Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can transform our world.
Energy is everywhere — it’s even in you!
Powering the Future is Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s newest major permanent exhibit, exploring how energy shapes our everyday lives today and tomorrow.
Learn about where your electricity comes from and how we can build a sustainable future. From making easy swaps at home to community-based projects to global solutions, understand our energy present and future while enjoying hands-on interactives.
Powering the Future is included in General Admission. Renderings: Bridgewater Studio
State of the art interactives make this exhibit fun for all ages. Try your hand at designing a grid and figure out the best sources to power your city. Explore everyday choices you can make and see how these swaps can impact your home's efficiency. Learn about batteries and alternatives sources of power through artifacts including the 1923 Milburn Light Electric Automobile and a cutting-edge geothermal panel. The fan favorite Ice Wall returns with a thermal camera allowing you to visualize heat transfer.
Plus, turn your potential energy into kinetic energy by playing on a climbing structure or riding the much-anticipated ComEd Coil, featuring two spiral slides.
Powering the Future FAQs
The ComEd Coil encompasses two slides, an accessible one-story slide and a multi-story slide.
To enjoy either of our slides you will need to enter on the Balcony Level near the Green Stairs. The one-story slide exits on the Balcony Level and the multi-story slide exits on the Main Level.
Yes. Both slides have an age and height requirement of six years or older and over 44 in (111 cm) tall and under 350 lbs (159 kg).
Guests must be six or older and taller than 44 in (112 cm) and under 350 lbs (160 kg) to ride.
Loose clothing must be secured, and shoes are required (no high heels).
Only one rider at a time may use the slide.
Guests must slide feet-first only.
No large bags or selfie sticks are permitted, cubbies are available for storage in the stroller parking area.
Adult supervision is recommended.
No food or beverage.
The slides are not recommended for those who are pregnant or have a history of neck, back or heart problems.
Participating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. Ride at your own risk. The Museum assumes no liability.
The ComEd Coil is accessible by a lift on the Balcony Level. The one-story slide has an accessible transfer platform.
The recommended age for the climbing structure is between 5 and 12 years old. Adult supervision is recommended and there is a max capacity of 32 users. Loose clothing must be secured, and shoes are required (no high heels). We request that guests refrain from pushing, running or roughhousing and do not climb on the outside of the structure. Food and beverages are prohibited. Play at your own risk. The Museum assumes no liability.
Exhibit support
The exhibit is made possible by lead donor Exelon Foundation; presenting donor ComEd; contributing donors Nicor Gas and Invenergy; and donors CDW, Ecolab, JL Family Foundation, Argonne National Laboratory, Hemlock Semiconductor Operations, LLC, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hubbell Utility Solutions, and Enerdrape S.A.
