Hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin has given $125 million to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, the largest donation in its history.
The gift from Mr. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel LLC, will result in renaming the museum as the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
"The Museum of Science and Industry celebrates our greatest scientific and commercial achievements and ignites the imaginations of all who visit," Mr. Griffin said in a news release from the museum. "As one of the most important institutions of science in the world, the museum's impact extends far beyond its halls. I am honored to support MSI's mission to inspire the next generation of scientific exploration and innovation."
The museum, founded in 1933, will use the majority of the gift to ensure its long-term future, as well as support the museum's plans to create a digital gallery and performance studio called Pixel Studio.
"Our mission has always been to inspire the inventive genius in everyone," said David Mosena, president and CEO of the museum, in the news release. "This gift will allow us to continue providing the kind of innovative experiences and programs that work to achieve that mission for generations to come."
Museum spokeswoman Amy Patti said there is not yet an official date on when the new name will take effect.
This is the latest high-profile donation by Mr. Griffin to a notable institution in his hometown. In 2017, his foundation made a $125 million gift to the University of Chicago's Department of Economics, the second-highest donation in the university's history.
