The Roddenberry Foundation donated $100,000 to the Comic-Con Museum to help support the museum open this year in San Diego's Balboa Park, it was announced Wednesday.
The foundation's namesake — Gene Roddenberry — was the creator of "Star Trek," and the nonprofit foundation supports his legacy through initiatives which "encourage innovative approaches to creating a more inclusive, progressive and harmonious society."
The donation also coincides with the year of what would have been Roddenberry's 100th birthday. Roddenberry died in 1991.
"We are incredibly honored to have received this commitment from The Roddenberry Foundation as it affirms our direction in creating innovative spaces that foster and celebrate creativity through comics and popular art forms," said Melissa Peterman, vice president of development for the museum, which has not set an opening date.
"One of the exciting things about comics and popular arts is their ability to reflect and recognize many voices of our diverse society and that is something that was so important to Gene Roddenberry. We are thrilled that this funding allows us to honor Gene's vision which aligns so well with our own mission."
The main lobby of the museum will be named after the foundation in recognition of the donation.
The Comic-Con Museum, intended to celebrate the spirit of the San Diego Comic-Con experience throughout the year, has passed the halfway mark of its $34 million funding goal.
"The Comic-Con Museum's commitment to offering innovative programs that encourage access and inclusivity through the work of remarkable artists and creators aligns strongly with that of the vision of 'Star Trek' creator Gene Roddenberry and The Roddenberry Foundation," said Rod Roddenberry, Gene's son.
"We hope to inspire others to recognize the power of popular arts and comics in providing a unifying force to bring together our society and create a better future."
The Comic-Con Museum plans to offer programming day and night as well as rotating exhibits to celebrate and promote popular art.
