Jeff Bezos has paid $200 million to name a new branch of the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum, after the Amazon founder traveled to space just once.
The billionaire will have his name displayed on the new Bezos Learning Center and several other locations around the museum for at least 50 years, according to the terms of the agreement obtained by MarketWatch.
The donation is the largest one ever given to the Smithsonian. It will cover the cost of renovations and a new science, technology, engineering and arts (STEAM) education center. It is set to be in a new building connected to the East Wing of the National Air and Space on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Along with the STEAM center, a major portion of the renovations will focus on the museum’s existing restaurant area this spring and replace it with the new building, with the aim of opening it in 2026 to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Air and Space Museum’s National Mall building and the 250th anniversary of the United States, a spokeswoman said.
The Amazon and Blue Origin founder’s name will also be etched onto a new glass sculpture to honor all those who have donated $10 million or more, displayed on a wall in the Distinguished Benefactors Room in the Smithsonian Castle, another donor wall at the National Air and Space Museum’s Virginia location.
