Anishinabek: The People of This Place

Closed for Renovations: Reopening Fall 2026

About the Redesign

For over 30 years, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has been proud to welcome students, community members, and visitors to experience the core exhibit Anishinabek: The People of This Place, created collaboratively with the Anishinaabe people of Michigan. The Museum is excited to announce that over the next two years, Museum staff and Native partners will complete a redesign and expansion of the space to breathe new life into the exhibit for future generations to learn and enjoy. 

The new design was developed through consultation with Tribal leaders and community members on the Eshtoojik (the ones who create) Advisory Council.

The redesigned exhibit will include:

  • Updated technology
  • Natural elements
  • Connections to the Grand River
  • Opportunities for visitors to dig deeper into topics central to today’s Anishinabe communities
  • Unique art from local Anishinaabe artists

Guests will learn about Anishinabek culture’s past, present, and future, underscoring that Anishinabe communities are still here, shaping the future of Turtle Island (our world).

During the renovation, the GRPM will continue telling Anishinaabe stories through other exhibits and displays until the new exhibit opens.

Call for Anishinaabek Artists

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accepting proposals and submissions from Anishinaabek artists in order to find qualified sources to provide three murals and two pieces of beadwork. 

Anishinaabek: The People of this Place Mural Project

This project will consist of three 18′ 6″ wide by 9-10′ high murals in the gallery outside of the Anishinaabek exhibit. Our goal is to provide three culturally relevant panels that inform and invite guests to explore Anishinaabek stories at the GRPM. Artists’ depictions should reflect one of the following:

  • The Anishinaabe Creation Story
  • The Three Fires
  • Modern Anishinaabek in Grand Rapids (i.e. Indigenous people in a streetscape, careers, daily activities.

Renderings are due February 28, 2025.

Anishinaabek: The People of this Place Beadwork Project

This project consists of two pieces of beadwork to be integrated over the entrance of Anishinaabek: The People of This Place. We aim to collect a total of 363 four-inch by four-inch beaded squares. Artists are requested to submit two tiles; one with a white background and 1 with a darker background of the artist’s choosing.

Beadwork will be accepted until June 1, 2026, or until the goal of 363 pieces is reached.

Video Exhibit Tour