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Be Curious

Spark your curiosity with a visit to the GRPM, a place of inspiration focusing on science, history, and culture.

Free Admission kent Count Kids 17 and Under
 
Two tyrannosaurs in the foreground against a backdrop of cloudy skies and a downtown Grand Rapids scene with the Blue Bridge and Museum.

Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family

Opens October 11
Think you know T. Rex? Think again! Discover the most significant discoveries in paleontology over the last decade.
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The Game Garden as viewed through the doors. On one side of the door is a sign that says welcome to the game garden with a white picket fence, shrubs, and butteflies. Inside the exhibit, guests play games and explore.

The Game Garden

Now Open!
Play oversized classic games and toys that have delighted generations, from Operation to Yahtzee!
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Expanding Curiosity

Your place of never-ending curiosity and inspiration is expanding to offer even more access to history, science, and culture.
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Upcoming

We’re excited to share exhibitions and events designed to inspire.

See the Calendar

Chaffee Planetarium

Don’t miss out on stellar shows  including Anishinaabe Star Knowledge, The Dark Side Light Show, and our latest planetarium presentation, Planet Explorers

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Haunted Museum Adventure After Dark

It’s baaaaack! Delight in Discovery while supporting the Grand Rapids Public Museum at this hauntingly fun and interactive fundraiser with a spooky twist.

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The Intersection of Art and Nature

On September 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., we’re celebrating the Clapp Family Mastodon through art-focused activities spread throughout the Museum.

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Sensory Sundays, Every Second Sunday

The GRPM is proud to offer a lower-sensory environment for visitors with sensory processing needs. Enjoy adjusted sound and lighting in exhibits and more.

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The GRPM boasts one of Michigan’s largest collections of historical and cultural artifacts and scientific specimens that tell the stories of West Michigan and the wider world.

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Explore the Community Collections with 250,000+ Artifacts & Specimens.

Build Your Ideal Museum Field Trip.

Including free and affordable onsite and virtual programming to connect to curriculum and inspire curiosity.

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Become a Member.

Take Your Curiosity to the Next Level!

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  • Free admission every day of the year
  • Discounts to planetarium shows, camps and more
  • Free admission to 300+ museums and science centers nationwide
  • Free parking in the Museum’s ramp
  • Pays for itself in less than 2 visits

The Museum Parking Ramp is Open!

During September and October 2025, parts of Front Street will be under construction by Consumers Energy. All access to the Museum Parking Ramp must come from Mt. Vernon Ave NW.

Parking directions. From Pearl Street, turn left onto Mt. Vernon avenue and then left again onto Front Street to find the Parking Ramp.

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!