CHICAGO – The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft acquired by the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in 2022 will go on display at Griffin MSI on May 19, 2024, in a new exhibit specifically designed to showcase the spacecraft’s journey and impact. The exhibit will be part of the Museum’s renovated Henry Crown Space Center, which reopens May 19. Both spaces will deliver Griffin MSI guests the latest information on space exploration and what new and old space missions have taught us about the universe around us.

“The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft highlights the ability to explore new frontiers in sustainable ways and inspires further discovery,” said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of Griffin MSI. “Adding this cutting-edge artifact to Griffin MSI’s renovated Henry Crown Space Center signifies our dedication to educating visitors about the limitless potential of space exploration and how new, innovative technologies have helped humankind explore our universe like never before.”

The SpaceX Dragon, which the public got a sneak peek at in December 2022, is a flight-proven spacecraft that played a pivotal role in two missions, CRS-12 (2017) and CRS-17 (2019), delivering cargo and scientific experiments to the International Space Station (ISS). Among its payload were science and crew supplies, spacewalk equipment, vehicle hardware and computer resources. The vehicle also delivered NASA’s Cosmic-Ray Energetics and Mass (ISS-CREAM) to the space station, designed to provide an unprecedented look at cosmic ray particles approaching energies of 1,000 trillion electron volts. The spacecraft’s new exhibition highlights its journey and SpaceX’s pioneering legacy.

Along with the Dragon spacecraft, the newly renovated Henry Crown Space Center will deliver the most up-to-date information about space exploration and what we can learn about our universe from these missions. In addition to the Space Center’s most iconic artifacts, such as the Apollo 8 Command Module and the Mercury Aurora 7 Capsule, the exhibit will feature new artifacts, such as a prototype garment and biofeedback belt worn by Mae Jemison, the first American woman of color in space and a Chicago native.

The Henry Crown Space Center opened in 1986 to showcase the scientific and technological breakthroughs of space exploration in recognition of the generosity of Henry Crown and the philanthropic legacy of the Crown family.

Entry to the Henry Crown Space Center, which includes the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft display, is included with Museum Entry.

For more information about the exhibitions, visit Griffin MSI’s website here.