Couple taking a selfie in the Mindworks entrance

Visit Mindworks

Free and open to all, Mindworks is located on the first floor of 224 South Michigan Avenue, across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago and three blocks south of Cloud Gate (“the Bean”).

Hours and Admission 

Admission is free! Drop-in visits are welcome, but we encourage visitors to make reservations. For weekend visits, we strongly encourage reservations. 

Wednesday-Saturday: 11:00am-5:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm (June-August)
Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Book Your Visit

A visit to Mindworks lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many studies you’d like to take.

Special Events

Research assistants pose in birthday party hats

Mindworks 5th Anniversary Celebration

Join us July 22-26 as we celebrate the 5th birthday of Mindworks! All week long we'll be marking this milestone with treats, prizes, and birthday decor. Plus, each day will have a special event or promotion: 

  • Wednesday, July 22, 5-7:30pm - After-hours birthday party with treats from Sugar Bliss, raffling prizes from the Joffrey Ballet, and new research on human-robot interaction. (This event is currently sold out. Join the waitlist to be notified if space opens.)
  • Thursday, July 23 - Double points for Club Mindworks members (excludes Robot Builder Study)
  • Friday, July 24 - Plinko board with prizes donated by our local partners Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Italian Village, Flyover Chicago, Champions of Magic, Theater of the Mind, and more. 
  • Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26 - Family & friends weekend - Bring the family, take studies together, and bring home a Mindworks picnic blanket, cutlery set, or lunch bag.
  • All Week Long - take a study and get 10% off at Hero Coffee! 

Book your free visit today!

Mindworks 5th Anniversary Celebration

Planning Your Visit

Mindworks features eight interactive exhibits, six testing rooms, and an iPad testing area.

Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by one of our friendly staffers and given an introduction to Mindworks. 

During your visit, you'll learn about the fascinating field of behavioral science, including topics like goal-setting and motivation, thinking clearly about finances and risk, first impressions, and avoiding common decision-making pitfalls.

You can also support new scientific breakthroughs and earn prizes by participating in innovative research studies.

Schedule your free visit today!

Group Visits

School Groups

If you are a high school teacher, college professor, administrator, or student club leader, please visit our Resources for Educators page. 

Professional Groups

Behavioral science insights are revolutionizing fields like finance, public policy, health care, business, and countless others. Bring your colleagues to Mindworks for team-building, networking, professional development, and learn how to apply behavioral science in your workplace. 

  • Small groups (9 or fewer): please schedule a self-guided group visit via Acuity. Groups are welcome Wednesday-Friday, 11am-5pm. 
  • Large groups (10+ visitors): Please submit an inquiry to tell us about your group and start the conversation. Wednesdays and Thursdays are our preferred days for large group visits. Note: Mindworks has limited capacity for large group visits during June-September, but we will do our best to accommodate your group.

Building Accessibility

Mindworks is located on the first floor of 224 South Michigan Avenue. For wheelchair access, please use the building’s south entrance on Jackson, and enter Mindworks via our atrium entrance. This entrance is locked on the weekends, so please call our front desk at 773-795-4580 upon arrival to be escorted in. 

We are happy to ensure that accommodations are in place for your visit, so feel free to contact us with any questions or requests.

Mindworks is easily accessible via ‘L’ train (Adam/Wabash or Jackson stops), Metra (Van Buren station), bus, bike, or car.

Other Places to Visit

Mindworks is just one of the Loop's can't-miss destinations. Here are some other nearby museums, restaurants, and businesses to explore during your visit: 

Discover more things to do in Chicago!

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Stay Engaged with Us

Get information about upcoming events, programs, and behavioral science research from Mindworks.

Stay Engaged with Us

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