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Making the
MexiRican City

October 1, 2023 at The Grand Rapids Public Museum

This event brought together a diverse panel of experts for a compelling discussion and book signing with Dr. Delia Fernandez-Jones, author of ‘Making the MexiRican City: Mexican and Puerto Rican Migration, Activism, and Placemaking in Grand Rapids (Michigan University Press, 2023).’ The Meijer Theater served as the backdrop for this engaging conversation, with Guillermo Cisneros, Executive Director of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, moderating the session. The panel featured esteemed individuals, including Margarita “Marti” Cotto Hernández, Second Ward City Commissioner Mindy Ysasi, Carlos Sanchez from Davenport University, and Christina Arnold, the former Executive Director and founder of the GRCC’s Bob and Alecia Woodrick Equity and Inclusion Center. Together, they explored the themes of migration, activism, and placemaking in Grand Rapids, offering valuable insights and fostering enriching dialogue.

A book standing up on a blank backdrop. Cover reads Making the Mexirican City: Migration, Placemaking, and Activism in Grand Rapids Michigan. Delia Fernandez-Jones

An Interview with Lea Tobar

Grand Rapids, today, would be a less wonderful city if not for Lea Tobar. Lea has worked for and with Grand Rapids Public Schools for half a century. She represents one of the unsung heroes of the city. We begin her story here as she leaves her home in Puerto Rico to travel to Michigan for treatment of a rare tropical disease. While visiting her sister in Grand Rapids, she meets a young Mexican American pastor, Felipe Tobar. She falls in love, marries, settles in Grand Rapids, and begins a family that impacts generations of Grand Rapidians.

Together with her husband and children, they live within the heart of an emerging community of  Mexiricans, as Delia Fernandez speaks of in this GR Story and a book titled – “Making the Mexirican City.” Lea is joined in our discussion by her daughter Ruth and her former student Jessica Cruz. Both exemplify the long-term impact of Lea’s dedication to raising children of the community and teaching them to serve others. They represent numerous Grand Rapids leaders who sat in her classroom.
 
Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Dominicans, Central and South Americans, Cubans, and many others make up the diverse community of Latino/as in Grand Rapids today. Lea tells her story here, but it is also the story of many others and is shared by those that came from throughout the world to make this city our home.

The Carousel will be temporarily closed.

During routine mechanical checks, staff noticed an issue with the Spillman Carousel’s 98-year-old custom gearbox. Our team is hopeful for a timely fix and is actively working to locate this unique part. We anticipate it to remain closed into next week, and will reopen the Carousel as soon as possible.

We understand that our guests have been looking forward to riding the Carousel again, and are also sad to share this news. Our top priorities are guest safety and preservation of this nearly 100-year-old artifact. We will keep you updated as we work to repair this community treasure.

The Museum will be open for regular hours.

The Carousel is Closed Today, March 20

Due to a mechanical issue, the 1928 Spillman Carousel is closed today Friday, March, 20. 

We apologize for any inconvenience, and are hard at work making a repair to this century-old artifact. We will let you know when the Carousel is back up and spinning again!

The GRPM is CLOSED today.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is closed today, January 27, due to weather conditions. 

This evening’s invite-only event by the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital will be taking place as scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Drive safe, and stay warm! We’ll see you soon!

GRPM is Closed January 23

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is closed on Friday, January 23, 2026, due to weather. 

Early Closure on Friday, Jan. 16

The Grand Rapids Public Museum will be closing early at
1 p.m. on Friday, January 16, for the 2026 Grand Rapids Wedding Affair. 
 
We will resume normal hours on Saturday, January 17.

The GRPM is NOW OPEN

⚡ Electricity is back in the building! ⚡
 

The GRPM is open for guests today, July 28. While the Museum is open, the cafe will be closed.

We hope to see you here. Stay cool in the heat today, Grand Rapids!

An exhibit with the label ELECTRICITY in pink lights

Museum Parking Ramp Closed Saturday, July 26

The Museum Parking Ramp will be unavailable for use this Saturday due to the Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival taking place on Front Avenue. They will be painting 21 new beautiful murals to brighten up Downtown Grand Rapids.

Alternative FREE parking will still be available in the GVSU Mt. Vernon lot at 50 Front Ave SW. See the map below for directions on how to access the Mt. Vernon lot.

See Map

U.S. Service Members and Families Free This Weekend!

This weekend, the GRPM extends free admission to all U.S. service members—active or retired—and their families.
 
See our new Veterans display, in partnership with the Michigan Heroes Museum, honoring West Michiganders who served the United States during World War II.
 

This offer includes those serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps, along with up to five family members.

Ask our front desk upon arrival to redeem.

Early Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14th, for Cabinet of Curiosities: Grand Slam!

This elevated spring fundraiser explores America’s favorite pastime through Grand Rapids history and celebrates the GRPM’s new exhibit, Play Ball! The World’s Largest Collection of Detroit Tigers Autographed Baseballs.

Get Tickets

Planetarium & Cafe Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium and the Museum Cafe will be closed from September 2nd – 5th.

Upcoming
Planetarium Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be closed June 8 through June 15 for the most significant systems upgrade made to our Planetarium in 10 years!

Come back after June 15 to see crisper, cleaner, and more vibrant visuals, and a system capable of showcasing parts of the universe we weren’t able to display before!

Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closed for Easter on Sunday, April 20. We will reopen on Monday, April 21 for normal hours. 

Extended! Become A GRPM Member, Earn $20 in Museum Promo Cash

Get $20 in Museum Promo Cash with the purchase of any membership now through Friday, December 6!

This promo cash can be used towards admission to the Museum, Planetarium tickets, unique local gifts at the Curiosity Shop, and food and beverages at the Museum Cafe.

Become a Member Today!

Museum Promo Cash expires June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Any unused balance will be forfeited after this date. This card is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash or Museum credit.

Become A GRPM Member, Earn $20 in Museum Promo Cash!

Get $20 in Museum Promo Cash with the purchase of any membership now through Tuesday, December 3! 

This promo cash can be used towards admission to the Museum, Planetarium tickets, unique local gifts at the Curiosity Shop, and food and beverages at the Museum Cafe.

Become a Member Today!

Museum Promo Cash expires June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Any unused balance will be forfeited after this date. This card is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash or Museum credit.

Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closed on Thursday, September 12, 2024 for an event. We will re-open on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 9 a.m. 

Late Opening Notice.

On Saturday, May 11, the Museum will open at 12 p.m. due to road closures for the Amway River Bank Run.

Early Closure Notice.

The Museum will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 for Museum Adventure After Dark. Tickets are still available!