Griffin Museum of Science and Industry to restore historic South Portico with $10 million grant

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Chicago Construction News staff writer

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry will restore its historic South Portico, enhancing the building’s architectural splendor and improving the visitor experience. The renovation, funded by a $10 million grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation — the largest grant the Foundation has awarded since its founding in 1983 — will begin in spring 2025.The project aims to increase accessibility, add modern amenities, and create vibrant public spaces. Upon its completion in 2027, visitors will be able to access the museum’s original south entrance from Jackson Park. Features will include a café and a terrace with views of the park’s Lagoon and the nearby Obama Presidential Center, set to open in 2026.

“This project marks a pivotal moment for the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry as we honor its historic past while advancing the museum into the future,” said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, president and CEO of Griffin MSI. “The Driehaus Foundation’s generosity enables us to enhance this iconic space, ensuring it is accessible to all and continues to inspire and engage future generations.”

The Griffin Museum, designed by Charles Atwood for D.H. Burnham & Co. as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, is the only remaining structure from the exposition’s “White City.” The renovations will reopen the original main entrance and reconnect the building to the Columbian Basin and Jackson Park.

“The Driehaus Foundation is proud to support the historic renovations at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry,” said Anne Lazar, executive director of the Driehaus Foundation. “This project provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reopen the historic southern entrance and preserve the public space that had fallen into disrepair.”

In addition to restoring the South Portico, the project will improve accessibility, incorporating features like an elevator to provide access to the museum and public areas.

“Restoring the South Portico is about more than preserving a historic architectural gem; it’s about deepening our connection with the community,” said David Vitale, board chairman of Griffin MSI. “This project reflects our commitment to advancing the museum’s mission, and we are deeply grateful to the Driehaus Foundation for making this vital renovation possible.”

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