HYDE PARK — The Griffin Museum of Science and Trade will quickly begin multi-million-dollar renovations because of a basis grant.
The South Aspect museum at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive will renovate its South Portico entrance and add new fashionable options after touchdown a $10 million grant from the Driehaus Basis. It’s the inspiration’s largest awarded grant since its institution in 1983, it introduced Wednesday.
The challenge — set to kick off this spring and wrap in 2027 — is supposed to revive the historic entrance’s “architectural splendor … improve accessibility, add fashionable facilities and create vibrant public areas.”
The South Portico was initially designed by Charles Atwood as The Palace of Effective Arts for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. It’s the one construction remaining from the occasion’s fairgrounds nicknamed the “White Metropolis.”
Alongside this new entry level to the museum that can hook up with Jackson Park, there are plans so as to add an elevator, cafe and terrace overlooking the park’s lagoon and Obama Presidential Heart, which is slated to open in 2026.
“This challenge represents a pivotal second for the Griffin Museum of Science and Trade as we honor its historic previous whereas main the museum ahead,” president and CEO of the museum Dr. Chevy Humphrey mentioned in a press launch.
“Restoring the South Portico shouldn’t be solely about preserving a historic architectural treasure but in addition supporting the museum’s efforts to attach extra deeply with the neighborhood,” mentioned Board Chairman David Vitale.
The museum will stay open by means of development and entry to surrounding roads and park areas received’t be impacted, based on a museum assertion.
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