Mindworks Frequently Asked Questions

The Roman Family Center for Decision Research is a dynamic community of behavioral scientists who examine the processes by which intuition, reasoning, and social interaction produce beliefs, judgments, and choices. As part of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Center is home to faculty whose accolades include the Nobel Prize and the MacArthur Fellowship.

Mindworks is operated by the Roman Family Center for Decision Research, part of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Mindworks is operated by the Roman Family Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and is home to the center's PIMCO Decision Research Laboratories, named in honor of a generous philanthropic gift from PIMCO. As academic researchers at the University of Chicago, we operate in compliance with the university’s Institutional Review Board. Our academic research is 100% independent. Our data is anonymized and used solely for academic research and publication in peer-reviewed journals, and is never shared with third parties or otherwise disseminated.

Wednesday-Sunday: 11:00am-5:00pm
Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Admission is free, and the space is open to the public.

Mindworks is located on the first floor of 224 South Michigan Avenue at the corner of Jackson and Michigan in the Loop. Mindworks is easily accessible via ‘L’ train (Adams/Wabash or Jackson stops), Metra (Van Buren station), bus, bike, or car.

There are more than 10,000 parking spaces within two blocks of the building, including more than 1,300 spaces at the adjacent Grant Park South Garage.

Our behavioral science studies explore judgment and decision-making with surveys, games, and interactions. Some studies ask you to fill out a questionnaire on a tablet or computer, while others are interactive and ask you to talk with another person. We do our best to make studies fun, engaging, intellectually stimulating, and safe.

By participating in studies, you play an invaluable role in helping scientists better understand human decision-making. But that’s not all! You can also earn prizes by participating in research.

We encourage all visitors to try a study during their visit, but participation is completely voluntary and optional.

All visitors ages 18 and up can participate in studies for which they’re eligible. For studies that seek participants younger than 18, minors are eligible if a parent or guardian provides permission.

Club Mindworks is a free membership rewards program for Chicago-area residents and frequent visitors.  

While many visitors come to explore our interactive exhibits, Club Mindworks members return to the lab regularly to participate in studies. Not only may Club Mindworks members choose incentives from our prize wall, they can also earn gift cards to use at more than 100 businesses or charitable organizations.

By participating in research, members play a crucial role in expanding the science of judgment and decision-making. Plus, Club Mindworks members enjoy special VIP perks like early access to new studies, invitations to members-only events, and more.

Learn more or join the mailing list for club members. 

Mindworks is not designed as a children’s museum, although people of all ages are welcome. Children under the age of 12 may find some of the exhibits challenging to understand and will benefit from having a parent or guardian help explain the content.

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible individual 18 years or older. 

As academic researchers at the University of Chicago, we take great care to ensure the data privacy of all participants. Participant data and study responses are confidential and anonymous. Your anonymized responses will be used to help UChicago researchers advance their vital work in behavioral science and may be used in academic publications. Your data will never be shared with third parties or otherwise disseminated.

Participants earn points which can be redeemed at the front desk for prizes, such as apparel, books, games, and more.

Members of Club Mindworks, our member rewards program for frequent visitors, may also exchange their points for gift cards. 

Finally, if you are interested in paid study opportunities, please visit our Virtual Lab, which pays in Amazon e-gift cards at a rate of $12/hour.

Researchers are constantly running new experiments in Mindworks. Our staff will describe which ones are available on the day of your visit.

A visit to Mindworks takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on whether you participate in a study.

Mindworks is a self-guided experience, but our friendly research assistants are available to enhance your visit and answer any questions you may have. 

Spanish language tours are available on a limited basis. Please email mindworks@chicagobooth.edu to inquire. 

Absolutely. In the exhibit space, you are welcome to take photos and share them on social media. (Don’t forget to tag us @mindworkschicago on Instagram!) Photography is not allowed in the testing rooms and while taking part in any studies.

Mindworks is currently welcoming college classes and clubs and professional groups for group visits.  

• Small groups (10 or fewer): please schedule a self-guided group visit. Groups are welcome Wednesday-Friday, 11am-5pm. 
• Large groups (10+ visitors): Wednesdays and Thursdays are our preferred days for large group visits. Please submit an inquiry to tell us about your group and start the conversation. 

We strive to make Mindworks a welcoming environment for all visitors. Exhibit signage is in English, so we offer written translation guides in Spanish, Mandarin, French, and Vietnamese. Front desk staff can provide these resources upon request. 

Spanish language tours are available on a limited basis. Please email mindworks@chicagobooth.edu to inquire.

Proof of vaccination is no longer required to visit Mindworks. 

Beginning March 4, 2022, masks are recommended but not required.  

Visitors who are not feeling well for any reason or (a) have any COVID-19 symptoms, (b) have had a positive COVID-19 test in the past 14 days, and/or (c) have had close contact with anyone with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 should not visit Mindworks. In such cases, visitors are asked to postpone their visit for another day.

Visitors may consume drinks at Mindworks, as long as they have a lid. Consuming food at Mindworks is not permitted. 

Service animals (as defined by the ADA) are welcome at Mindworks, but no pets, please.

Mindworks is always looking for curious and friendly research participants. For even more opportunities, visit our Get Involved page or contact us.

Mark Temelko, director of operations and external relations, the Roman Family Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Marielle Sainvilus, director of public relations and communications, University of Chicago Booth School of Business