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.
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Feels a bit obtrusive. I like that the interior preserves the facade though.
The proposed entrance pavilion visually detracts immensely from the magnificent neoclassic edifice. It must be redesigned to complement this classical building. Go back to the drawing board and come up with something that retreats into the background, serving a practical purpose rather than adding a feather in the cap of the architect.
What, no pyramid?
What happens to the lagoon?
“North Entrance”- the lagoon is on the south.
Louvre the pyramid idea:)
Why would they make it that glassy it’s just gonna turn into a greenhouse
This is an utter disgrace to the city of Chicago, an abomination to say the least. It obstructs the views of the Museum. Why would they destroy ,arguably, the most beautiful building in Chicago with this unnecessary, cheap project? Who in their right mind would disrespect such beautiful, historic building with an amateur, soulless arch. Buffoonerism at its highest order. Could you imagine what Charles B. Atwood & Daniel Burnham would say about this? They need to reject this proposal IMMEDIATELY!! An absolute waste of taxpayer funds.
My exact sentiments.
In a word, horrible.
– 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.
It’s about as elegant as the Soldier Field addition, so at least it’s contextual.
Certainly there are better options that respect the classical character and history of the building?
I agree, back the drawing board for the north entrance. This version is absolutely the Solider Field spaceship’s little cousin. The Louvre pyramid is still controversial but it manages to be a modern entrance that does not overwhelm the historic museum itself.
this is hideous
Great start! I was wondering if you can you even enter the museum without going through the parking structure? It’s very closed off to the outside and needs a much needed redesign.
Neither the space exhibit entrance nor the front entrance requires the parking garage. The same applies to the South Entrance. Before the redesign, we’d have three walk-to spots to enter, including this entrance.
Dreadfully ugly. Why add this hideous carbuncle to the beautiful existing museum? It would not however cost the taxpayers anything as the Museum is owned and operated by a independent private foundation. I pray that this can be stopped.
I was there this past week – the North entrance is really a sad entry into a really great museum complex. The building is amazing after you get past the cheap looking entry. BTW – the Anne Frank exhibit was great. 🙂
The building is one of the most beautiful in the city. This will block the view. Why???!
WHY?????
From the rendering, what it looks like they’re trying to create is an above ground drop-off point for school busses plus a great hall protected from the weather to accommodate the kids as they arrive or gather to leave. If they try doing this underground they’d end up using a large section of the existing auto parking lot.
Perhaps this render is just a stalking horse to see just how tolerant the public would be to having their uninterrupted view of the museum’s north facade mucked up by a clumsy structure no amount of greenery can hide.
Re the above comment, this sure ain’t no I. M. Pei’s Louvre glass pyramid which is much more to scale in its setting than this intrusion and comes across more sculptural.
What happened?!
Check out the CBS News Chicago clip from 8/28 and there are glimpses of a much more reasonable, minimal version of a renovated south entry. A simple box coming out where the central stairs are with a glass front and outdoor patio above. (By Alden Studios for RAMSA, Richard A.M. Strength Architects.) No monstrosity blocking views or access to the handsome edifice.
That is what the project requires and Chicago deserves.
North/south.
Why? Who’s asking for this?
Have power in the city, get everything rushed through no problem. Try to do good in this city? Road blocks everywhere.
totally bizarre. we’re really losing our architectural elan as a city