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CHICAGO ~ The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has begun work on a $22 million project to improve its historic South Portico entrance, adding accessible entry and public amenities while preserving the landmark building's architectural features.
The project will add a ground-level entrance with elevator access, an enclosed vestibule and a glass curtain wall behind the portico's historic columns. Plans also include improvements to the terrace, year-round seating and free, non-ticketed public spaces.
The South Portico overlooks Jackson Park's Columbia Basin and served as a primary entrance to the Palace of Fine Arts during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. It is not currently used as a public entrance, in part because of accessibility limitations.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson said improving access would allow more residents to experience cultural institutions that are part of their communities. Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright said the changes would offer visitors a perspective closer to what World's Fair attendees experienced while making the portico and basin a more visited part of the museum campus.
The museum worked with the department's Historic Preservation Division on the plans. The Commission on Chicago Landmarks' Permit Review Committee approved the project in February 2025, finding that the renovations would preserve the building's historic character while improving the entrance, according to the city.
The building was constructed as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1893 exposition and reclad in limestone in 1930. It became the museum's home in 1933 and was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1995.
Construction is expected to be completed within 12 months.
The project will add a ground-level entrance with elevator access, an enclosed vestibule and a glass curtain wall behind the portico's historic columns. Plans also include improvements to the terrace, year-round seating and free, non-ticketed public spaces.
The South Portico overlooks Jackson Park's Columbia Basin and served as a primary entrance to the Palace of Fine Arts during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. It is not currently used as a public entrance, in part because of accessibility limitations.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson said improving access would allow more residents to experience cultural institutions that are part of their communities. Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright said the changes would offer visitors a perspective closer to what World's Fair attendees experienced while making the portico and basin a more visited part of the museum campus.
The museum worked with the department's Historic Preservation Division on the plans. The Commission on Chicago Landmarks' Permit Review Committee approved the project in February 2025, finding that the renovations would preserve the building's historic character while improving the entrance, according to the city.
The building was constructed as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1893 exposition and reclad in limestone in 1930. It became the museum's home in 1933 and was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1995.
Construction is expected to be completed within 12 months.
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