Washington (AFP)
Jeff Bezos, the wealthy founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, will offer $ 200 million to the Smithsonian Institution, a record donation for this iconic American museum complex, which announced in a statement Wednesday.
Of this record donation, 70 million will contribute to the renovation of the National Air and Space Museum.
Jeff Bezos, present in the space tourism market with Blue Origin, will fly into space aboard a rocket developed by his company on July 20.
$ 130 million will be devoted to the launch of a new learning center named in honor of this entrepreneur, the richest man in the world.
The Jeff Bezos Learning Center will be located in the heart of Washington, and will offer programs and activities designed to engage students in science, technology, engineering, the arts or math.
"Since its inception, the Smithsonian has benefited from both federal funding and the generosity of visionary donors," said Lonnie Bunch, secretary of the Smithsonian.
The famous Washington cultural institution founded in 1846 manages museums, research centers and a zoo, among other things.
It prides itself on being the largest museum, education and research complex in the world.
"The Smithsonian plays a vital role in igniting the imaginations of our future builders and dreamers," added Jeff Bezos.
“Every child is born with great potential, and it is inspiration that unlocks that potential. My love affair with science, invention and space has done this for me, and I hope this gift will do it for others. "
Jeff Bezos, whose fortune is estimated at $ 212 billion by Forbes, is a date supporter of the Smithsonian.
He is also very close to the American capital, where he owns a house in an upscale neighborhood, and is the owner of the "Washington Post" newspaper.
Unlike his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott, Jeff Bezos has so far not been particularly well known for his philanthropic activities, although he has donated $ 10 billion to the fight against climate change, the largest charitable contribution in 2020.
© 2021 AFP