Museum of Science and Industry

As the sole remaining building of the famed 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts Building, now the Museum of Science and Industry, is one of Chicago’s best-known landmarks.

Recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its Landmark status, the Museum of Science and Industry was the recipient of a Save America’s Treasures Grant to restore six of the iconic classical domes of the Museum. Bauer Latoza Studio was retained to lead the restoration which required strict attention to detail in architecture, material
conservation, and water repellence and drainage. The scope of work included terra cotta repair, cast stone replacement, microcotta replacement with limestone, limestone repair and conservation, and copper flashing and detailing at the roof edges.

The design adhered to the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the design and implementation was coordinated with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the National Park Service.

In 2013, Bauer Latoza Studio was additionally retained to restore the Museum’s West Pavilion. Work on the West Pavilion will include masonry restoration and associated interior repairs.

  • Client: The Museum of Science and Industry
  • Project Address: 57th Street & Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois
  • Project Size: N/A
  • Construction Cost: $2.9 million
  • Services Provided: Assessment, Design Documents, Construction Documents, Construction Administration