Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry community came together for an unforgettable evening at the Black Creativity Gala to honor 55 years of breaking barriers and inspiring future creators.    This is always one of my favorite nights of the year, celebrating the legacy of this impactful program and the limitless potential it continues to ignite in the next generation.    A heartfelt thank you to our gala co-chairs and season sponsors, Rashod R. Johnson, PE, President and CEO of Ardmore Roderick, and Cheryl Harris, Senior Vice President of Sourcing and Procurement Solutions for Allstate. Your leadership and commitment made this celebration possible.    A special shoutout to our amazing team for your hard work and dedication that makes this program shine. And to our generous supporters, dedicated partners and everyone who joined — thank you for uplifting this incredible program.    Don’t miss the stunning works of art on display at the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, open through April 27! 

Pulse check: Who remembers this classic? 💕 This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with science all over again with our Giant Heart—beating in sync with you at YOU! The Experience!

Big congratulations to Jon Assell, our CFO, for being selected to be a part of Leadership Greater Chicago’s 2025 Cohort of The Daniel Burnham Fellowship!👏    We’re so lucky to benefit from Jon's thoughtful leadership and dedication to community impact!

Science shapes our world, but not everyone gets an equal chance to partcipate. Girls and gender-expansive youth often face systemic barriers to entering STE(A)M fields. ⚛️ At Griffin MSI, the Ann Drake Girls in STEM Initiative is changing that, bringing hands-on science experiences and inspiring role models directly to students through programs like Girls Run STEM. When young minds see what’s possible, they can invent the future. On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the power of access, breaking down barriers so every young learner has to opportunity to explore, create and lead.🔬 https://lnkd.in/gCBkPnnv #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience

A great celebration never goes out of style. Step back in time with these Black Creativity Gala invitations from decades past! For 55 years, the Black Creativity program has honored Black artists, creators and changemakers. These invitations are more than just keepsakes—they’re snapshots of a rich history of culture and innovation. We're looking forward to another unforgettable evening of creativity, community and celebration next weekend! 🎉 Black Creativity Season Sponsors: Allstate and Ardmore Roderick

👀 Big news! Griffin MSI has been nominated for Best Science Museum in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards. From the awe-inspiring U-505 submarine to the long-running Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, there’s so much that makes our Museum special. We’re honored to be recognized alongside prestigious institutions from across the country. 🗳️Help us take the top spot— cast your vote at bit.ly/3CqBCEd through Feb. 27!

📅 On this day in 1970, Black Creativity was born! Initially called Black Esthetics, it was created by a group of local artists and key members of the Chicago Defender. The early years captured the cultural pride among African Americans at the time, featuring the Juried Art Exhibition, live music, dance and theatrical performances. By 1984, it evolved to include programming that highlights Black achievement across the arts and sciences and has inspired generations of innovators ever since. ⚛️ Now in its 55th year, join us in celebrating this incredible legacy! 🔗https://lnkd.in/dzTfe_C #BlackHistoryMonth Black Creativity Season Sponsors: Allstate and Ardmore Roderick

We are honored to announce that the The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation has awarded us a generous $10 million grant to support the renovation of our South Portico—our original entrance from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. This incredible gift will help us restore the architectural grandeur of this historic space while also enhancing accessibility, modernizing amenities and creating vibrant public areas. By 2027, visitors will once again be able to enter the Museum through this iconic entrance, directly connected to Jackson Park. Highlights of the renovation include a café and a terrace overlooking the park’s beautiful Lagoon. 🏛️ We are profoundly thankful to the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation for their support in preserving this vital piece of history and helping us shape an inspiring future for our community. The Museum will remain open through construction, ensuring visitors won’t miss a moment of discovery. https://lnkd.in/g4ZsrzA8

In celebration of an aviation trailblazer, we're proud to offer the Bessie Coleman Flight School! ✈️ In the single-day camp, youth in grades 4–8 can explore Coleman’s groundbreaking legacy through hands-on activities like building gliders, flying in a 360° simulator and more. 📅 Upcoming dates: Saturday, Feb. 15, and Saturday, March 15 🔗 Info and registration at https://lnkd.in/g859udwR

We proudly kicked off the 55th year of our Black Creativity program this past Monday, #MLKDay! The day was filled with inspiration, connection and creativity as we welcomed guests to participate in a collaborative community art project and explore works from nearly 100 Black artists in this year’s Juried Art Exhibition. Black Creativity continues to honor the rich history of Black achievement while empowering the next generation of STE(A)M innovators, and we’re excited for what’s ahead this year. 🔗 Check out this year’s program highlights at https://lnkd.in/dzTfe_C Black Creativity Season Sponsors: Allstate and Ardmore Roderick