The Museum will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving).

Just announced: Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell opens Jan. 19, 2026!

Cyber Monday special! Save 5% on Summer Camps with code EARLYBIRD through Dec. 7.

Our week-long summer camp experiences are about exploring everything the Museum has to offer.&nbsp;

Escape the Museum for 2025 is completely sold out!

Virtual Crime Lab

Call for artists now open through October 12, 2025!

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Black Creativity Gala logo over a painting of flowers bordered with "Save the Date" and "February 21, 2026"

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Griffin MSI hosts an elegant evening to honor the indispensable and significant contributions of Black creators, innovators and artists. The night includes live musical performances, dancing, a seated dinner, access to the 2026 Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and more. Ticket purchases and sponsorships support the ongoing success of the Black Creativity program year after year. Tickets start at $500.

Black Creativity Gala

2025 Gala attendees in Rotunda below two large artwork projections

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Date:
Saturday, February 21st, 2026

Time:
6 – 11 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Black Creativity Gala! Please refer to event details. If you have questions please email BlackCreativityGala@griffinmsi.org.   

Event Details

We look forward to welcoming you to the Black Creativity Gala! Please see below for event details. If you have questions please email BlackCreativityGala@griffinmsi.org.

Date
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
6 – 11 p.m.

If you are a sponsor or table host please provide your guest names, emails and any dietary restrictions to blackcreativitygala@griffinmsi.org by Monday, February 9th. Sponsors at the $5,000 level have 8 seats per table and sponsors at the $10,000 and $25,000 have 10 seats per table. 

Black Tie Creative
Celebrate Black Creativity in style. Traditional black-tie with a twist- guests are encouraged to draw inspiration from the vibrant, theatrical costumes of Paul Tazewell, embracing color, texture, and unexpected details. Bold details, dramatic silhouettes, and artistic flair are encouraged.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago 
5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive 

Enter the Museum’s circle drive off E. 57th Drive for valet parking and ride-share drop-off. You can also self-park in the Museum’s underground garage. Entry and exit to the event are through the underground Entry Hall. All parking and valet services are complimentary.  
Complimentary coat check will be available in Entry Hall. 

Provide your name at the check-in table and your table number will be provided at check-in. Tickets will not be available for sale at the door. 

Guest List

Black Tie Creative

Celebrate Black Creativity in style. Traditional black-tie with a twist- guests are encouraged to draw inspiration from the vibrant, theatrical costumes of Paul Tazewell, embracing color, texture, and unexpected details. Bold details, dramatic silhouettes, and artistic flair are encouraged.

Attire

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago 
5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive 

Enter the Museum’s circle drive off E. 57th Drive for valet parking and ride-share drop-off. You can also self-park in the Museum’s underground garage. Entry and exit to the event are through the underground Entry Hall. All parking and valet services are complimentary.

Complimentary coat check will be available in Entry Hall. 

Location & Arrivals

Check-In 

If you have additional questions, email blackcreativitygala@griffinmsi.org

We look forward to welcoming you to the Black Creativity Gala! Please see below for event details. 

Event details

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RS42240_SMK_MSI Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition Reception 2025 final-26.jpg

We are excited to announce that all artwork will be in the Central Pavilion this year. The Teen Category galleries are in the Lower Court at the top of the first escalator. The General Category gallery is on the main level, next to the Transportation gallery.  

New locations for Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition

Shown in header: Cheryl Boone, Jump at the Sun (2024), acrylic ink, collage.

Black Creativity Gala

February 21, 2026

Black Creativity Gala

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 from 6 – 11 p.m.

About the featured artwork

Inspire the inventive genius in you