CHICAGO — Powering the Future is Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s newest major permanent exhibit, exploring how energy shapes our daily lives today and tomorrow. Through engaging hands-on experiences, including a two-story spiral slide, the exhibit explores how energy is embedded in all aspects of our natural and built world, from our own bodies to the ever-evolving power industries. The construction of this exhibit marks the first time in more than 25 years that the Museum’s entire South Balcony space has been reimagined. The exhibit will open in early 2026. 

“At Griffin MSI, we see science as a tool to not only understand the world but shape it. Powering the Future reflects our commitment to exploring the science behind energy, not just as it exists today, but as it must evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, Griffin MSI president and CEO. “We can’t do this work alone. This exhibit is fueled by the insights of researchers, engineers and energy leaders, and it’s our privilege to bring those ideas to the public in ways that spark curiosity and bold thinking.”  

The exhibit encourages guests to turn their own potential energy into kinetic energy on large-scale interactives; explore how industrial structures like power grids really work by building their own; dive deep into how power sources like gas, electricity and batteries shape our world; and learn more about careers in the field and how we can all work together to create a more sustainable future.  

Other highlights of the exhibit include:  

• Two slides appropriate for all ages
• Climbing structure
• Energy-centric artifacts ranging from a 1923 Milburn Light Electric Automobile to a modern-day geothermal panel
• Ice wall and other interactives exploring energy’s environmental impact
• Spotlight on women who work in the energy field 

“At Exelon and through the Exelon Foundation, we believe that science and education are the cornerstones of a thriving energy future. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s new Powering the Future exhibit is more than just a showcase of innovation — it’s a spark for curiosity, especially among young minds,” said Paula Conrad, Exelon vice president of corporate relations and president of Exelon Foundation, the lead donor of this exhibit. “By inspiring the next generation to explore science and industry, we’re investing in the future of energy, the future of innovation and the future of our economy. We’re proud to support this transformative initiative and help empower tomorrow’s leaders to imagine, invent and build a better world.” 

Powering the Future continues to tell the story that started with Coal Mine, Griffin MSI’s very first exhibit that debuted when the Museum opened in 1933. Presented in tandem, these exhibits acknowledge the vital history of both the energy industry and the Museum’s legacy exhibits while exploring what’s possible in the years and decades to come. 

Powering the Future will be included with General Admission.  

The exhibit is made possible by lead donor Exelon Foundation; contributing donors Nicor Gas and Invenergy; and donors CDW, Ecolab, JL Family Foundation, Argonne National Laboratory, Hemlock Semiconductor Operations, LLC, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hubbell Utility Solutions, and Enerdrape S.A.  

Exhibit renderings: Powering the Future Exhibition  

Credit: Bridgewater Studio