(Thirty) Nights at the Museum: New Contest From the Museum of Science and Industry


Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry is sponsoring a contest where one lucky winner will get unprecedented (unlimited?) access to the entire museum. The only catch? You have to agree to spend 30 days inside the museum, without leaving.

We’re looking for someone to take on a once-in-a-lifetime assignment: spend a Month at the Museum, to live and breathe science 24/7 for 30 days. From October 20 to November 18, 2010, this person’s mission will be to experience all the fun and education that fits in this historic 14-acre building, living here and reporting your experience to the outside world. There will be plenty of time to explore the Museum and its exhibits after hours, with access to rarely seen nooks and crannies of this 77-year-old institution.

The contest is called Month at the Museum, and the details on how to apply are here. In addition to getting to see parts of the museum that most people will likely never gain access to, you’ll also get some tech gear (laptop and a camera), as well as $10,000 cash.

And a pretty great story to tell your kids.

You know what? I’m actually, seriously considering applying for this. I feel like I’ve got the social media and tech-savvy requirements down. I like documenting things with photographs, and have been running a daily blog for going on seven years now. I’ve got a strong writing background (and enjoy doing it). And best of all, it sounds fascinating to me.

There are so many aspects to consider and think about: the ever present crowds during the day, and the constant throng of people. Are the lights going to be on at night, or will I be walking around in the dark with a flashlight? Will I ever be officially alone alone, or will there always be someone around (ie security guards). What about showers and laundry and cooking? Is it cool if I take the submarine for a test drive?

What do you think – would you want to do something like this, given the chance? Is this an awesome contest, or do you shudder at the idea of being stuck inside a building for a month? Once in a lifetime experience, or too much of an endurance contest?

[via BoingBoing]

This Post Has 9 Comments

  1. Dude! I heard about this on the news yesterday and seriously contemplated applying. It would be so fun…and what a unique experience!

    Marty J. Reply


  2. You should ABSOLUTELY sign up for this. Once in a lifetime, yes. And you’ve got a leg up on the competition because of your writing skills. You’re a shoe-in!

    Jane Reply


  3. Do it, Felix! You’d be a great choice!

    juliet Reply


  4. Go for it!, we’d love to hear your stories!!!

    sumi Reply


  5. I dunno, man. Have you seen the Night at the Museum movie series? There’s some freaky shit going down in those museums at night. I mean, sure—you would be a fantastic documentarian. But can you handle the thrills and chills of a haunted history museum full of ghostly Inuits and reanimated dinosaur bones? You’re a braver man than I.

    Chris Reply


  6. I know you’re joking, but this is something I’ve considered. For whatever reason, I imagine myself walking through various dark corridors, with a weak flashlight that’s on its last few minutes of juice.When the museum closes, I imagine myself left alone as the lights all loudly shut off, one by one by one.That, or maybe I’ll end up playing poker with the security guards every night.

    avoision Reply


  7. Did you apply yet? You absolutely should!

    Margaret Reply


  8. I haven’t started officially working on it yet, but it’s the next thing I’m focusing on. There’s a battery of things to complete for the application process, so I’ve got some work ahead of me. I’m pretty sure this is a national search, so I’m hoping all the requirements (60 second video, 500 word essay, etc) will scare away a bunch of contenders.

    avoision Reply


  9. You are perfect for this venture with excellent writing and photo skills. I am just as excited for you as your family. I just KNOW you will WIN. Myron and I have sent a request for VOTES to as many friends as possible. May God Bless.

    Stella Liu Reply


Leave A Reply