Art
The history of Grand Rapids is interwoven with art, from the carvings made by our native Hopewell cultures – lauded as some of the finest craftwork and artwork of the Americas – to our annual ArtPrize event, recognized as the world’s richest, most radically open art competition.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
One of the world’s top 30 “must-see” museums showcases a diverse mix of indoor and outdoor gardens plus the Midwest’s most significant collection of outdoor sculpture. Guided tours available for a cost. Enjoy lunch in the Café. 2 hours.
AQS Quilt Week
View hundreds of beautiful handcrafted quilts on display during AQS Quilt Week Grand Rapids, an annual August event that also features competitions, workshops and a huge merchant mall.
Broadway Grand Rapids
Enjoy the nation’s hottest touring shows. The 2015-2016 season includes such crowd-pleasers as The Phantom of the Opera, The Book of Mormon, Pippin, Kinky Boots, Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles and Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. 2-3 hours.
Brush Studio
Enjoy wine, beer and food while a talented artist walks you through the process of replicating the painting of your choice or a custom painting developed especially for you. 2-2.5 hours.
Fish Ladder Sculpture
This monumental work of functional art was built along downtown’s Grand River n 1974 to aid spawning fish in their struggle to swim upstream. A specially designed viewing sculpture allows visitors to watch fish “climb” the ladder.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
A work of art both inside and out, GRAM boasts an impressive permanent collection plus a constant and varied rotation of the nation’s most prized touring exhibits. Group tours of 10 or more guests qualify for discounted admission pricing. 1 hour.
GRAM Green Tour
Explore the green features of the world’s first LEED Gold Certified art museum – named one of the world’s best buildings of 2007. A guided conversation takes you through an investigation of the building and the works of art inside.
Art + Chocolate Tour
Sample the eye candy on a guided tour of Grand Rapids Art Museum and tantalize your taste buds with a decadent selection of gourmet chocolates. Scheduled on request.
ArtPrize at GRAM
Groups of 10 or more can take advantage of special benefits at Grand Rapids Art Museum during the city’s annual ArtPrize competition. Add an additional layer to your ArtPrize experience with a docent tour.
Grand Rapids Ballet
With a company of 24 professional dancers from the United States and around the world, Grand Rapids Ballet presents a mix of beloved classics and cutting-edge contemporary works. 2-3 hours.
Grand Rapids Symphony
This Grammy-nominated symphony offers dozens of concerts throughout the year, performing everything from beloved classical repertoire to the best in popular entertainment. 2-3 hours.
Opera Grand Rapids
Michigan’s longest running professional opera company presents distinguished productions featuring a cast of local talent, visiting artists and the music of The Grad Rapids Symphony. 2-3 hours.
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts
UICA is Michigan’s largest contemporary arts center, showcasing visual art, music, film, literature, dance and performance art from regional, national and international artists. 1 hour.
Wine & Canvas
Local artists will help you recreate a painting selected by you as you sip your favorite wine or cocktail. Best part – you take your art with you while someone else cleans up the mess! 2.5-3 hours.
Events
ArtPrize
See the works of 1,500+ artists displayed all over downtown Grand Rapids during this internationally recognized art competition. We can help you tailor a special group package including guided tours, speakers and more. Mid-September to early October each year.
