Display of Ken Griffin's US Constitution Copy to Be Showcased in Philadelphia Next Year
Ken Griffin, the CEO of Citadel and a renowned art collector, has announced plans to lend his copy of the U.S. Constitution to the National Constitution Center for public display until 2026. This intention follows a generous $15 million donation from Griffin, which marks the largest single gift in the organization's history.
The contribution will support the creation of two new galleries. The first, focused on America's founding principles, and the second, centered around the separation of governmental power and federalism. Both galleries, slated to open in 2026 in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of America's founding, will delve deep into the nation's formative years, encompassing the Revolution, the Constitutional Convention, ratification, and the Bill of Rights.
The news of Griffin's generous financial support and the loan of his rare first-edition copies of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, adds a transformative and tangible element to the exhibit, enhancing visitor engagement and understanding of the nation’s constitutional heritage. It is noteworthy that Griffin’s U.S. Constitution is one of only 14 known original, official printings, and he acquired it in 2021 to ensure public accessibility. The Bill of Rights copy he will lend is equally rare, with only 14 original copies made—13 distributed to the original states and one retained by the federal government.
Griffin's donation and loaned documents provide a unique opportunity for the National Constitution Center to deepen public education and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution and America's founding ideals at this significant moment in American history. By doing so, it elevates the center’s role as a national institution dedicated to constitutional literacy and civic engagement.
In recognition of these generous gifts, the National Constitution Center plans to rename its central welcoming and convening space the Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall. The center is also renovating its main exhibition, titled "The Story of We the People," for the first time since its 2003 opening. Construction is expected to begin next month, with a set date for completion of 2026.
- The modern art collector, Ken Griffin, has decided to loan his rare first-edition copies of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights for public display at the National Constitution Center.
- Griffin's art collection, which includes these historical documents, will be a significant addition to an upcoming exhibition focused on America's founding principles.
- The opening of the new galleries in 2026, strengthened by Griffin's art collection, will offer a deeper exploration of the nation's formative years, including the Revolution, the Constitutional Convention, ratification, and the Bill of Rights.
- The act of lending these rare documents and the financial support from Griffin will undeniably have a transformative impact, improving visitor engagement and fostering a increased understanding of American constitutional heritage.
- The National Constitution Center will rename its central welcoming and convening space the Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall, as a symbol of gratitude for Griffin's generosity.
- In light of these actions, the National Constitution Center will elevate its role as a leading institution in education-and-self-development and general-news concerning the U.S. Constitution and America's founding ideals, further solidifying its position as a national institution dedicated to constitutional literacy and civic engagement.
