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The Smithsonian has received the largest donation in its history with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos donating US$200m for the development of two key projects for the institution
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 19 Jul 2021
Bezos’ donation is the largest in Smithonsian history Credit: Blue Origin
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has donated US$200m (€169.2m, £146m) to the Smithsonian, with the contribution marking the largest single gift to the Institution since its founding in 1846.
From the sum, US$70m (€59.2m, £51.2m) will go towards the renovation of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), while US$130m (€110.1m, £95m) will launch a new education centre at the museum.
“The Smithsonian plays a vital role in igniting the imaginations of our future builders and dreamers,” said Bezos. “Every child is born with great potential, and it’s inspiration that unlocks that potential. My love affair with science, invention and space did that for me, and I hope this gift does that for others.”
The education centre will be housed inside a new facility to be constructed on the east side of the museum’s plaza on the National Mall in Washington DC. The centre will feature activities and programming designed to inspire students to pursue innovation and explore careers in STEM subjects.
The gift will also help to enable a technological transformation of NASM’s galleries and public spaces, including the creation of new interactive experiences to inspire visitors, students, teachers and families.
Almost 175 years ago, James Smithson’s inaugural gift laid the groundwork for this innovative approach, bringing together private philanthropy and public funding,” said Smithsonian secretary, Lonnie Bunch. “As we emerge from a pivotal moment in history, Jeff’s donation builds on that original tradition and will help us reimagine and transform the Smithsonian. This historic gift will help the Smithsonian achieve its goal of reaching every classroom in America by creating a world-class learning center with access and inspiration at its heart.”
Bezos has a long history of supporting the Smithsonian. He was a founding donor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture and has contributed to the National Air and Space Museum. In 2017, his portrait was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery. He was also a featured speaker at the National Air and Space Museum for the 2016 John H. Glenn Lecture in Space History.
Museums and galleries
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