The National Constitution Center (NCC) in Philadelphia has received a historic $15 million donation, the largest single gift in the organization’s history. The donation comes from Citadel CEO and billionaire collector Ken Griffin, who will also lend his rare first-edition copies of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights to the NCC for public display through 2026. Griffin purchased the rare copy of the Constitution for $43.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in November 2021, outbidding a coalition of 17,000 people.
The document is one of only 14 known original copies printed for delegates of the Constitutional Convention. The $15 million donation will support the creation of two new galleries focused on America’s founding principles, the separation of powers, and federalism.
Historic gift enhances NCC galleries
The “Founding Principles” gallery is scheduled to open in February 2026, while the “Separation of Powers” gallery is set to open in May 2026. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the NCC, expressed his gratitude for Griffin’s contribution, stating, “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.”
Griffin, who has donated over $2 billion to various charities and nonprofit cultural organizations in recent decades, said in a statement, “The remarkable prosperity of America over the past 250 years is a testament to the genius of the republic, as enshrined in our Constitution. I am proud to partner with the National Constitution Center to share these sacred documents with all Americans.”
The NCC also announced a major renovation of its main exhibit, “The Story of We the People,” for the first time since its opening in 2003.
Construction on the new galleries will begin in June 2025, with the central welcoming and convening space being renamed the Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall in recognition of his generous gifts.
