Courtesy of Sotheby’s
PHILADELPHIA (May 13, 2025) – The National Constitution Center today announced a historic gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst. The $15 million gift, the single largest donation in the organization’s history, will support the creation of a new gallery on America’s founding principles and the creation of another new gallery focused on the separation of powers and federalism. Mr. Griffin’s gift will enable the Center to open both galleries in time for America’s 250th anniversary next year.
In conjunction with this historic gift, Mr. Griffin will loan his copy of the U.S. Constitution—one of 14 known original, official prints from which all subsequent printings of the final text of the Constitution originate—for public display through 2026. Originally printed for the delegates of the Constitutional Convention, Mr. Griffin purchased the historical document at auction in 2021 to ensure it would remain accessible to the public. In addition, Mr. Griffin will loan 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, combination, elimination, and other revisions, Congress would send 12 amendments to the states for ratification—10 of which became our Bill of Rights.
In recognition of Mr. Griffin’s generosity, the National Constitution Center will name its central welcoming and convening space the Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall, with sweeping views of Independence Mall.
“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.”
“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,” said Ken Griffin. “I am proud to partner with the National Constitution Center to share these sacred documents with all Americans.”
In the run-up to America’s 250th anniversary, the Center has embarked upon its first major renovation of the main exhibit, The Story of We the People, since its opening in 2003. The transformation began with the 2023 debut of the Center’s newest exhibit, The First Amendment. Construction on the next two galleries will begin in June 2025, with the founding gallery opening in February 2026 and the separation of powers gallery opening in May 2026. The Center previously announced that Judge J. Michael Luttig and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Luttig have generously loaned in perpetuity a first-edition, two-volume set of The Federalist, as well as a rare original printing of the Acts of the First Session of the First Congress, both of which will be included for display in the new galleries.
To learn more about the upcoming exhibits and to plan your visit, please click HERE.
About Griffin Catalyst
Griffin Catalyst is the civic engagement initiative of Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, encompassing his philanthropic and community impact efforts. Tackling the world’s greatest challenges in innovative, action-oriented, and evidence-driven ways, Griffin Catalyst is dedicated to expanding opportunity and improving lives across six areas of focus: Education, Science & Medicine, Upward Mobility, Freedom & Democracy, Enterprise & Innovation, and Communities. For more information, visit griffincatalyst.org.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
