The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is set to officially rebrand as the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry this week, following a $125 million naming gift from Citadel hedge fund founder Kenneth C. Griffin almost five years ago. The name change will take effect on Sunday, May 19, with free admission on that day. The museum, located at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., will unveil new exhibits and experiences made possible by the generous donation.
Kenneth C. Griffin’s donation is the largest in the museum’s 91-year history and was first announced in October 2019. Although Griffin has since moved his hedge fund firm to Miami, he has been a major benefactor of arts, cultural, and educational institutions in Illinois. His contributions include $150 million to the University of Chicago’s economics department, $21 million to the Field Museum, and funding to organizations like the Art Institute of Chicago and Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Chevy Humphrey, president and CEO of the MSI, expressed gratitude towards Ken Griffin for his historic and generous investment in the museum’s mission and its long-term future. The gift allows the museum to create exhibits geared towards the next generation, support science education in local schools, and inspire inventive genius in everyone. New projects funded by Griffin’s donation include the Griffin Studio, a one-of-a-kind digital space, and the premiere exhibition “Notes to Neurons” which teaches guests about the power of music through immersive audio and interactive technologies
