FAQ About 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, which uses the latest video and sound technologies to present immersive videos on earth sciences, physics and even entertainment. Guests can dine in an on-site café and visit the Museum gift shop.

The Museum is a wonderland for curious kids, with new things to see and touch and marvel at around every corner. Riding the newly restored and upgraded 1928 Spillman Carousel is an iconic West Michigan activity. Discover 7 Fun Facts About the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Spillman Carousel. The Museum also offers a variety of camps and classes for pre-K through high school students throughout the year.

The Museum is open year-round from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and 10am-5pm Saturday-Sunday. The Museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

General admission is $14 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: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students with ID and FREE for children 17 and under. Prices are subject to change, confirm with the Museum before your visit

Separate admission to Roger B. Chafee Planetarium at the Museum is $5 (or $4 on top of general admission). Spillman Carousel rides are $3 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.

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 Centers (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 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 Attraction Pass GR, a digital savings pass available in one-day, three-day, adult, senior and child versions. 

Yes, general admission tickets and tickets for the Spillman Carousel and Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium can be purchased in advance at the Museum’s online ticket page.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is committed to making all guests feel welcome, from the availability of parking to elevator access for each level. Wheelchairs and strollers are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors who are blind or have low vision can use the Aira app to guide them through the Museum. The Planetarium and Museum theater are equipped with assistive listening devices. A Quiet Room is available for anyone who needs a private area to be away from crowds, and Sensory Bags contain items to make a Museum visit more pleasant for those with sensory needs. Visit the Accessible Grand Rapids page on Wheel the World for third party-verified accessibility information on GRPM and scroll down for accessibility guidance developed by Disability Advocates of Kent County.

Grand Rapids Public Museum visitors are welcome to take personal photographs or video for private/noncommercial use throughout most areas of the Museum, but lamps, cords, flashes, tripods, professional cameras and recording equipment that may interfere with other guests’ museum experience are not allowed. Certain special exhibition areas may be designated as “No Photography.”

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located in downtown Grand Rapids, which sits at the junction of two major expressways: I-196 and US-131. The Museum is situated on the banks of the Grand River, just across the street from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and a short walk from numerous downtown hotels and 300+ restaurants, shops, cultural attractions and entertainment venues. Visitors can also take the free DASH shuttle to navigate around downtown.

Covered parking is available in a ramp just south of the Public Museum’s main entrance ($24 daily max fee or $2 per half hour). 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. 

The Museum Café offers a family-friendly selection of snacks, beverages, baked goods and pre-packaged lunch items. Seating overlooks the Grand River. The café is open from 10:30am-3pm Monday-Friday and 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Check out 170+ restaurants with a 10-minute walk before or after your visit to the Museum.

The Curiosity Shop is filled with items that celebrate curiosity and adventure, from Michigan artisan-made goods to toys and books. The gift shop is open from 10am-5pm 7 days a week.