North Portico Welcome Hall

CHICAGO — Griffin Museum of Science and Industry announces plans to transform its primary public entry, North Portico, by creating a new above-ground Welcome Hall that will improve accessibility, enhance the guest experience and strengthen civic engagement while preserving and celebrating one of Chicago’s most significant historic buildings.

The project will establish North Portico as a welcoming, intuitive and fully accessible point of arrival through the creation of a new Welcome Hall, replacing the current complex multi-level entry sequence with a more direct path from arrival directly into the Museum’s main spaces. By relocating the main entrance above ground, the project restores a direct relationship between the Museum’s historic architecture, its surrounding landscape and the guest experience.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment for Griffin MSI because this project is about so much more than a new entrance,” said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. “We heard from our community that they wanted a Museum that was more welcoming, more accessible and more connected to the people we serve, and we listened. This project is part of how we are delivering on that promise, honoring the history of this extraordinary building while reimagining how people will experience Griffin MSI for generations to come.”

Originally designed by Charles Atwood for D.H. Burnham & Co as The Palace of Fine Arts for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry building is the only exhibition hall remaining from the exposition’s “White City.”  Designed to honor the Museum’s historic character, the new Welcome Hall will feature a transparent, light-filled design that frames views of the north facade and invites visitors to engage with the building as an integral part of their arrival. New elements are designed to maintain views of the historic facade, minimize impact on original materials, and are largely reversible, with key historic spaces, finishes and architectural details retained and protected.

The project will also activate the Museum’s north campus by introducing free, fully accessible public spaces, including outdoor Science Gardens adjacent to the Welcome Hall. These spaces will be open to the community without a ticket and will support informal learning, public programming and everyday use, strengthening the Museum’s connection to Jackson Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

In addition to improving access and arrival, relocating the main entrance above ground will allow the existing underground entry hall to be repurposed as future exhibition space, supporting the Museum’s long-term goal of expanding educational and cultural offerings.

The North Portico transformation builds on Griffin MSI’s broader efforts to improve equity of access, enhance the visitor experience and steward its historic campus for future generations. Together with the ongoing South Portico renovation, these investments reflect a comprehensive approach to reimagining how visitors experience and access the Museum while strengthening connections to Jackson Park and the surrounding community.

Renderings: North Portico Welcome Hall

Credit: Renderings by Alden Studios for RAMSA

Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that support the Museum's mission: to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. As one of the largest science museums in the world featuring award-winning exhibits and hands-on activities, a visit to Griffin MSI is guaranteed to connect fun and learning. Griffin MSI is committed to offering comprehensive educational programs ­for students, administrators, teachers and families that make a difference in local communities and contribute to Griffin MSI's goal to transform and illuminate STE(A)M (science, technology, engineering, art and math) pathways for people of all ages. The Museum is grateful for the support of generous donors and guests who make its work possible. Griffin MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit griffinmsi.org or call (773) 684-1414.