# Griffin MSI 'carbuncle' needs approval

> Chicago Park District says Griffin Museum's planned entry hall requires final review before construction.
- Title: Griffin MSI 'carbuncle' needs approval · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Chicago Park District says Griffin Museum's planned entry hall requires final review before construction. Chicago Park District has not given final…
- Keywords: griffin msi, chicago park district, welcome hall, griffin museum of science and industry, jackson park, chicago architecture, landmark approval, carbuncle, news, local, Griffin, MSI
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/architecture-design/2026/09/24/griffin-msi-carbuncle-done-deal-chicago-park-district
- Published: 2026-09-24T23:01:08.565+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: griffin msi, chicago park district, welcome hall, griffin museum of science and industry, jackson park, chicago architecture, landmark approval, carbuncle, news, local
## Welcome Hall proposal
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry plans a two-story Welcome Hall at its north entrance.

> The Welcome Hall proposed for the north entrance of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, though given the nod from city officials, needs the Chicago Park District’s approval.
## Chicago Park District stance
The park district has not given final construction approval for the project.

> The District has not given final construction approval
## Design changes requested
The park district originally asked the museum to consider design changes to the Welcome Hall.

> originally asked the museum to consider changes to the design
## Landmark approval process
The project passed Landmarks Illinois and Illinois State Historic Preservation Office reviews.

> after reviewing Landmarks Illinois’ letter of support and the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office’s written determination
## Construction requirements
The Welcome Hall requires final construction drawings and an access permit for contractor protection.

> Griffin MSI must return to us with final construction documents for review and approval and obtain an access permit for its contractor to protect park assets during construction
## Historic context
The Welcome Hall would sit in front of the Greek Revival museum entrance but connect via a 124-foot glass hallway.

> Planned on the museum’s expansive front lawn, the Welcome Hall would sit in front of the Greek Revival institution’s main entrance but connect to it by way of a 124-foot glass hallway that digs straight through the center of the building’s limestone exterior stairs
## Critics' view
The architect called the Welcome Hall a 'carbuncle' obstructing historic views.

> My column earlier this week said the plan should be sent back to the drawing board and called the proposed structure a carbuncle in the park that would obstruct views of the historic entrance like a big old wide-brimmed hat blocking the screen at the movie theater
## Next steps
The park district will review final construction drawings before a potential decision.

> The park district must now review final construction drawings, a step that could represent a potential firewall in the museum’s path toward constructing the arch-backed, 458-foot wide limestone and glass structure
## Potential outcome
The review could lead to design changes for better accessibility and gathering spaces.

> Perhaps the park district’s review will provide a chance to pump the breaks on the proposal and lead to a better design aimed at providing the improved museum accessibility and gathering spaces that Griffin MSI officials are seeking
## Historic site
The museum sits on a Greek Revival architectural landmark in Jackson Park.

> The park district owns the Greek Revival architectural landmark, which sits in historic Jackson Park at 57th Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive
## Key takeaway

Chicago Park District has not given final construction approval for Griffin Museum of Science and Industry's Welcome Hall, which critics call a 'carbuncle' obstructing historic views.