Significant changes are underway at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, with separate plans for its north and south entrances.
The museum has proposed a new Welcome Hall at the north entrance and is preparing a $22 million project to reopen its long-shuttered south entry.
MSI North entrance
The city’s Landmarks Review Committee approved the museum’s North Portico proposal this month, which would make the Hyde Park landmark’s north side a primary entrance while preserving its historic architectural details.
Renderings show a proposed Welcome Hall, glass walls set behind the portico’s columns, and changes to the north lawn. The museum still needs Chicago Park District consent for parts of the Welcome Hall construction.
However, not everyone is thrilled with the design.
The Chicago Sun-Times criticized the proposed limestone-and-glass hall, saying it could obstruct views of the museum’s grand entrance. According to the newspaper, the hall would stand nearly 30 feet tall and stretch 458 feet across the front lawn. The museum has not announced a construction timeline for the North Portico.
MSI South entrance
Separately, the museum expects to break ground this winter on a $22 million project to reopen its south entry for the first time in more than a century. That work is expected to wrap up in 2027.
