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Mindworks is the premier destination for anyone interested in learning more about the human psyche. Free, open to the public, and located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Mindworks space is the first of its kind in the world.

With the help of engaging, interactive exhibits, we tell the story of behavioral science in a way that’ll captivate everyone, from middle schoolers to those in middle age. In doing so, we’re sharing scientific insights into human behavior in order to help people understand and improve their lives.

Our exhibits explain psychological ideas and concepts through hands-on interactions that explore a range of ways in which the human mind is very good at fooling itself. From risk tolerance and loss aversion to visual illusions and choice architecture, the exhibits demonstrate findings that were produced through research exactly like the studies scientists conduct at Mindworks.

Our hope is that visitors to Mindworks also choose to participate in studies to help fuel the next great scientific discovery about human behavior. Schedule a time to visit Mindworks for an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Richard H. Thaler

“Come to Mindworks if you enjoy thinking, learning, helping create science, and having fun. If you don’t like any of those things, well, you don’t know what you are missing!”
—Richard H. Thaler, Charles R. Walgreen Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Economics

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Are You a Risk Taker?

Every day we make choices that involve risks and rewards. How can we better understand the ways our minds process these trade-offs?

Are You a Risk Taker?

Explore More Mindworks Exhibits

The exhibits at Mindworks ask visitors to reflect on their values, beliefs, and thought processes in a variety of scenarios, and offer ways to understand and avoid some of the predictable errors we all make. The exhibits explore questions such as: What do first impressions tell us about others and ourselves? How can you better understand and learn from things you failed to do? Why do we so often make choices that are not aligned with our goals—and how can we realign them?

Make Your Reservation Now

In addition to interactive exhibits, Mindworks features six testing rooms, each suitable for one to eight people, along with an iPad testing area. A beautiful space in the heart of Chicago’s cultural corridor, Mindworks is free and welcomes everyone—from Chicagoland residents to visitors from around the world.
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Get information about upcoming events, programs, and behavioral science research from Mindworks.

Stay Engaged with Us