Kenneth C. Griffin’s $125 Million Gift Transforms Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park

The Museum of Science and Industry: Now the Griffin Museum

The Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park is set to undergo a name change to the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on Sunday, following a generous $125 million donation from the founder and CEO of the Citadel hedge fund in 2019. To mark this occasion, the museum will be offering free admission on Sunday.

The donation has enabled the creation of new exhibits and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Among these new offerings is the Griffin Studio digital space, which provides a unique interactive experience for visitors to explore science and technology. Additionally, Notes to Neurons, an interactive multimedia exhibit focused on music, offers visitors an engaging exploration of the relationship between music and science.

Kenneth C. Griffin has been a significant supporter of the arts in Chicago, making substantial donations to organizations such as the Field Museum and sitting on the board of the MCA. His philanthropy has extended beyond Chicago, with donations to other cultural institutions and nonprofits. While he was formerly ranked as the wealthiest person in Illinois, he relocated Citadel’s headquarters to Miami in 2022. This donation has not only impacted the museum’s offerings but has also solidified Griffin’s legacy as a supporter of education and the arts.

The Museum of Science and Industry is excited to welcome visitors back with this name change ceremony and showcase its new exhibits that have been made possible by Griffin’s generosity.

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