Grand Rapids Public Museum

09/02/2026

We love hearing about local connections to the world-renowned exhibits that we bring to the GRPM.

Grand Valley State University's Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute is doing great work to better understand our watersheds.

From waters explored in Unseen Ocean lakes and streams right here in Michigan, curiosity is fueling essential research that helps us build better relationships with the world around us.

Read the full article from Rapid Growth Media:

Grand Rapids Public Museum's Unseen Oceans reveals the hidden wonders of the sea, while Grand Valley State University's Water Resources Institute, just 40 miles away, brings that exploration closer to home on the Great Lakes.

09/01/2026

If you're not a GRPM member, this is a great month to start! Our September membership reciprocal is at John Ball Zoo, meaning your membership grants you access to both the Museum and Zoo for free!

🦦 Right now, you can explore their new otter habitat. Plus, you might be able to say hello to Hugo the hippo calf and Juniper the snow leopard cub. 🦛 🐾

Want to become a GRPM member and enjoy awesome perks like these all year round? Visit https://www.grpm.org/membership/

08/30/2026

Have you sent in your RSVP for the Anishinaabek: The Original People of this Place at the Exhibit Grand Opening PowWow? 💛 ❤️ 🖤 🤍

Be among the first to explore the exhibit's spoken stories, local art, cutting-edge technology, and interactive experiences.

📅 October 10, 2026, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
📍 The Grand Rapids Public Museum
🎟️ RSVP for FREE

Are you a vendor? Limited spots are available. Priority will be given to Anishinaabek vendors. Request a spot via the form on the webpage.

RSVP by Monday, October 5, to be entered into a raffle. Must be present to win. RSVP now at https://www.grpm.org/powwow

08/29/2026

Another development in the Grand River! Today, the crews restoring the rapids installed two J-hook weirs on the GRPM's riverfront. These structures reduce flows against the banks, protecting the banks and reducing erosion. They also create depressions in the riverbed at their centers, which create great habitats for native fish species. 🐟

Keep on "rocking" this project, The City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids WhiteWater! 🪨

08/28/2026

👻 💬 Here's what guests said about our last Haunted Museum Adventure After Dark!

Kick off your spooky season with the GRPM at this 18+ fundraiser on October 1, 2026.

What to expect:
🏛️ Explore all 3 floors of exhibits and an interactive Planetarium show
🙌 Frightfully fun guided and independent activities
🥂 Cash bar and light bites (your first drink is on us, and apps are included!)
🧙‍♀️ Costumes encouraged!
🎟️ $55, $50 for GRPM members

Get your tickets now at https://www.grpm.org/museum-adventure/

08/27/2026

"I also believe that to learn more means to keep working at making your dreams come true." - Dolly Parton, Commencement Speech at the University of Tennessee, 2009

This concert pass, which is in our Collections, is from the last time Dolly Parton performed in Grand Rapids at Van Andel Arena.

As an educational institution, we have been reflecting on Dolly Parton's legacy. She was a star in the music industry, and she used that stardom to create educational programs that have made a lasting impact on thousands of millions of children

From the Imagination Library, which served kids around the world, to programs in her home county, Dolly was a champion of literacy, supporting children as they built the skills needed to follow their curiosity.

Thank you, Dolly Parton, for inspiring kids to learn and work towards making their dreams come true.

08/26/2026

Summer doesn’t have to be over! You can still enjoy a fun day at the GRPM before the bustle of fall begins.

Explore three floors of fascinating exhibits, and don't forget to take a spin on the 1928 Spillman Carousel and catch a show in the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.

Plan your visit today at grpm.org

Photography by Bryan Esler Photo for Experience Grand Rapids

08/25/2026

The GRPM was proud to partner with the Heritage Hill Association (HHA) for their annual home tours in the spring by opening the Voigt House to visitors. This partnership helped the HHA sell more tour tickets than ever, with roughly half of the ticket holders stopping to get a rare look inside this historic building.

Last week, the GRPM accepted an incredibly generous donation from the HHA of $10,000, a portion of profits from the home tours. We are deeply grateful to this community and organization and look forward to the continued strengthening of our relationship.

08/23/2026

Can you find Jimothy in our West Michigan Habitats dioramas? 🦝 ❤️

We JUST got Jimothy merch in the Curiosity Shop! You can now pick up pins, magnets, and keychains featuring your favorite raccoon and social media sensation.

Thanks for making these, SNOWmade!