Initial renderings have been revealed for a potential new main entrance pavilion to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). Located at 5700 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, the iconic museum is currently going through the process of redesigning overall access to the massive structure, with an ongoing restoration and opening of the south doors and portico.
Rendering of MSI north pavilion by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Led by the museum itself, the plans were approved by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks earlier this week. The new pavilion is being designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, the same team behind the south door restoration. It will also require additional approval, as the 1893-built historic museum sits within the Jackson Park Historic Landscape District as well.
Rendering of MSI north pavilion corridor by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
While not much is known, the pavilion would sit centered with the north steps and feature a large swooping column-free arch with a green roof. A glass oculus would allow sunlight into the new entry and ticketing lobby, with an all-glass passageway connecting to the historic structure through a new opening in the front stairs.
Rendering of MSI north pavilion by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
The same glass corridor would also envelop part of said front stairs and the historic entry doors, allowing them to be opened for guest use. The plans are still in development, and no information was shared on what would happen with the current massive underground entry and Pioneer Zephyr public exhibit. No construction timeline has been shared.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Feels a bit obtrusive. I like that the interior preserves the facade though.
Why would they make it that glassy it’s just gonna turn into a greenhouse
– So the view of the grand entrance is blocked.
– The design is going to take on massive energy bills to keep that space cool/heated.
– The design is dated 2000’s greenwash contemporary
– Should’ve taken some notes from Renzo Piano’s Academy of Sciences or at least some landscape pointers from Piet Oudolf‘s Lurie Garden. Monoculture slabs of grass is so out unless they intend the roof to be walkable. Which would be cool for a theme of a museum of great engineering, but they’re not.
I just don’t see this as a win.
I see it as a major win. North entrance now weather protective and looks good to me. Plus, we get a South entrance. Let’s hope enough money is pledged to reach the ultimate goal of free admission- at. Minimum to Illinois residents if taxpayer $ are involved.
The naysayers are why nothing gets built quickly in Chicago.
Lucas Museum was cool. The Bears need to pay for their own stadium. LSD NEEDS a transit line. Civic projects come in many forms, but they also should look good and not come at an expense to the public, whether that be functional or just look good.
South Entrance reopened is a majority good thing. They desperately need to fix that damn pedestrian bridge. But this entrance? A whole lotta fluff for something that didn’t need to be this big. Revamp the insides, get a little bigger of a canopy for busses and ride-shares. It’s ok to call out bad architecture.