Museum of Science and Industry

YOU! The Experience

Now open

© 2009 Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago – All rights reserved

YOU! The Experience, a dramatic and unprecedented 15,000-square-foot exhibit, is a celebration of the body, mind and spirit that explores our personal health and well being. The exhibit showcases the extraordinary workings of our bodies, the choices we make, the environment in which we live, and the role of medical technology. It opens October 8, 2009 as a permanent experience at the Museum of Science and Industry, in the newly created Abbott Hall—named for the global health care company and exhibit donor.

"This exhibit is unique because it is real and personal," said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry. It doesn’t just delve into human anatomy and stop there; it speaks to the total human experience — who we are as human beings, why we think and behave the way we do and how we can empower ourselves to take better care of our minds and bodies. And it does all of this in a fun, inspiring, cutting-edge and provocative way."

Whether trying out a few moves in virtual basketball, or playing Mindball, a game in which the more relaxed player wins, guests will see themselves and their health choices in new, fun and provocative ways. In addition, the exhibit will bring together cutting-edge technologies never before seen in a Museum setting as well as an impressive array of authentic human specimens.

YOU! The Experience will feature a stunning new interpretation of the Museum’s iconic "heart" that can actually beat in time with a guest’s own heart. The 13-foot tall Giant Heart, created using state-of-the-art HD digital imagery, will be able to beat in time with a guest’s pulse. Additionally, seamless front and rear digital projection will allow guests to explore views of the exterior as well as the interior workings of this fascinating organ.

In addition, the Museum will be the first museum in the world to have a Human Patient Simulator, nicknamed iStan® (for "Standard Man"). This computer-controlled, full-sized mannequin is used to train today’s medical students— but in the exhibit, guests will be able to diagnose and treat highly realistic medical conditions using this amazing technology.

Other examples of the more than 50 interactive stations within the 15,000-square-foot exhibit include:

Face Your Future—Take the opportunity to watch your face age 20 – 50 years based upon your lifestyle choices and habits.

Get in the Action—A virtual coach helps you learn some hip-hop dance, basketball or tai chi moves. See your silhouette on a giant screen as you join in the fun; follow your own movements in real time as your silhouette leaves spectacular color trails on the screen.

Seeing with Sound—With eyes closed, use echolocation to try to distinguish among different materials using only the sounds that bounce back to you. The exhibit also highlights the story of blind bicyclists who use this technique to navigate their surroundings while riding over rough terrain.

Hamster Wheel—The human-sized "hamster wheel" will get you moving and provide real-time feedback on your body’s responses to aerobic activity.

Vein Viewer™—See the blood pulsing through your veins via an infrared camera.

Interactive Prosthetic Arm—An authentic prosthetic hand and arm will amaze you as you control the device with your own hand and arm. The prosthetic works via electrodes that detect the nerve signals that control muscle movement.

This exhibit is included in general admission and free to CityPass holders. For details please visit the Museum of Science and Industry Web site.