Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
About the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that support the Museum’s mission: to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. As one of the largest science museums in the world featuring award-winning exhibits and hands-on activities, a visit to Griffin MSI is guaranteed to connect fun and learning. Griffin MSI is committed to offering comprehensive educational programs—for students, administrators, teachers and families—that make a difference in local communities and contribute to Griffin MSI’s goal to transform and illuminate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) pathways for people of all ages. The Museum is grateful for the support of its generous donors and guests, who make its work possible. Griffin MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY CELEBRATES 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Chicago's beloved holiday tradition celebrates over 50 countries and cultures
CHICAGO (October 27, 2022)—The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) is ringing in the holiday season with the 80th anniversary of Christmas Around the World. The exhibit allows guests to connect with their heritage as they explore dozens of trees and displays meticulously decorated with hand-crafted ornaments, all while learning about traditions that are celebrated across the globe.
The annual holiday tradition began with a single tree in 1942, which was newly decorated every day for 12 days to represent the countries fighting alongside America during World War II. Today, the exhibit features more than 50 trees decorated by volunteers from around the Chicagoland area to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe.
"For the past 80 years, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has invited guests to celebrate the rich history and heritage of cultures around the globe, all under one roof," said Peter Vega, Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement. "The celebration is a core part of Griffin MSI's mission statement to inspire the inventive genius in everyone as a reminder to appreciate the differences and similarities that make everyone unique."
In addition to the decorated trees, families can explore Holidays of Light, which offers vitrines that contain symbolic objects that showcase celebrations honoring light and enlightenment, including Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day and St. Lucia Day. Holidays of Light is located among the trees throughout the Museum's Main Floor.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light will take place from November 16, 2022 to January 8, 2023, and are included in Museum Entry. For more information, please visit <link explore whats-here exhibits christmas-around-the-world>msichicago.org/holidays.