# Griffin MSI’s Welcome Hall design needs overhaul

> Griffin MSI’s new Welcome Hall threatens to overpower Chicago’s historic museum entrance.
- Title: Griffin MSI’s Welcome Hall design needs overhaul | Shortify
- Summary: Griffin MSI’s new Welcome Hall threatens to overpower Chicago’s historic museum entrance. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s proposed 458-foot Welcome…
- Keywords: griffin museum science industry, welcome hall, 57th street, chicago park district, ramsa, ken griffin, museum of science and industry, historical preservation, city block, limestone, glass, carbuncle
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/architecture-design/2026/09/21/griffin-museum-science-industry-design-ramsa-drawing-board
- Published: 2026-09-24T22:28:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: griffin museum science industry, welcome hall, 57th street, chicago park district, ramsa, ken griffin, museum of science and industry, historical preservation, city block, limestone, glass, carbuncle
## Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The museum is a landmark building with a Greek Revival design by Charles Atwood.
## Proposed Welcome Hall design
The museum plans a 458-foot long, two-story limestone and glass entry pavilion along 57th Street.
## Historic entrance at risk
The new pavilion threatens to visually overpower the museum’s historic north entrance and great lawn.
## Museum’s justification
The museum claims the Welcome Hall will improve guest access while centering the historic facade.
## Design criticism
Critics call the structure a 'carbuncle in the park' that spoils the city’s urban vista.

> carbuncle in the park
## Historic context
The museum was built as the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition’s Palace of Fine Arts.
## Park renovation history
The park was created in 1998 after replacing a 6-acre parking lot with 1,500-space underground parking.
## Current parking issues
Visitors must go underground to buy tickets before using an escalator to enter the museum.
## Design firm details
RAMSA, Ken Griffin’s design firm, proposed the Welcome Hall with a grass-topped roof.
## Permit approval
The Chicago Landmarks Committee approved the design on Sept. 10, 2.000.
## Design alternatives
RAMSA’s South Portico renovation plan is seen as a more sensitive approach to the north side.
## Funding context
Ken Griffin’s 2019 $124 million donation still provides funds for the museum’s projects.
## Next steps
The Chicago Park District must approve the Welcome Hall design before it becomes reality.
## Final recommendation
The museum and city officials should rethink the design to honor the historic building and park.
## Key takeaway

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s proposed 458-foot Welcome Hall risks spoiling the historic north entrance and park view.