Art in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids has long been a mecca for creators and admirers of art. In the 19th century, we were known as "Furniture City" for the artistry of our fine wood furniture.
In the 20th century, we made art an integral element of the city's identity, starting with the very first public project funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.
And in this century, we've revolutionized the global art scene with ArtPrize, the world's richest, most radically open art competition.
Grand Rapids is also home to one of the world's 100 most visited art museums, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the Top 30 Must-See Museums on the planet.
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Explore the Arts
Explore the Arts
Sculpture & Historic Buildings
Rock Out at These Concert Venues
Art Museum
Grand Rapids Murals
Art Around the Corner
Live Music
ArtPrize | Sep-Oct
- 13 min
Two of Grand Rapids’ favorite things – art and history – come together in a project memorializing some of the most significant contributors to the city’s rich legacy. The Grand Rapids Community…
Art Festivals
Grand Rapids also hosts a number of annual festivals beyond ArtPrize, showcasing all manner of art:
- LaughFest (March), a 10-day, community-wide celebration of the art of comedy
- Art.Downtown. (April), a gallery, studio and shop hop featuring the work of 100s of local artists
- Grand Rapids Film Festival (April), focusing on unique independent cinema
- Festival of Faith and Writing (April), with workshops and well-known guest speakers
- Heritage Hill Home Tours (May), honoring the art of historic preservation
- Festival of the Arts (June), a three-day street party highlighting visual, performing and culinary arts
- Various music festivals: Blues on the Mall (June-August); City Lights Music Festival (Electronica - July); GrandJazzFest (August); and more
The Business of Art
Grand Rapids is the center of the office furniture industry, which marries design and commerce. Local companies including Steelcase, Haworth and Herman Miller shape the future of the global workplace.
Art Instruction
Downtown's Kendall College of Art & Design is a nationally prominent school offering a broad range of creative degrees, including product design, digital art and design, interior design, fashion studies, and more. Stop by to see student art, displayed throughout Kendall's public spaces. Non-professional artists can learn tips and techniques at Grand Rapids Art Museum, Brush Studio and Wine & Canvas.
- 4 min
USA Today has hailed Grand Rapids as one of the 10 best cities in America where you can see amazing art. There’s an amazing artist behind every piece of art that graces our city – like Arturo Morales…
Art Events
Ideas to Discover Art in Grand Rapids
The 49507 Project Mural Tour
The 49507 Project is a liberated public arts project unlike anything that I’ve seen in West…
Your Fall Kid-Friendly Weekend Itinerary
As the hot humid air gives way to crisp cool mornings, Grand Rapids is ready for its glorious…
Revisiting ArtPrize With These 5 Works of Art
When ArtPrize launched in 2009, I was skeptical. I’d never heard of anything like it (because…
Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQ+ Businesses to Check Out
Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned and operated LGBTQIA+ businesses. The city is now a…
A Vegan & Sustainable Weekend Itinerary for Grand Rapids
Veganism is continuously growing, and restaurants across Michigan are filling the demand, with Grand…
Performing Arts
Grand Rapids has long carried a passion for creative expression on the stage. See the…
Museums
Explore diverse museums in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from world-class cultural museums…
Historic Sites
Discover the rich history of Grand Rapids past, from historic homes and amazing…