Credit: Alden Studios for RAMSA. Rendering of the South Portico renovation

Griffin Museum of Science & Industry lands $10M grant to renovate historic South Portico

The Griffin Museum of Science & Industry was awarded a $10 million grant to renovate its historic South Portico and reopen its original entrance with added amenities.

The project, which is supported by the grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation — the largest donation in the foundation’s history — aims to increase accessibility to the museum, add modern amenities such as a cafe and create a new public space connecting the museum to the Columbian Basin and the rest of Jackson Park.

Via Crain's Chicago

The Mona Lisa Will Get Her Own Room at the Louvre, Vows Emmanuel Macron

Just a few days after French newspaper Le Parisien leaked a memo in which Louvre director Laurence des Cars expressed extreme concern for and dissatisfaction with the museum’s dilapidated state and increasing inability to adequately support the millions of visitors it draws each year, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered some major news.

Standing in front of the iconic Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci—the crown jewel of the museum’s collection—Macron announced a major renovation estimated to be worth upwards of €700 million ($730 million) as well as a new, custom-built room to exclusively display the Mona Lisa.

As We Enter the Year of the Snake, Let’s Revisit the Serpent’s Starring Role in Art

On January 29, it’s time for the celebration of Lunar New Year across many parts of Asia, from Korea to China and Southeast Asia, and among those of the Sinic cultural heritage scattered across the world. As we enter the Year of the Snake, we take the opportunity to revisit the starring roles of this mystic animal in art.

Snake is the sixth animal sign in the 12-year zodiac cycle and based on traditional Chinese calculations, this is the year of Wood Snake. 

Via Artnet