McCormick Tribune Foundation Announces Museum of Freedoms

[W]ill be dedicated to America's freedoms - with a special emphasis on First Amendment rights - and the civic responsibilities that accompany those rights. The museum seeks to inspire generations to understand, value and protect these freedoms.

Chicagoist certainly agrees we as a nation could use some inspiration regarding freedom, its civic responsibilities and the necessity of progecting them. Can we book an opening day educational field trip for George W. Bush and John Ashcroft?

Too bad we'll have to wait until the spring of 2006, when the museum will open in 10,000 square feet of space located in the Tribune Tower on Michigan Avenue.

As part of the museum's announcement, the foundation launched two competitions:

One is a for a signature work of art, which will serve as the central exhibit and centerpiece of the museum’s two-story rotunda. It will be selected through an open, international, two-stage design competition to begin on October 11, 2004 and conclude with the work's unveiling on April 1, 2006.

The other is to choose the museum's name, which runs December 1, 2004. To be eligible, names must embody the museum's mission and use "McCormick" in the name.

Chicagoist thinks it'd be cool if we could submit the winning name. What do you think it should be called? We promise not to borrow your ideas for submission...