This is an historic day in MSI’s history. Today, the Museum announced a $125 million gift from the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund. This incredibly generous gift helps ensure MSI remains a vital resource for science learning well into the 21st century.
In recognition of this historic gift, we’re also proud to announce that MSI will become the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
We invite you to read more about this exciting news in a letter from our president and CEO David Mosena:
Dear friend of MSI,
Since 1933, the Museum’s mission has been to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. We work hard every day to champion science, using our world-class exhibits and hands-on experiences to entice and engage our guests with the fundamentals of science and the innovations that will shape the future. We proudly serve the Chicago community by remaining a place where all can celebrate and be inspired by science.
This generous gift from the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund enables us to sustain that work. These funds will allow us to continue providing the kind of experiences and programs that MSI has become known for. It will ensure that we can keep creating exhibits that open eyes and minds to what the future might hold and show young people how they can help create the world that awaits.
The Museum takes its role as a resource for science learning incredibly seriously. We consider it an honor to serve everyone in and around Chicago, and are especially passionate about connecting young people to scientific concepts that will help them build the foundation they need to be at the forefront of the next generation of STEM leaders.
We look forward to remaining a vital resource for science education for the generations to come, and are honored that the Museum has been recognized with a gift of such magnitude.
Thank you for helping the Museum of Science and Industry celebrate this historic day!
Sincerely,
David Mosena
President and CEO
FAQ
- What does this mean for the Museum and its future?
This gift is a testament to the Museum’s mission and the power of education.
The majority of this gift will be used to secure the institution’s long-term financial future, ensuring we remain a resource for science learning for Chicago well into the 21st century.
- How will the Museum use this money?
The majority of this gift will be used to help secure the institution’s long-term financial future and ensure we remain a resource for science learning for Chicago well into the 21st century.
This gift will also support MSI’s 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.
- Why is the name changing? When will it change?
Museum leadership, along with the Board of Trustees, felt that this naming recognition was the most appropriate way to convey our gratitude for this gift, which is the largest single gift in the Museum’s history.
We are excited to undertake the work to officially become the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. But as you would expect, it will take time to change the name of an institution as large as MSI. - Will the Museum’s mission or vision change as a result of this?
The purpose of this gift is to allow us to continue the great work we do in support of our mission and vision.
MSI’s mission will remain the same as it has always been: to inspire the inventive genius in everyone, and we are grateful for this gift, which will help ensure the Museum remains a vital resource for science learning well into the 21st century. - Will anything change as a result of this gift?
The purpose of this gift is to allow us to continue the great work we do in support of our mission and vision.
Guests will continue to enjoy the kind of hands-on science learning that has been a staple of the MSI experience since we opened our doors in 1933.