The South Side’s esteemed science museum has been renamed the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, in honor of billionaire Ken Griffin’s $125 million donation in 2019. Griffin’s company, Citadel, was originally headquartered in Chicago for 30 years before relocating to Miami, Florida in 2022. The generous donation will enable the museum to create new exhibits focused on inspiring the next generation of scientists and leaders, supporting science education in local schools and communities, and continuing to spark innovative thinking among visitors.
With the new name comes several new exhibits that have been made possible by Griffin’s donation. This includes the renovated Henry Crown Space Center, which is now home to the SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft. Additionally, the museum has unveiled the Griffin Studio, a digital space that will feature the premiere exhibition “Notes to Neurons” exploring the power of music. The Giant Dome Theatre will also showcase a new film experience “Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels” that tells the stories behind groundbreaking medical innovations.
To celebrate the new name, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is offering free admission on Sundays for visitors to experience the new exhibits. The museum is located at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive and is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ken Griffin, Illinois’ richest man and Forbes’ 21st richest American has made significant donations to various educational, cultural, medical and civic organizations over the years