Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Illinois
Part of the allure of visiting the Museum of Science and Industry is the overwhelming nature of it all. One of my favorite exhibits was the display of rare aircraft in the museum, which covered the ceiling of one of the main rooms.
One of the rare planes at the museum is a Mark 1-A Spitfire. The Spitfire was single-handedly credited with winning the Battle of Britain, as these planes took to the skies to attack German bombers during World War II. Spitfires were built before, during, and after World War II for the British Air Force. The particular plane on display fought and survived the Battle of Britain. If you look at the side of the aircraft, you’ll notice that it has five swastikas, meaning that this plane was responsible for bringing down five German planes in combat. This plane probably had more than one pilot, but the aircraft itself would qualify to be an ace.
The museum also has a Ju 87 Stuka. The Stuka was a plane that caused more damage than any other plane to Allied troops during World War II. The Stuka on display was captured in Africa in 1941 and is one of only two Stukas that still exist today.
Not all rare aircraft in the museum were used in warfare. The Boeing 40B-2 on display delivered airmail between San Francisco and Chicago. The plane also carried a limited number of passengers. In 1927, a passenger could make the San Francisco to Chicago trip for $400.00, which is approximately $7,390.00 in 2025. This plane is one of only two that remain in existence; many of the original air freight planes crashed in service. A sign at the museum says that 43 out of 100 air mail pilots died in the first nine years of operation.
The museum also houses the Piccard Gondola, the first aircraft attached to a balloon that could provide pressurized air to a cabin at an altitude of 40,000 feet in 1931. The Piccard Gondola established multiple height records.
Today, many travelers take for granted the safety of air travel. Many travelers also take for granted that most of the world is not a war zone; it’s through these inventions and the brave people who developed them that we’ve been able to progress to where we are today. It’s great that the museum site in the industry has several of these crafts in one place, where we can appreciate them for the significant role they have played in our progress as a human race.