Press Release

Early Fundraising Includes Three Largest Gifts in Museum History

Chicago’s Field Museum recently launched a $250 million Campaign and raised more than $70 million in its first 12 months. The money raised will support implementation of the Museum’s Strategic Plan to improve its visitor experience and science programs. This includes new native gardens, continuation of the successful Early Elementary Science Partnership, new exhibitions, and expanded global research programs. A significant portion of the funds ($100 million/40 percent) will go to the Museum’s endowment, ensuring the future of this Chicago-icon for generations to come.

The $70 million dollars raised includes the three largest gifts in The Field’s history: $20 million from The Grainger Foundation to create new science learning programs and support for research technologies; $10 million from Bill and Linda Gantz for the Gantz Family Collections Center; and $10 million from Connie and Dennis Keller for the Keller Science Action Center.

“The early response to the Museum’s Campaign is encouraging,” says Field President Richard W. Lariviere, PhD. “These gifts are an investment in an engaging and relevant 21st century Field Museum.  We look forward to sharing exciting new science programs, exhibitions, and learning experiences made possible by our generous Museum friends.”

The Field Museum is one of the world’s premier natural history institutions.  Its staff maintains an irreplaceable collection of over 27 million artifacts and specimens, which are made available to scientists throughout the globe. Additionally, the Museum maintains more than 350,000 square feet of permanent exhibitions. Since 2000, The Field has created 15 critically acclaimed exhibitions and engaged nearly 25 million people worldwide.

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