Ah summer, how I loathe you. No really, summer is definitely my least season. I seriously don’t understand why people love summer so much. Well, let me rephrase that. I don’t understand why adults love summer so much.

When you’re a kid/in school, sure summer is great because you get a three month break, but it’s not like adults get a “summer break.” You still have to go to work (unless you’re a teacher or a job that’s not year round). Maybe it’s because I prefer cooler weather but I just don’t get the appeal of summer. 

Regardless, one thing I DO enjoy about summer is all of the fun events that come to Chicago. The Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, countless Broadway shows, fun new exhibits. All of the activities going on throughout the city definitely help distract me from the fact that I dislike summer.

(And boy is there a lot to do in the city!).

One of the new exhibits to hit Chicago this summer is The Science Behind Pixar exhibit at The Museum of Science and Industry‎. The exhibit debuted at The Museum of Science and Industry‎ back in May but I JUST recently got the opportunity to check it out. (Darn my busy schedule!).

The outside of The Museum of Science and Industry‎ is adorably decorated with five Pixar characters: Sulley, Miguel, Buzz Lightyear, Joy and Mr. Incredible. (How cute?).

Although the exhibit is here in Chicago until January, for some reason the maps say May 24 – September 3?! My guess is that every couple months the character on the maps might change.

So maybe after September 3, Nemo will no longer be on the map but instead some other Pixar character.

This is just my theory…but if I’m right I’m definitely coming to have to come back and collect all the different maps!

So much Pixar!

Fun Fact: My high school prom was held in The Museum of Science and Industry‎! How cool is that?!

Due to its limited capacity, The Science Behind Pixar IS a timed-entry exhibit. Make sure to arrive at least 5 minutes prior to your entry time because there is short film played before you officially enter the exhibit. (It’s a cute behind the scenes Pixar video!).

As soon as you enter The Science Behind Pixar exhibit you’re met with a giant Buzz Lightyear. (Since everyone tends to gather in line to get a photo, I’d suggest you quickly surpass Buzz. Explore the rest of the exhibit and then come back and check out Buzz).

The wonderful thing about this exhibit is that it breaks down the science that goes into making a pixar film in a fun and captivating way. Even if you aren’t into science, or filmmaking, this exhibit does a wonderful job of showing exactly what it takes to make a Pixar film come to life.

My favorite thing about this exhibit is how hands on it is. After learning about the different animation processes like rigging, design and lighting, YOU get to test all those things out. 

How fun!

I never thought I’d be able to say that I got to “control the lighting options” on Up. Or design my own robot for WALL-E. 

There are a ton of fun “photo opps” featuring life-sized Pizar characters scattered throughout the two galleries of the exhibit. 

My personal favorite was Edna Mode!

Speaking of galleries, yes, The Science Behind Pixar exhibit is broken up into two different galleries. Once you enter the first gallery during your scheduled time, they mark your ticket. 

But don’t worry, you don’t have to rush. You can browse the first gallery for as long as you’d like. (It took me about a half hour to do everything in the first gallery).

BUT in order to enter gallery 2 you must have that “mark” on your ticket indicating you already entered gallery 1. (If that makes sense).

Me in a nutshell!

Also me!

A Bug’s Life is, and will forever be, my FAVORITE Pixar film. I’m not going to lie but I teared up a bit seeing some of the behind the scenes work that went into making the film. Gosh, what an underrated film!

They even had THE tree from A Bug’s Life! (Yet another “photo opp” where you could crawl under and stick your head up into the scene).

Of course no exhibit, a Disney/Pixar one no less, is complete with there being a gift shop conveniently located at the exit.

If you’re in the Chicago area any time between now and January 9, 2019, I HIGHLY recommend stopping by and checking out The Science Behind Pixar at The Museum of Science and Industry‎. Who wouldn’t want to discover the science and technology behind all their favorite Pixar films?