HYDE PARK — The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is moving forward with a historic renovation that will finally open its south entrance to the public for the first time in more than a century. A $22 million construction effort, celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, will create an ADA‑accessible portal, a café and a terrace overlooking Jackson Park.
Funding and Community Support
The project is being powered by a $10 million gift from the Chicago‑based Richard H. Driehaus Foundation – the largest single contribution the foundation has made since its founding in 1983. State capital funds add another $5 million, allocated through the fiscal‑year‑2025 budget. Local leaders see the renovation as a way to strengthen ties between the museum, the park and the South Side community.
What the Renovation Will Deliver
When completed, the south portico will serve as a fully accessible entrance, providing a free gathering space that invites families, school groups and tourists to enter the museum without navigating the historic north side stairs. The new café and terrace will offer a pleasant spot for visitors to relax while taking in views of Jackson Park and Lake Michigan.
Historical Context
During the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the building – then the Palace of Fine Arts – welcomed guests through its southern side after they arrived by gondola on the nearby Columbia Basin. The last visitors to use that entrance were fairgoers more than a century ago. Museum President and CEO Chevy Humphries said the restored entrance will “create a much stronger connection between Griffin MSI, Jackson Park and our South Side community.”
State and Local Officials Praise the Project
State Rep. Curtis Tarver highlighted the broader vision of a “Museum Campus South,” noting that the South Side already boasts the lakefront, parks and the Obama Presidential Center. “You shouldn’t have to come from the far south, all the way over north, to get into the building,” Tarver said.
Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez‑Rosa reminded listeners that while gondolas are not returning soon, the new entrance “reactivates this entrance and restores that history to this site.” He also noted ongoing work on a Jackson Park pathway that will link the museum’s south end with the Obama Presidential Center, a project funded with $1.2 million in federal money.
North Portico Plans Continue
In parallel, museum officials announced plans to renovate the north entrance with an above‑ground Welcome Hall, while repurposing the existing underground entry for additional exhibition space. The Park District has completed its design review and supports the north‑side project, though it noted some concerns about the modern design. Preservation groups such as Landmarks Illinois and the State Historic Preservation Officer have voiced support.
Community Reactions
While most local leaders praise the renovations for improving accessibility and fostering community pride, a few critics have expressed reservations. City cultural historian Tim Samuelson warned that the twin projects could “destroy the essence of what makes the building rare and special.” Architecture critic Lee Bey called the north‑side design a “carbuncle,” though he found the south‑side renderings “less intrusive.”
Timeline and Impact
Construction is slated to finish by late 2027, and the museum will remain open throughout the build. Officials say surrounding roads and park spaces will not be impacted, ensuring that daily life in Hyde Park continues uninterrupted.
For families seeking educational outings, the renovated south entrance promises a more welcoming, accessible experience that aligns with the museum’s mission to inspire curiosity and learning across generations.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
