CHICAGO, IL.- Madeleine Grynsztejn, Pritzker Director of the
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, today announced the extraordinary gift of $10 million from Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund to create the Griffin Galleries of Contemporary Art.
Ken has been a consistent and generous supporter of the arts in our community, said Madeleine Grynsztejn. We are extremely grateful for this important gift, as it will support our Vision Campaign and bring exciting, innovative exhibitions to diverse audiences in Chicago and beyond."
"It is an honor to support the outstanding organizations that make our community unique, vibrant, and diverse, said Kenneth Griffin. "I am grateful for Madeleine's leadership and vision. My hope is that this gift helps to ensure that the MCA continues to provide artistic programming that is accessible, dynamic, and relevant to audiences today and into the future."
Kenneth Griffin has been on the MCA Board of Trustees since 2000. He has regularly supported the museums best-received exhibitions over the years, including Jeff Koons, Take your time: Olafur Eliasson, and most recently, the record-breaking David Bowie Is exhibition. The MCAs new Griffin Galleries of Contemporary Art, located on the fourth floor, will support the curatorial program under the direction of Michael Darling, the MCA James W. Alsdorf Chief Curator, and its renowned exhibitions.
This is a pivotal moment for the MCA, said King Harris, Chair of the MCA Board of Trustees. A gift of this magnitude enables our long-term financial sustainability along with creative new initiatives. The Griffin Galleries of Contemporary Art elevates the museum to new heights in programming and ensures the future of this outstanding museum. This gift is emblematic of Kens philanthropy and leadership, and we are extremely fortunate that he has invested in the MCA and Madeleine's vision."
Kenneth Griffin is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Citadel. He actively supports Chicagos civic and cultural institutions. Griffin earned his bachelors degree in economics from Harvard College.