Legendary basketball player Michael Jordan has shown his philanthropic side, donating US$5m (€4.5m, £3.8m) to the Smithsonian’s upcoming National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The donation by Jordan is the largest sum given from a sportsperson to the
David Adjaye-designed museum, which will be opened by President Barack Obama on 24 September.
Jordan has also donated the Chicago Bulls jersey he wore during the 1996 NBA Finals to the museum’s permanent collection, which will go in a sports gallery named after the star in recognition of his generous gift.
The inaugural exhibition to be held in the newly-dubbed Michael Jordan Hall will feature a showcase of artefacts from 17 “game-changing” athletes, with Jordan among those highlighted.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to support this museum,” said Jordan. “I also am indebted to the historic contributions of community leaders and athletes such as Jesse Owens, whose talent, commitment and perseverance broke racial barriers and laid the groundwork for the successful careers of so many African Americans in athletics and beyond.”
The 400,000sq ft (37,000sq m), nine-storey museum is located on a five-acre site on Constitution Avenue. Dedicated to exploring the story of America through the lens of the African American experience, it will house exhibition galleries, an education centre, a 350-seat theatre and a memorial area.
In total, the museum has received private donations of more than US$278m (€250m, £214m), with federal aid, bringing the total sum up to US$548m (€493.8m, £421.7m).
