RAMSA Unveils New Welcome Hall for Chicago's Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) has introduced plans for an innovative Welcome Hall at Chicago's Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI). This significant architectural endeavor centers on the revitalization of the museum's historic North Portico, transforming it into a welcoming, year-round entryway. The design also incorporates a contemporary glazed volume that seamlessly connects the portico with the museum's diverse exhibition areas. This project stems from a comprehensive master plan, formulated by RAMSA in 2024, which meticulously evaluated and sought to optimize the museum’s existing exhibition and public zones, ensuring a more fluid and engaging visitor journey.
A primary objective of this new entrance is to significantly streamline the visitor experience, addressing the current, often cumbersome, entry sequence. The existing pathway to the exhibition spaces is notably complex, involving multiple subterranean passages, over a hundred stairs, and two elevators, culminating in an arrival time of 18 to 25 minutes. In stark contrast, the proposed Welcome Hall promises to drastically cut this duration to a mere four to seven minutes by offering a direct, ground-level route devoid of stairs or elevators along its main trajectory. Drawing inspiration from the building's original function as the Palace of Fine Arts during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, where the North Portico served as a primary entrance, the new design thoughtfully extends the North Lawn. It largely remains below the historic plinth, preserving the visual integrity of the original structure. The hall's graceful curved form and transparent glazed walls are meticulously designed to maintain unobstructed views of the iconic Ionic columns of the existing portico. Furthermore, the plans encompass the creation of Science Gardens, accessible lawns, restrooms, and other public amenities, all available without requiring museum admission, thereby fostering greater community engagement with the museum grounds.
Beyond the North Portico, the museum's comprehensive upgrade includes the scheduled reopening of the historic South Portico in winter 2027, providing an additional accessible entry to the central pavilion's ground level. This project will introduce a glazed curtain wall to the existing staircase, carefully preserving the interplay between the historic cheek walls and façade columns. In both northern and southern entrance projects, any removed stone elements will be meticulously preserved for potential future restoration efforts, underscoring a commitment to historical preservation. The South Portico development also features a reimagined South Court, integrating the museum's renowned Coal Mine exhibit, which first opened its doors in 1933. These ambitious undertakings by RAMSA are consistent with current trends in museum architecture, which frequently blend the thoughtful adaptation of historical structures with innovative new additions. Examples include Mecanoo's renovation of the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, the expansion of Design Museum Gent by Carmody Groarke, ATAMA, and RE-ST, and the ongoing enlargement of the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen, Switzerland, with new buildings by Peter Zumthor, all of which exemplify a harmonious integration of old and new.
This ambitious redesign of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry's entry points signifies a forward-thinking approach to architectural preservation and visitor engagement. By honoring its rich past while embracing modern accessibility and design, the museum is poised to offer an even more inclusive and inspiring experience to all who visit, reinforcing its role as a vibrant center for discovery and learning.