This week on DIBS presented by @chicago_history, we sit down with Dr. Voula Saridakis, head curator at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

In this episode, we cover:

• The museum’s origins at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and how it evolved into today’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
• What’s hidden behind the walls: 35,000+ artifacts, with only a fraction on public display.
• Stories behind iconic exhibits like the U-505 submarine, Apollo 8 command module, the coal mine, the Boeing 727, and the five-story tornado in Science Storms.
• How exhibits like The Great Train Story sneak in Easter eggs (yes, those superhero figurines are intentional).
• Annual traditions, including Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light, and the museum’s deep partnerships with Chicago’s neighborhoods.
• Preparing for new neighbors like the Obama Presidential Center and collaborating with institutions like the University of Chicago.
• The museum’s future: digitizing its collections, expanding access through VR/AR, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and dreamers.

Episode Resources:

• Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
• U-505 Submarine Exhibit Tickets

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Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman