A long-overdue renovation is set to breathe new life into the historic Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago. Thanks to a $10 million grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the museum will finally restore and reopen its southern entrance, which has remained closed for decades. The project aims to enhance accessibility, improve visitor experience, and revitalize the area surrounding the museum, aligning with ongoing developments in Jackson Park, including the nearby Obama Presidential Center.
A Historic Landmark with a New Vision
Originally built as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the Griffin Museum is one of the last remaining structures from the fair. Its grandeur and historical significance have made it a cherished landmark in Chicago. The south entrance, which once welcomed visitors arriving by boat to the Columbian Basin, has been closed since the museum was repurposed in 1933.
Chicago Yimby reports that the museum’s location at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive places it at the northern edge of Jackson Park. With the area experiencing significant transformation—including the introduction of the Obama Presidential Center—this renovation aims to reestablish the museum’s connection to its historic surroundings.
Renovation Plans and Design
Leading the design for the restoration is New York-based architecture firm RAMSA. The planned upgrades include:
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Restored Pathways and Steps – The deteriorated walkways leading to the museum’s south entrance will be reconstructed for improved accessibility.
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New Entryway Structure – The original colonnade will feature a contemporary glass enclosure, designed to seamlessly blend with the museum’s neoclassical facade.
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Elevator Installation – A newly integrated elevator will enhance accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
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Outdoor Café and Terrace – A modern café space will be incorporated into the redesigned entrance, offering visitors a place to relax and enjoy views of the Columbian Basin.
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Observation Terrace – Overlooking Jackson Park, the terrace will provide a scenic vantage point for museum-goers and park visitors alike.
Efforts will be made to preserve the historical integrity of the structure by placing glass seams behind existing columns and using materials that match the museum’s original architecture. These renovations are designed to enhance the site’s functionality while maintaining its historical character.
For the past 12 years, the museum’s south portico has served as a pedestrian route from the west side of Jackson Park to the lakefront, primarily due to the closure of the historic Darrow Bridge in 2013. Once the bridge is reopened, the renovated museum entrance will further enhance connectivity between key areas within Jackson Park.
A Legacy of Preservation and Community Engagement
The Driehaus Foundation’s $10 million grant represents its largest-ever donation and underscores its commitment to preserving Chicago’s architectural heritage. Anne Lazar, the foundation’s executive director, emphasized the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore the museum’s historic entrance and enhance public spaces within Jackson Park.
Conclusion
The restoration of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s southern entrance is more than just an architectural upgrade—it is a revitalization of a historic gateway that connects the past with the future. By improving accessibility, introducing new amenities, and integrating the museum more seamlessly with its evolving surroundings, this project promises to enhance the experience for visitors and reinforce the museum’s role as a premier cultural institution in Chicago.
As construction progresses, anticipation will build for the day when guests can once again enter the museum through its grand southern entrance, just as visitors did more than a century ago.
DataBid is reporting on this project - South Portico Museum Renovation Development - Chicago (0046012925)
