x

Jeff Bezos Donates Record Breaking $200M To Smithsonian

Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos will donate $200 million to the Smithsonian, the largest gift in the history of the institute, a statement said Wednesday.

A $70 million portion of the donation will support the renovation of the National Air and Space Museum while $130 million will launch a new education center to be named after the world’s wealthiest person.

The Bezos Learning Center will be housed in a new facility to be constructed on the National Mall, and will feature programs and activities to inspire students to pursue science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

“Since its inception, the Smithsonian has benefited from both federal funding and the generosity of visionary donors,” said Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch.

“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.”

“The Smithsonian plays a vital role in igniting the imaginations of our future builders and dreamers,” added Bezos, who is set to fly to space on Blue Origin’s first crewed rocket launch on July 20.

“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.”

Bezos, who has an estimated net worth of $212 billion according to Forbes, 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 previously contributed to the National Air and Space Museum.

He also has strong ties to the nation’s capital, with a mansion in the upscale Kalorama neighborhood, as well as owning the Washington Post newspaper.

Established in 1846, the Smithsonian Institute is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex.

Named after its founder, the British scientist James Smithson, it is funded through federal appropriations, gifts, its own revenue-generating activities and philanthropy.

In 2000, late real estate tycoon Kenneth Behring donated $80 million to the Smithsonian, then its biggest single gift ever.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Lagos Government Urges Property Owners to Renovate Building Exteriors

The Lagos State Government has called on property owners...

Africa’s Most Expensive Countries to Rent a Home in 2025

As urbanisation accelerates across Africa, housing demand is soaring—leading...

FCCPC to Arraign MultiChoice CEO for Alleged Obstruction of Investigation

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is...

Super Eagles Can Still Qualify For 2026 World Cup – Eguavoen

Former Super Eagles head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has expressed...

Tinubu Hosts Denmark’s Queen Mary, Seeks Stronger Ties in Education, Agriculture, and Investment

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday welcomed Queen Mary Elizabeth...

BREAKING: 53 Arrested Over Deadly Attacks in Benue, Plateau – IGP

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the...

Senate Approves Second Extension of 2024 Capital Budget to December 2025

The Nigerian Senate has approved a second extension of...

SDP Suspends National Chairman Shehu Gabam And Others Over Alleged Financial Misconduct

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended its National...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img