Calling all movie buffs, science enthusiasts, and aspiring secret agents — your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to visit the 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Open through April 6, 2025, this must-see James Bond exhibit dives deep into the science and technology behind one of the world's longest-running movie franchises. Packed with dazzling props, cutting-edge gadgets, and interactive activities, this is your chance to uncover the secrets of Bond's thrilling cinematic universe.
Behind the Bond Legacy
For more than six decades, James Bond has captivated audiences as the world's most famous secret agent. First introduced in Dr. No (1962), the franchise has spanned 25 films, with actors such as Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig bringing 007 to life. The films are renowned for their thrilling stunts, futuristic technology, and iconic gadgets that often blur the line between fiction and reality.
At the 007 Science exhibit, you'll discover how Bond's production teams have used real-world science and engineering to create cinematic magic. From gadgets inspired by real-world innovations to stunts that pushed the boundaries of physics, this exhibit showcases how the franchise combines imagination with cutting-edge technology.
Innovative Artifacts from the 007 Universe
Step into the world of MI6 and explore more than 90 authentic props and gadgets from Bond's adventures. Bond's gadgets are more than props — they're marvels of creativity and engineering. Prop in the exhibit include:
- Jetpack Prototype from Thunderball: The futuristic jetpack from Thunderball wasn't just movie magic — real experiments inspired it in personal flight. You'll also see the modern Gravity Industries Jet Suit, showcasing how Bond's tech often predicts real-world advancements.
- Exploding Alarm Clock & Bombardier Lipstick: Everyday objects become ingenious spy tools in Bond's world. These items demonstrate how the films creatively transform the mundane into the extraordinary.
- Poison-Tipped Dagger Shoes: Made famous in From Russia with Love, these deadly shoes added tension to one of Bond's most iconic confrontations. Their design reflects the franchise's blend of menace and elegance.
Iconic Vehicles Showcased
No Bond adventure is complete without jaw-dropping rides. The exhibit features 13 iconic vehicles that showcase both real-world science and Hollywood flair.
- Aston Martin DB5: The ultimate spy car, the DB5 debuted in Goldfinger (1964) and has been a franchise staple ever since. With machine guns, ejector seats, and hidden gadgets, it's the epitome of style and ingenuity.
- The Q-Boat: Featured in The World Is Not Enough, this high-speed watercraft was designed for heart-pounding chases. Its precision engineering allowed it to handle both intense stunts and challenging filming conditions.
- The Cello Case Sled: This quirky yet clever escape vehicle from The Living Daylights showcased the franchise's signature mix of creativity and humor. Reinforced for stunts, the cello case proved that sometimes the simplest solutions steal the show.
Contributions from Chris Corbould
The cinematic spectacle for 15 of the Bond films owes much to the ingenuity of Chris Corbould, the special effects supervisor. Known for his ability to bring daring stunts and large-scale action sequences to life, Corbould has created many of the franchise's most memorable moments.
In the exhibit, you'll learn how Corbould's team developed groundbreaking effects that blend physical ingenuity with cutting-edge technology. Highlights include:
- The Sinking Venice House from Casino Royale: An engineering marvel designed to create a controlled yet chaotic on-screen collapse.
- Physics-Defying Car Rolls: Heart-stopping stunts that relied on precise calculations and real-world mechanics to execute breathtaking action sequences.
Corbould's innovative approach shows how practical effects often complement computer-generated imagery, creating action scenes that feel authentic and thrilling.
Special Experiences for Every Visitor
The 007 Science exhibit goes beyond displays — it's an immersive adventure packed with hands-on activities and interactive challenges. These activities invite you to step into the shoes of a secret agent, offering thrills and challenges inspired by the world of James Bond.
Q's Lab: Design, Dangle, and Discover
Step into a lab inspired by "Q," the creative genius behind Bond's legendary field gadgets. In this space, unleash your inner inventor by designing your own spy gadgets or mission-ready vehicles.
If you're craving action, the Hang-Time Challenge offers a chance to test strength and balance by dangling from a steel beam — a thrilling nod to the daring stunts Bond masters on screen. Puzzle enthusiasts will love diving into the Codebreaking Adventures, where you'll try your hand at cryptanalysis, decoding secret messages to unlock "classified" areas of the exhibit.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Discover the fascinating science and engineering that bring Bond's world to life. This section reveals how the franchise's iconic gadgets, daring stunts, and larger-than-life moments are rooted in real-world innovation. Miniaturized tech, advanced robotics, and early wearable devices inspired Bond's legendary tools, like laser watches and tracking devices, long before such concepts became reality.
The exhibit also uncovers the meticulous planning behind Bond's most thrilling stunts. From physics-defying car flips to underwater escapes, each sequence combines precise calculations with creative problem-solving by engineers, stunt teams, and filmmakers. These moments demonstrate how technical ingenuity transforms daring ideas into cinematic magic.
Bond's gadgets have also inspired real-world innovations. Fingerprint recognition, GPS tracking, and drone technology all have parallels in Bond's universe. You'll see how the franchise's creative vision often predicted advancements, showing how imagination fuels real-world progress.
Enjoy CityPASS® Benefits at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Unlock Chicago's top things to do with CityPASS® tickets! Dive into the world of espionage at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, where the 007 Science exhibit awaits, then set your sights on other iconic spots like the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, all part of the Chicago Museum Campus. Let CityPASS® tickets guide you to all the action!
Chicago Lodging
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Booking.comHeader image ©J.B. Spector /Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago