art Institute Web site: www.artinstituteofchicago.org.

Beginning May 29 and throughout June, July, and August, the Art Institute will offer extended hours – until 9:00 p.m. – on Thursdays and Fridays, with free admission after 5:00 p.m. on those evenings. Children under 12 always receive free admission to the museum.

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
312.642.4600
www.chicagohistory.org

Sensing Chicago
Ongoing

History is beautiful, noisy, rough, stinky, and delicious. In this gallery, children use their five senses to explore Chicago, uncover its past, and discover that history is all around them. The Konen Family Children’s Gallery invites families to ride a high-wheel bicycle, hear the Great Chicago Fire, catch a fly ball at Comiskey Park, smell the city’s past, and be a Chicago-style hot dog. The Chicago History Museum is free every Monday. Children under 12 admitted free every day.

DUSABLE MUSEUM
773.947.0600
www.dusablemuseum.org

Children’s Penny Cinema Series
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, July through August 2008
10:30 a.m.

Children ages 2 through 13 are invited to see a different educational and entertaining film each day. After each screening, children also receive a FREE BOOK so that they may keep themselves entertained after leaving the Museum. The more days the child attends, the more FREE books they receive. Adults must be accompanied by a child to attend. Admission is one penny per child. The DuSable Museum is free every Sunday. Children under 6 admitted free every day.

FIELD MUSEUM
312. 922.9410
www.fieldmuseum.org

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids
Open through September 1, 2008

Since the dawn of time, creatures of the unknown have fascinated cultures the world over. From medieval fire-breathing dragons to the magical powers of the unicorn, mythic creatures have captured the imagination. Now, examine the legend and the science behind some of the most fascinating creatures ever
invented. Enter the fabled world of dragons, journey to the depths of the ocean and soar above the clouds to uncover the origins of the powerful, dangerous and magical beings that have been a part of the human experience for thousands of years. Preserved specimens, cultural artifacts and works of art highlight the surprising similarities and differences in the way people around the world have envisioned these myths. Today, mythic creatures continue to live on in the everyday lives of many cultures – and now they live at The Field Museum.

The Field Museum is free the second Monday of each month.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
312.397.4010
www.mcachicago.org

Family Fun on the Plaza
Tuesdays and Saturdays, July 1- August 26, 1-3 p.m.

Whether dropping by for 15 minutes or staying for two hours, families will enjoy these outdoor workshops on the MCA plaza. Drawing inspiration from the Museum’s summer exhibitions, children and adults of all ages experiment with different media and learn more about the MCA’s featured artists under the Chicago summer sun. Activities recommended for children 5 and up. No registration necessary.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is free every Tuesday. Children under 12 admitted free every day.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
773.684.1414
www.msichicago.org

The Glass Experience
Through September 1

This exhibit reveals the stunning beauty and amazing craftsmanship that is the world of glass! In the Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass Show, watch as the nation’s finest master glass artists blow 2300-degree molten glass into works of art each day. Guests of all ages have the opportunity to submit their own sketches and watch as they become cool glass sculptures. Watch and interact with artisans from Botti Studios working on dazzling stained glass pieces. Along the way, view master works of glass from artists such as Dale Chihuly, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Frank Lloyd Wright as you also learn how the art, science and technology of glass influence our culture, lifestyle and economy in a multitude of ways. The Glass Experience requires a timed-entry ticket and is open every day through September 1.

In honor of its 75th Anniversary, the Museum will be free June 17 – 22 with special celebrations and activities from June 19 – 22.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART
312.738.1503
www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org

Family Sundays: Personal Journeys
July 27 and August 24, 2-4 p.m.

Share your family’s personal stories describing how you or your ancestors arrived to the United States by creating a three-dimensional project that will discuss migration.

Admission is FREE every day.

THE PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM
773.755.5100
www.naturemuseum.org

Lawn Nation: Art and Science of the American Lawn
May 23 – September 7

Explore America’s love-hate relationship with turf grass from three different perspectives: history, impact and alternatives. Examine the lawn through a variety of media and installations, including audio narratives, documentary video projects, flat shows, outdoor lawn art, and outdoor public events.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is free every Thursday.

JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM
312.949.2438
www.sheddaquarium.org

Lizards and the Komodo King
Through September 2

During the hot summer days, chill out at Shedd with the cold-blooded reptiles of Lizards and the Komodo King. From snakelike glass lizards to stocky Gila monsters, geckos that can curl up on a quarter to monitor lizards as long as a canoe, lizards come in a wild variety of shapes and sizes. The exhibit even includes the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon! Stop by to salute Shedd’s reigning lizard king – Faust, the 8-foot long, 180-pound Komodo dragon – and the rest of the scale-y stars as they prepare to say goodbye to the Windy City when the exhibit closes on Sept. 2.

Shedd Aquarium is offering free general admission from June 15-20 as part of its Community Discount Day program, sponsored by the Ford Motor Company.

Museums In the Park (MIP) is a coalition of Chicago museums located on Chicago Park District property. MIP members are Adler Planetarium, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, DuSable Museum of African American History, The Field Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry, National Museum of Mexican Art, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and John G. Shedd Aquarium.