Founded in 1845, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is the oldest museum in Michigan. It is a place of never-ending inspiration and discovery for all ages, with more than 250,000 artifacts and specimens in its collection and a fascinating mix of permanent and traveling exhibits. It is also home to the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.
Check out the Museum's Live Stream!
Frequently Asked Questions
Back to Top of ListFAQs
How to Experience Grand Rapids Public Museum
How to Experience Grand Rapids Public Museum:
What can I see and do at Grand Rapids Public Museum?
The Public Museum contains three floors of exhibits focused on science, history and culture. Permanent exhibits tell the tale of local people, animals and environments, past and present, in fun, interactive ways. Traveling exhibitions offer a wide range of entertaining, immersive experiences. The Museum is also home to the Roger B Chaffee Planetarium, a café and gift shop.
Is the Grand Rapids Public Museum good for kids?
The Museum is a wonderland for curious kids, with new things to see and touch and marvel at around every corner. Riding the 1928 Spillman Carousel is an iconic West Michigan activity. Enjoy 7 Fun Facts About the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Spillman Carousel.
When is Grand Rapids Public Museum open?
- 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
- 10am-5pm Saturday & Sunday
What is the admission price?
General admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), and $5 for children (3-17) and students with valid student ID. Children 2 and under enter free. Kent County residents enjoy reduced general admission.
Admission to Roger B. Chafee Planetarium at the Museum is $5 (or $4 on top of general admission).
Select featured exhibits may require an additional entry fee. Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum website for information and ticket purchase. Prices are subject to change, please confirm with attraction.
Are there any discounts available?
Show your active or retired military ID, AAA card, GR convention badge or teacher’s ID for $1 off general admission. Admission is free for GRCC students & faculty and members of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and Association of Science and Technology (ASTC). ID/membership cards are required.
Each summer, Grand Rapids Public Museum offers free general admission to those currently serving in the U.S. Military and as part of the Blue Star Museum program. The Museum also participates in the Museums for All program – present your SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for $2-per-person admission, for up to four people.
Visit Grand Rapids Public Museum and other local attractions for one low price when you purchase Culture Pass GR, a digital three-day savings pass delivered to your smartphone.
Save on Grand Rapids Attractions with Culture Pass GR
Can I purchase or reserve tickets online?
Yes, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum ticket page.
Is Grand Rapids Public Museum accessible for guests with special needs?
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is committed to making all guests feel welcome, from the availability of parking to elevator access for each level. Scroll down for more accessibility info.
Where is Grand Rapids Public Museum located?
In the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, on the banks of the Grand River. It’s just steps away from hotels, restaurants and breweries, and it’s across the street from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
Where can I park?
Covered parking is available in a ramp just south of the Public Museum’s main entrance ($24 max fee). Handicap parking is available under the Museum’s overhang, with additional handicap parking in the ramp. Additional parking garages and lots are located within an easy walk.
Is food available?
The Museum Café offers a family-friendly selection of snacks, beverages, baked goods and pre-packaged lunch items. Seating overlooks the Grand River.
Is there a gift shop?
The Curiosity Shop is filled with items that celebrate curiosity and adventure, from Michigan artisan-made goods to toys and books.
Permanent Collections
Back to Top of ListAnishnabek: The People of This Place, exploring Native American contributions to West Michigan.
Collecting A-Z, presenting just some of the million or so objects the Museum has collected.
Furniture City, a history of the city's furniture manufacturing excellence.
Habitats, which transports visitors through the natural environments of Michigan.
Newcomers: The People of This Place, celebrating immigrant groups who helped make Grand Rapids what it is today.
Streets of Old Grand Rapids, a detailed recreation of an 1890s street scene.
Exhibits & Events
Back to Top of ListTemporary exhibits have ranged from massive touring shows like "Bodies Revealed" to locally curated collections like "All Dressed Up - 1950s Style." One of the biggest shows in the Museum's history was here in 2013 - "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition."
Upcoming Events
Anishinabek: The People of This Place
- Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Recurring daily
Many direct descendants of the original Ottawa, Potawatomi and Chippewa people of West Michigan still live in the region today. Here is the story of the Anishinabek – “the people” – in their own voices, with rare and fascinating…
Newcomers: The People of This Place
- Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Recurring daily
More than 45 ethnic groups now call West Michigan their home. Newcomers: The People of This Place includes more than 600 artifacts and images dating from the first French fur traders to the latest influx of refugees escaping wars and others…
Panel Discussion and Book Signing
Join us at the GRPM on October 1st for a captivating panel discussion and book signing event with Delia Fernández-Jones, Ph.D., author of the groundbreaking 'Making the MexiRican City: Mexican and Puerto Rican Migration, Activism, and…
BUGS
- Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Recurring daily
The exhibit is organized around four immersive chambers, where visitors experience the astounding talents of four extraordinary insects. Meet the stunning orchid mantis, which hunts its prey while disguised as the most beautiful flower of…
Accessibility Information
Back to Top of ListAccessibility
- 272 Pearl St. NW
- (616) 929-1700
This museum offers world-class exhibits on history, nature, cultural heritage and more. Ride a 1928 carousel, catch a show in the planetarium or eat in the cafe overlooking the Grand River. General Admission charged.
Explore More Grand Rapids Attractions
FAQ About John Ball Zoo
John Ball Zoo has been delighting Grand Rapids residents and visitors since 1891, when a small…
FAQ About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Michigan's second most popular tourist attraction ... the world’s best sculpture park…
FAQ About Grand Rapids Children's Museum
The Grand Rapids Children's Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing an…
FAQ About GR African American Museum
The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives promotes, preserves, displays, collects and…
FAQ About Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a beacon of art in an art-loving city. The building itself has become…
FAQ About Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
America’s most entertaining presidential museum is both a loving tribute to the U.S…
Experience Grand Rapids, Michigan's diverse attractions including parks, the John Ball Zoo, museums, nature centers and sculpture gardens. Whether you're vacationing with the family or traveling for business, you'll want to take some time to enjoy these fun things to do in Grand Rapids.