Relive the glory days of Apollo at the MSI’s midcentury modern ‘Moon Room’

Fifty years ago, the crew of Apollo 8 became the first humans to leave Earth’s orbit and circle the moon. While NASA astronauts Borman, Lovell, and Anders witnessed civilization’s first “earthrise” from their cramped capsule, the rest of the planet eagerly watched from home, in front of television sets.

To honor the historic December 1968 mission, Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry is inviting visitors to step back in time and re-experience the milestone from a thoughtfully recreated midcentury modern living room. Dubbed “Moon Room 1968,” the pop-up space is decked out in the colors, textures, and patterns of the era—complete with a retro Christmas tree.

In addition to providing museum-goers with an authentic taste of 1960s decors, the moon room also provides photo ops, a chance to draft telegrams using an old typewriter, and a shop of vintage-inspired gifts.

The replica living room is part of larger, month-long Apollo 8 exhibition titled “To the Moon and Back Again” which runs through January 6. For museum tickets and more information, check out the MSI’s official website.

• Visit these Chicago museums for free in 2018 [Curbed Chicago]
• Moon Room 1968 [MSI]