Additional renderings and details have been revealed for the potential new main entrance hall for the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) within Jackson Park. Initial plans were revealed back in September for the one-story structure with sweeping rooflines that would replace the existing multi-story underground entry.
Rendering of MSI north pavilion by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Led by the museum itself and designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), the new entrance looks to re-activate the building’s original entrance while adding public programmable space and simplifying the current multi-step entry process. However, the current plans have been met with plenty of pushback from locals and designers due to it blocking the structure.
Rendering of MSI north pavilion by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
According to a new interview by the Chicago Sun-Times, the team looked at various options but landed on the presented proposal due to its ease of potential approval given the building’s historic designation, while also blending with the existing landscape. The 28-foot-tall structure would span 458 feet wide from east to west wing, reaching its peak at the center.
Rendering of MSI north pavilion corridor by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
This central peak is where visitors would enter into a central atrium with a glass skylight offering views of the historic structure. This would create a free exhibition space with ticketing, restrooms, and other facilities. The atrium would connect to a fully glass-enclosed hall leading up the historic front steps to the original doors, which would also be enclosed.
Rendering of MSI north pavilion corridor by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
For those with disabilities, part of the stairs will be cut open to allow for a pass-through into the current entry lobby on the ground level, with access to elevators. A similar technique is being used for the re-opening of the southern doors, which recently broke ground as well. The current massive underground entry hall would be converted into additional exhibition space.
Section of MSI north pavilion corridor by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
The rest of the two extended grass-covered berms will hold some seating areas along with back-of-house spaces and connections to the underground parking garage. Connecting from those and flanking both sides of the central glass entry hall will be two science-focused gardens. These would allow visitors to get up close to the building and explore local flora.
Rendering of MSI north pavilion corridor by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
All of this is being designed to handle over double the museum’s current annual visitors as it works on removing entry fees and becoming free to all as part of its 100th anniversary in 2033. The museum used to see 3.5 million visitors back in 1991 prior to establishing an entry fee. This lowered annual attendance to the 1.5 million it currently receives.
Rendering of MSI north pavilion by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
While sentiments remain generally negative around the building, plans are moving through various approval processes, including historic review. Even once fully approved, the museum will need to fundraise for its construction, complete the design drawings, and procure a contractor prior to moving forward. No timeline has been revealed.
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The Ai slop is strong on the cover render.
Just an fyi to those that wanna have confidence in the architects that will be attempting to merge blobitecture with a World’s Fair masterpiece.