Skip to content

GRPM Press Room

Thank You for Accessing the GRPM Press Room.

The GRPM Press Room is where our marketing and communications team shares news stories and materials for use by the press.
 
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a forward-thinking leader on a mission focused on history, science, and culture. The Museum presents and hosts exhibitions and educational programming leads research and maintains a Collection of over 250,000 artifacts.
Media Inquiries
Add me to your press list

Recent Press Releases

A young person wearing an XR headset at a table with controllers at a laptop with a PublicOS sticker on it

Grand Rapids Public Museum Unveils ab1.bot as Part of Digital Literacy Initiative

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) introduces ab1.bot (Artifact Builder 1), the first in a new suite of interactive digital experiences powered by PublicOS, the GRPM’s innovative digital learning platform, designed to advance educational technology and promote digital literacy through exploration, creation, and storytelling.

August 5, 2025
Dale Robertson

The Grand Rapids Public Museum Announces 2026 Retirement of Dale Robertson, President and CEO

The Grand Rapids Public Museum Foundation Board of Trustees announces the Museum’s President & CEO, Dale Robertson, will conclude his nearly 17-year tenure on Dec. 31, 2026.

May 19, 2025

Grand Rapids Public Museum Unveils a Showcase Display: Veterans Paying Tribute to the World War II Veterans of West Michigan

Exhibit Opens Friday, May 23, with Free Admission for Veterans and Families All Weekend.

May 15, 2025

THE SHARKS ARE COMING: The Grand Rapids Public Museum Splashes Into Summer with Blockbuster Sharks Exhibit

Sharks, a new blockbuster exhibition from the Australian Museum, is set to take center stage at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) for a three-month appearance starting June 7, 2025.

May 9, 2025

Grand Rapids Public Museum Unveils PublicOS: A New Digital Learning Platform to Boost Digital Literacy

PublicOS Prioritizes Online Safety and Engages Learners with Hands-On Digital Experiences, Empowering the Next Generation of West Michigan Innovators

February 19, 2025

In the News

Featured Highlights

7 Videos

GRPM Expansion Project

GRPM Programs & Exhibits

Clapp Family Mastodon

GRPM Research

Grand Rapids Public Museum School

The Museum Parking Ramp is Open!

All access to the Museum Parking Ramp must come from Pearl Street to Front Ave. There is no access via Mt. Vernon St. at this time.

A gentle reminder: please do not park in the Holiday Inn lot, which is reserved for hotel guests only.

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!