Grand Rapids Museums

Grand Rapids Michigan is rich in many things, one such thing being history. For those who love history, the city, or both, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about who and what made Grand Rapids the city it is today, as well as important history throughout the world. Each Grand Rapids museum offers a unique way to learn and many have even incorporated hands-on learning activities within the exhibits to make learning fun for the whole family.

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Grand Rapids Public Museum

Beginning in 1868 at Central High school, this museum grew to its own home in 1903 at the Howlett house. Following even more growth, expansion needs, and one other building it called home, the current facility opened in 1994. Located right on the Grand River it now contains three floors of exhibits, the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, Cook Carousel Pavilion, Meijer Theater, a cafe, and a gift shop.

The museum houses some staple exhibits, such as Streets of Old Grand Rapids, West Michigan Habitats, and Grand Fish Grand River, which can be seen year-round. It also brings in new and exciting, limited-time exhibits, which have included, TOYS!, Historic Grand Rapids Build from LEGO Bricks, Design Zone, and many more. Keep an eye out for the upcoming exhibits and plan your trip on their website. Make sure to check out their calendar of events to see what fun family events you can take part in right in the Museum. 

Admission:

• Ticket prices begin at $3 for children and $8 for adults.

Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

Kid-friendly: Very kid-friendly especially during their events geared towards children. Some exhibits are not necessarily as kid-friendly and may not be something you would bring them to depending on their age. 

Grand Rapids Art Museum

With a mission of “Connecting people through art, creativity, and design” the Grand Rapids Art Museum believes art is essential for everyone. Young and old, all races, genders, and cultures can be inspired and connect with each other through art. With a variety of exhibitions, events, and educational programming all audiences are sure to find something they enjoy. Beginning in 1910 with a constitution adopted that established the Art Association of Grand Rapids, this first important step turned into the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Enjoy the works of many different artists with your appreciation beginning as you walk up to the building which was designed by London-based Munkenbeck+Marshall Architects and Kulapat Yantrasast.

Admission:

• Tickets are free to children 5 and below
• $6 for youth
• $10 for adults
• Senior and student pricing is $8 with a valid ID

Hours:

• Tuesday 12 pm-6 pm
• Friday & Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

Debuting in 1993 as a museum “without walls” the museum began its journey in the Woodland Mall. Featuring only 2 exhibits over 30,000 children were exposed to this fun, hands-on, exploration, and learning environment. Due to the excitement over these exhibits, the current location on Sheldon Ave. in downtown Grand Rapids opened in the summer of 1997 and has since seen more than 3 million guests. Offering fun and hands-on exhibits for children of all ages, check out the classics, such as The Fish Tank, Mirrors, and Lego tables.

Another favorite is the Bubbles exhibit which allows guests to see what the world looks like from inside a giant bubble. Or spend some time in Little GR, learning to count money in the TCF bank, make your own pizza in Buddy’s Pizza, shop in Meijer, and much more. There is so much to do at the Children’s Museum, you are sure to enjoy a fun-filled day with your family.

Admission:

• $9 for ages 1-64, with children under 1 getting in for free.

Hours: 

• Thursday: noon-7 pm
• Friday & Saturday: 9 am-3 pm
• Sunday: 11 am-3 pm

Kid-friendly: very kid-friendly. Geared towards children and the children at heart.

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Enjoy in-person exhibits as well as, several online exhibits that you can enjoy right from the comfort of your own home. Plan your visit today and enjoy many changing temporary exhibits and at the core of the Museum, the permanent exhibit which highlights President and Mrs. Ford’s lives. Having opened in 1981, this museum is part of the Presidential libraries system of the National Archives and Records Administration. Explore the 54,000 square foot facility and take a trip back in time. For ticket information and special accommodations, visit their website: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. This is a can’t miss Grand Rapids museum!

Admission:

• $10 for adults
• $8 for senior citizens and military service members
• $7 for college students with ID
• $4 for youth 6-18
• 5 and under are free

Hours:

• Monday-Saturday. 10 am to 5 pm
• Sunday. Noon to 5 pm

*Tickets MUST be purchased ahead of time online at Plan Your Visit – Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (acmeticketing.com) 

Kid-friendly: Children are welcome, but the content may be more enjoyable for older children or adults.

Grand Rapids African American Museum

The Grand Rapids African American Museum’s (GRAAMA) mission is “collecting and retelling the rich, colorful stories which compose the historic African American tapestry of living in Grand Rapids”. Getting its start in 2014 with a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council, the project initiated the recording of oral histories from African Americans right here in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan. This was just the beginning as the project grew and led to the opening of the current 2,100 square foot location open today. With the planning stages underway, the GRAAMA is looking to expand into its new 13,000+ square foot location in downtown Grand Rapids.

Hours:

• Tuesday-Saturday 12 pm-5 pm

Kid-friendly: Children are welcome, but the content may be more enjoyable for older children or adults.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

After 13 years of planning and fundraising, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opened in 1995. Offering a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits your day will be packed with beauty, fun, education, and inspiration. Some of the highlighted exhibits include the Japanese Garden, the Children’s Garden, Michigan’s farm garden the Amphitheater, and a seasonal favorite, the Butterfly exhibit. Also, enjoy their summer concert series and Tuesday Evening Music Club at the Amphitheater. Hop on their website and plan your visit today. You may need a couple of days to experience all the beauty the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has to offer.

Admission:

• Children ages 2 & under-FREE
• Children ages 3-13 $8.50
• Adults ages 14-64 $18

Hours:

• Sunday: 11 am- 5 pm
• Monday: 9 am-5 pm
• Tuesday: 9 am-9 pm
• Wednesday-Saturday: 9 am-5 pm

Kid-friendly: Very kid-friendly especially during their events geared towards children. Some exhibits are not necessarily as kid-friendly, but your children will enjoy the interactive exhibits and the freedom of the outdoor exhibits. Also, make sure to take them to the Children’s Garden exhibit.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts

Part of Kendall College of Art and Design, the UICA supports and exhibits contemporary art made by artists both local and from all over the world. The exhibits are free to the public.

What to do at UICA

The galleries at the UICA have art pieces of all sizes and inventiveness. If you want to see the art from a truly unique perspective, behind-the-scenes tours are available.

Outside of the walls of the UICA building, you can find its Exit Space Project locations, where local street artists add more color to downtown Grand Rapids by painting murals on utility boxes, buildings, and parking ramps around the city.

The UICA is currently reopening at the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building, on the campus of Kendall College of Art and Design. We will update you when more information is available.

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