Time Flies When You’re Having Fun at Grand Rapids Public Museum

Grand Rapids Public Museum: A Fun Place for Everyone

If you’re looking for something cool to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan, give the Grand Rapids Public Museum a chance. This icon on the shores of the Grand River is not just for history buffs or adults; it’s a great spot for everyone from toddlers to adults and offers a unique experience among the museums in West Michigan.

Expect to spend at least two hours exploring all three levels of the museum!

Who, What, When, Where, and Why

Opened in 1854, this treasure trove of exhibits and activities stands as one of Michigan’s oldest museums. Collections ranging from local history to natural science make this place meaningful for people of all ages.

The museum is open daily, with special events and rotating displays to keep things exciting.

Take a Look Inside the Grand Rapids Museum

The museum is pretty open, so you can see the different floors just by looking over the railing when you’re up high.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum offers three floors of intriguing exhibits, each one different from the last. From the nostalgic “Streets of Old Grand Rapids” to brand-new exhibits that change all the time.

Special Exhibits & Events

Typically housed on the museum’s upper floor, special exhibits keep the GRPM fresh and interesting all year long.

Whether you’re interested in seeing life-size dinosaur replicas or other unique displays, this is where you’ll find them. Some of these special exhibits do require a separate ticket, so make sure to check that out when planning your visit.

BUILDING BUDDIES

The Building Buddies Exhibit for kids is open through September 1, 2024.

Kids can paint walls, tend gardens, fix leaky pipes, and craft doghouses inside this dynamic playground

THE ROBOT ZOO

The The Robot Zoo opens Saturday, June 22, putting visitors in touch with eight enormous robotic animals.

Interactive & hands-on.

pictured: Robot Zoo Giraffe

GIANT GAMES

Giant games like giant Yahtzee, giant chess, bean bag toss, toy car racing, and tic-tac-toe are included in admission this summer.

Watch the Planetarium Shows

Ever want to travel to outer space? The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, named after GR’s very own hometown astronaut, is your ticket to the stars.

They have different shows that dive into space, science, and even art! Tickets range from $2-$5/person.

Planet Explorers is new this season, featuring a live presenter who can answer questions as you explore the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and more!

Explore the Streets of Old Grand Rapids

The first floor of the Grand Rapids Public Museum has the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit that will make you feel like you’ve time-traveled.

You’re literally walking in a version of the city from the 1890s. 

In fact, if you’re lucky, you’ll find volunteers dressed in period clothing interpreting the streets of Old GR.

Ride the Carousel

And don’t miss the 1928 Spillman Carousel.

It’s almost 100 years old and you can ride it for a dollar or two.

Do the A to Z Scavenger Hunt

Before you dive into the museum, consider picking up (or bringing along) the A-Z Scavenger Hunt. This scavenger hunt provides fun clues that guide you through the museum. Be sure to take a look at the Interactive Map as well; it’s a useful tool.

Here’s a sample:

A is for Auto: located near the entrance, this display of historic vehicles kicks off your visit.

D is for Dolls: This little alcove is packed with 438 dolls from the museum’s treasure trove, each telling its own story from a distant time or far-off land, complete with a “please touch” section.

Museum Cafe

Quench tummy rumbles at the museum café (second floor, next to the planetarium.) Stocked with fresh food options, prepacked snacks, and drinks, this dining spot comes with a view of the Grand River.

Bonus: Guests are welcome to bring their own food into the café and use the museum’s seating area.

More Second Floor Highlights

The Corliss Steam Engine. Weighing over 30 tons, this behemoth offers a fascinating contrast to today’s miniaturized tech.

Oh, and don’t miss the awesome old clock tower—it’s something special.

• Special exhibits
• Mighty Wurlitzer Organ concerts in the Meijer Theater.
• The mummy in the ancient Egypt exhibit.
• Seasonal Lego displays

Field Trips at Grand Rapids Public Museum

Not surprisingly, Grand Rapids Public Museum is a popular field trip destination.

Plan Your Visit

Location

📍 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Contact

616.929.1700
website

Hours of Operation

Monday to Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM

Ticket Prices

Special Discounts:

• Kent County Residents: Reduced admission and free parking with valid ID
• Free Admission: For those qualifying under Museums For All, AAM membership, ASTC membership, and various other programs.
• Military Discount: Available through Blue Star Museums initiative from May 21, 2023 to Labor Day.

Pro Tips for Visiting GRPM:

• Parking: Off street meter parking as well as a parking garage west of the Museum. (Kent County residents get free validated parking in this ramp, with the purchase of a ticket.
• There is a circle drive for buses and disabled persons to be dropped off at the main door.
• The museum has elevators and is stroller friendly.

GRPM FAQs

How can I get into the Grand Rapids Public Museum for free?

• Museums For All Program: If you receive SNAP benefits, you can visit for just $2 per person for up to four people. Just show your SNAP EBT card.
• American Alliance of Museums Membership: AAM members can enter for free by showing their membership card.
• GRCC Students & Faculty: Free admission is available for Grand Rapids Community College students and faculty. Just show your college ID.
• ASTC Members: Those with an ASTC membership can enter for free, although restrictions apply for museums within 90 miles of each other.
• Kids who live in Kent County get FREE admission to GRPM.
• Free parking in the museum ramp to Kent County residents with the purchase of Museum admission

What discounts are offered by the Grand Rapids Public Museum?

• Military Discount: Active or retired military members get $1 off with ID.
• AAA Membership: Show your AAA card for a $1 discount.
• Convention/Conference Attendees: Get a $1 discount by showing your convention or conference badge.
• Teachers: Save $1 by showing your school ID. If you’re part of the Museum’s Teacher Club, you get free admission when planning a field trip.

Can I get in free to Grand Rapids Public Museum with my library card?

Yes, you can get free entry to the Grand Rapids Public Museum if you have a Grand Rapids Public Library card. Use the “Check It Out! Circulating Memberships” program to check out a pass that grants up to 6 people one-time free admission to the museum.

GRPL Program Details:

• Eligibility: You must have a Grand Rapids Public Library card. Cardholders from other districts are not eligible.
• Usage: The pass must be used within 6 days of being checked out.
• Restrictions: You can only check out one pass at a time and cannot check out a pass to the same organization again for one year. However, you can check out a pass to a different participating organization.
• Pick-up: Passes can be checked out in person at any of the 8 Grand Rapids Public Library locations on a first-come, first-served basis. Holds cannot be placed on passes.
• Admission: Present the checked-out pass at the admission desk of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
• Limits: Due to the program’s popularity, families are limited to one check-out per organization per year.

KDL’s Perks Pass Details

• If you are a patron of the Kent District Library (KDL) and are 18 years or older, you can also access the Grand Rapids Public Museum for free. These are available occasionally via PerkPass and are limited in number. They can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. For most museums and gardens, each pass entitles up to 6 people to visit the organization one time for free on the reserved date. Other membership benefits are not included.
• Eligibility: Patrons of KDL who are at least 18 years old.
• Reservations: Reserve your passes online using your KDL library card.
• Print and Go: After reserving, print the passes and use them on the date for which you’ve reserved them.

Check this out!