Griffin Museum of Science and Industry to renovate South Portico facing Jackson Park

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Longtime visitors to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago would have noticed several changes over the years, including the recent addition of the Griffin name. Fondly remembered exhibits like The Circus have closed, and the Baby Chick Hatchery has relocated downstairs. New attractions such as The Blue Paradox and Notes to Neurons are now drawing large crowds. Meanwhile, classic exhibits like the Coal Mine and Yesterday's Main Street remain popular.

The museum's layout continues to evolve, particularly in areas like the Yellow Stairwell, where visitors no longer find the Solar Fountain, a kinetic sculpture that once captivated audiences. The space formerly used for General Motors' exhibits has transformed into a space for special exhibitions like 007 Science. Additionally, the coal mine's nearby petroleum ride has been replaced by a new mirror maze, Numbers in Nature.

A significant change is on the horizon for the South Portico, which has historically served as a less-utilized entrance. Thanks to a generous $10 million grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the museum will undergo renovations that will enhance accessibility, modernize amenities, and create more welcoming public spaces. This renovation is set to begin in spring and aims to be completed by 2027.

The updated South Portico will include a new accessible entrance and feature a café along with a terrace that overlooks the scenic Columbia Basin and the Obama Presidential Center, which will open next year. Dr. Chevy Humphrey, the Griffin MSI's president and CEO, highlighted the project's importance in bridging the museum's historical significance with modern accessibility and visitor engagement.

During the renovation, the museum will remain open, with no restrictions on public access to roads or adjacent park areas. The South Portico, originally the main entrance during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, reflects a rich history that the upcoming renovations aim to honor while making the museum more inviting for future generations.