Museum of Science and Industry Gets New Name After Record Donation

The Museum of Science and Industry will change its name in honor of a record $125 million donation from Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin, the museum announced Thursday.

The museum, famously located within the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition's former Palace of Fine Arts building, will become the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, museum representatives said, to recognize "the largest single gift in the museum’s history."

"Our mission has always been to inspire the inventive genius in everyone," said David Mosena, president and chief executive officer of the museum, in a statement. "This gift will allow us to continue providing the kind of innovative experiences and programs that work to achieve that mission for generations to come."

Mosena said a majority of the money will be used for "securing the museum’s long-term future" and support plans "to create the Pixel Studio, a state-of-the-art digital gallery and performance space that will be the only experience of its kind in North America."

Griffin, founder and chief executive officer of Citadel, described the museum as "one of the most important institutions of science in the world."

"I am honored to support MSI’s mission to inspire the next generation of scientific exploration and innovation," Griffin said in a statement. 

"MSI has diligently worked to maximize opportunities for its guests to be hands-on across a wide range of scientific concepts to help people realize the broad spectrum of career paths available," said Chris Crane, president and CEO of Exelon Corporation, as well as the museum’s board chairman. "A gift of this magnitude will ensure MSI can continue to empower Chicago’s youth with the foundation they need to be at the forefront of the next generation of STEM leaders."