GRPM Expansion Campaign- Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) has a bold vision for the future which will ensure its continued impact for the next 30 years and beyond. Visitation, which has increased three times in the past decade necessitates physical, digital, experiential and educational expansion in order to better serve our community. The role of our Museum has transitioned from archival storage, interpretation and display to a dynamic educational community center that welcomes and represents all of its users.

Learn More.

To learn more about the project or how you can get involved please contact Kelli Jo Peltier at kpeltier@grpm.org or 616.929.1733

Expanding Access.

Grand River Access For All

The Museum plans to enhance its outdoor exhibit space to include event space, hands-on science stations, river access, and new educational opportunities along the improved walkways and trails.

Carousel Pavilion

The Museum’s current Cook Carousel Pavilion which houses the 1928 Spillman Carousel, an icon of both the Museum and downtown Grand Rapids, will be transformed into a fully accessible space both inside and out. The focal point of the design will be the Carousel itself, showcasing the beauty of this nearly 100-year-old working artifact. Upgrades will be made to the Pavilion structure to detach it from the Museum’s main facility to allow for accessible trail connection along the riverfront. The addition of ramps that allow for self-propulsion both inside and outside of the pavilion will create universal access around and into the Carousel for viewing opportunities of the Grand River. The Carousel’s walkway roof will become accessible from the inside of the Museum, allowing for a new outdoor viewing experience of the Grand River and Spillman Carousel from a second-story perspective.

The 1928 Spillman Carousel will close temporarily beginning January 9, 2024, to allow for significant riverfront construction and carousel pavilion access modifications.

Expanding Experiences.

Renovated and Expanded Van Andel Museum Center

The reimagined Van Andel Museum Center will enhance the multisensory visitor experience and accommodate growing attendance.

Outdoor space will provide a welcoming approach to the Museum featuring a park-like lawn with artifact displays, seating, and a connection to the riverfront trail.

Two additional elevators will ensure that the growing number of visitors to the Van Andel Museum Center can easily explore all three floors whatever their mobility needs.

Community Archives and Research Center Renovation

Approximately 95% of the GRPM’s collections, over a quarter-million artifacts and specimens, are preserved at the Community Archives and Research Center. The GRPM plans to renovate a portion of the Community Archives and Research Center into a new public space.

Located less than a mile from the main Museum, the Community Archives and Research Center is the GRPM’s secure, climate-controlled collections storage facility.

Expanding Sustainability.

Operational Management + Long-Term Sustainability

With programming and operations expanding to serve a growing segment of the region’s residents, students, and organizations, the GRPM will need to invest in innovative technologies, new program development, human resources, and operations systems.

Core Exhibit Upgrade

Several of the Museum’s core exhibition spaces will be refreshed and reimagined. The exhibit upgrades will be designed in partnership with the community, especially cultural and indigenous groups, to ensure that new exhibitions honor the region’s cultural history and are accessible to all.

Investment.

The expansion will be the Museum’s first major renovation since the location opened in 1994, and plays an integral part in a of a series of renovations planned along the Grand River. Additionally, expansion funding supports the space to serve twice as many learners through educational programming.

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Live Video Feed.

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Camera # 1: View Facing West

Camera # 2: Rooftop, Facing East

Project Updates.

This is the riverfront pre-construction. Brush and trees block the way to the river.

With the riverfront clear of trees, construction crews could begin work.

The Apollo Space Capsule was removed from the front lawn for safe storage while construction is taking place. This module, used in recovery training for Apollo astronauts, is now a time capsule, set to be opened on July 4, 2076.

Fences were erected around the areas under construction and covered with renderings that depict the past and future of the Museum.

Excavators began their work on the riverfront, digging up the old lawn and riverbank to prepare for the new stairs and ramps that will allow our community to access the river.

On February 27, 2024 our construction crew unearthed remnants of the water wheels or turbines used by the Voigt Milling Company to power their flour and gypsum milling equipment. The Voigt Mill occupied the site from the late 1800s through the 1950s when it was demolished and turned into a parking lot until the Museum's construction beginning in 1994.

A view of the excavators' discoveries: See the flume tunneling into the dirt and the turbine poking up on the bottom left.

This was the second turbine pulled from the construction site by our excavation crew from the remnants of the old Voigt Mill.

By April 3, 2024, the cofferdam was nearly complete. This structure allows water to be suctioned out of the area and creates a dry space where concrete can be poured.

On the week of April 8, 2024, permanent sea wall sheeting started to be installed along the bank of the Grand River. This view shows the sheeting going in south of the temporary cofferdam.

On April 15, 2024, to prepare for the new expansion of the carousel ramp, the construction crew removed the radius precast panels that surround the carousel.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Why does the GRPM need to raise money?

GRPM is a non-profit organization that relies on public and private funding to fulfill its mission to be a living monument of artifacts, ideas, and stories told through exhibitions, events, and educational programming. GRPM’s Expanding Curiosity Capital Campaign lays the groundwork for the Museum to grow into a state of the art, universally accessible cultural institution for global learning for the next 30 years and more.

Was an economic impact study completed?

In 2020, GRPM released the results of an economic impact study. The study was conducted by Grand Valley State University and shows the GRPM Expansion will generate an economic impact of $32.2 million which supports 310 jobs in addition to $43.8 million in economic impact during construction.

What if I already make an annual gift to the GRPM?

Thank you for your past and continuing support of the GRPM! Our Expanding Curiosity Campaign funds are separate from our operating funds, and both membership and annual fund gifts are essential for our day-to-day operations during construction and after the completion of this project. This Campaign gives our supporters a unique opportunity to secure the Museum’s legacy for future generations.

When will the GRPM’s renovations and expansion be complete?

The timeline for the Museum’s renovations and expansion is still being determined. Updates will be provided on the GRPM’s website and social media channels as the project progresses.

Who has been hired to complete the renovation and expansion work?

Owen Ames Kimball, TowerPinkster, and VIRIDIS Design Group have been retained to work on the renovation and expansion. The retained companies went through the City of Grand Rapids vetting process and were chosen by the City of Grand Rapids.

Will the GRPM be open during the renovations and expansion?

Yes, GRPM will remain open during the renovations. During construction, some exhibits or areas may be temporarily closed or relocated. Visitors should check the Museum’s website for the most up-to-date information.

What will happen to the GRPM's current exhibits during the renovations and expansion?

The GRPM’s current exhibits may be temporarily relocated or modified to accommodate the renovations. The GRPM will continue to provide engaging exhibits and programming throughout the renovations.

Does the GRPM have the capacity for increased staff and programming?

Funds from the Expanding Curiosity Campaign will provide flexibility for the GRPM to add positions in accordance with the organization’s new business plan. Operational investments will ensure the GRPM has the capacity to program the new Museum spaces and outdoor areas, creating increased impact on the region. New and larger spaces will allow for additional earned revenue from outside rentals.

How will the GRPM's renovations and expansion impact the community?

The renovations and expansion will create a more dynamic and engaging GRPM experience for visitors of all ages, while also improving the Museum’s accessibility and sustainability. It will double the number of students the GRPM serves per year from 30,000 to 60,000. The project will also support the local economy by creating jobs and stimulating tourism.

Expansion Video Reel Updates.

Construction Celebration.

On Monday, October 30, the Grand Rapids Public Museum celebrated the start of its $50 million expansion project. Leaders like Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and State Senator Mark Huizenga joined in a ceremonial signing of a piece of the construction that will make up the new riverfront.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a cornerstone for the West Michigan community, and with its expansion, will continue to serve the public for generations to come. Today, we gather to commemorate a milestone that not only signifies growth, but also the enduring legacy of this beloved institution. This is something for everybody.

When it comes to the river's edge and the vision for the river, the Grand Rapids Public Museum was the trailblazer.

The museum expansion project will not only spur additional public projects, it will also spur incredible private development all along the river's edge throughout our downtown and region.

The museum has been a valuable partner and steward to welcome all who come to Grand Rapids. It's really reflected in the thoughtful design and intentional work that's been done here -- not only in accessibility to the river for everyone, but with the connection to the trail system. It ties our entire community together historically today and going forward into the future.

The museum expansion is going to transform our city. And it’s going to be transformational for years to come.

In the News.