Championing Freedom and Democracy: National Constitution Center Announces Historic $15-Million Gift and Document Loans from Ken Griffin
The National Constitution Center has announced a $15 million gift from Ken Griffin, the single largest donation in the organization’s history. The gift will support the creation of a new gallery on America’s founding principles and another new gallery focused on the separation of powers and federalism. Both galleries will open in time for America’s 250th anniversary next year.
In conjunction with this historic gift, Ken will loan his copy of the U.S. Constitution—originally printed for the delegates of the Constitutional Convention—for public display through 2026. The document is one of 14 original, official prints from which all subsequent printings of the final text of the Constitution originate. Ken purchased the historical document at auction in 2021 to ensure it would remain accessible to the public. In 2022, Ken loaned the document to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for public display.
In addition, Ken will lend a previously undisclosed acquisition: a rare first printing of 17 proposed constitutional amendments passed in 1789 by the House of Representatives for consideration by the Senate. After further debate, additions, eliminations, and other revisions, Congress would send 12 amendments to the states for ratification—10 of which became our Bill of Rights.
In recognition of Ken’s generosity, the National Constitution Center will name its central welcoming and convening space, with sweeping views of Independence Mall., the Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall.
“The remarkable prosperity of America over the past 250 years is a testament to the genius of the republic, as enshrined in our Constitution. The authors of the Constitution had incredible foresight in designing a system of government that has withstood the test of time and now, more than ever, protects the American Dream. I am proud to partner with the National Constitution Center to share these sacred documents with all Americans.”
“All of us at the National Constitution Center are honored to tell the story of America’s founding in such a meaningful way thanks to the generosity of Ken Griffin,” said Jeffrey Rosen, National Constitution Center president and CEO. “Our new galleries on America’s founding principles, featuring rare original printings of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, will engage and inspire millions as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the Constitution.”
Ken has a long-standing commitment to strengthening American freedoms, promoting civic engagement, and working to make government more effective, including through recent gifts to the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, Call of Duty Endowment, and the Navy SEAL Foundation.
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