More than 50 museums across the state of Illinois, US, are to benefit from a share of funding worth nearly US$15m (£9.5m, €10.7m).

Illinois governor Pat Quinn awarded grants towards new and expanded facilities, exhibits and infrastructure improvements at 51 visitor attractions for the fiscal year 2010.

Funding has been contributed as part of the Public Museums Capital Grants Program and is aimed at attractions either run by or sited on land owned by a unit of local government.

Three museums - Field Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry and Shedd Aquarium, all in Chicago - have secured US$800,000 (£508,000, €570,000).

Adler Planetarium will receive US$750,000 (£477,000, €534,000), while the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Chicago Historical Society have been awarded US$700,000 (£445,000, €498,000).

Quinn said: "Illinois' public museums are some of our most valuable teaching resources. Students learn best when they have access to the hands-on learning available in museums throughout the state.

"These capital grants will help ensure that learning is not limited to classrooms - but that students will be able to continue visiting museums, zoos and gardens all over the state to put their lessons to practical use."