Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon , will donate $ 200 million dollars to the Smithsonian Institution to boost the National Air and Space Museum . This is the largest donation received by the institution since it was founded in 1846.
The Smithsonian said that $ 70 millions of dollars of money will be destined to renovate the different sections of the museum and the others $ 130 millions of dollars will be allocated to the construction of a new center called the Bezos Learning Center , to inspire students to promote innovation and explore careers in science, math, and engineering.
“This landmark donation will help the Smithsonian reach its goal of reaching every classroom in America by creating a world-class learning center with access and inspiration in its heart, ”said Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch.
The Air and Space Museum, on the National Mall, has been undergoing major renovations since 2018. For now it remains closed but its reopening is scheduled for 30 July.
“Right now, the first human to walk on Mars could be in school elementary school, ”said Ellen Stofan, Smithsonian undersecretary for science and research and former director of the National Air and Space Museum. “As the largest and most visited aerospace museum in the world, the museum wants to spark that passion and enrich the imagination and ingenuity of every student who visits the Smithsonian.”
In the largest gift to the Smithsonian since our founding, we will receive $ 200 M to support @ airandspace ‘s renovation and a new education center. Inspiring students to explore STEM and the arts, the gift is from Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos. https://t.co/7guRbYhHrZ
– Smithsonian (@smithsonian) July 14, 2021
“All the children are born with great potential and it is inspiration that unlocks that potential, ”he said. “My love for science, invention, and space did it for me, and I hope this gift will do it for others,” Bezos said in a statement.
The donation occurs when the richest person in the world, according to Forbes estimates, prepares to fulfill his childhood dream of traveling into space . Bezos, from 57 years, will travel to the edge of space on 16 July when your company Blue Origin makes its first flight with crew . The Amazon founder will fly alongside his younger brother, Mark.
Bezos He left his role as CEO of Amazon this month . In a blog aimed at employees earlier this year, Bezos said he planned to spend more time on side projects, including Blue Origin, his philanthropic initiatives, and overseeing The Washington Post newspaper, which he owns.
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