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 1928 Spillman Carousel is an iconic West Michigan activity. Discover 7 Fun Facts About the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Spillman Carousel.

Note: the carousel is temporarily closed to allow for riverfront construction and pavilion modifications, and will reopen in the fall of 2025

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

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. 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).

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.

The Bank of America Museums on Us program gives Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank credit and debit cardholders free admission to Grand Rapids Public Museum on select weekend dates through December 2025.

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 three-day savings pass delivered to your smartphone. 

Yes, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum 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. 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. Scroll down for more accessibility info.

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.

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 10am-3pm Monday-Friday and 10am-5pm Saturday-Sunday.

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.