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

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Permanent Collections

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Anishnabek: 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

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Temporary 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

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

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

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…

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Accessibility Information

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Accessibility

  • 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.

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.