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The Shark Days
of Summer

Epaulette shark

July 7 through July 13

You’ve heard of the dog days of summer, but this year, we’re bringing you SHARK DAYS! The GRPM has planned a full week of sharky fun from shark trivia to LEGO® sharks! Mark your calendars for one or all of these fin-tastic opportunities to celebrate the resilience and diversity of these fascinating ocean creatures.

Every Day and Monday,
July 7

Shark Themed Table Activities and Ocean LEGO® Display by West Michigan LEGO® Users Group

These will be up all week for guests to enjoy!

Tuesday,
July 8

Sharks After Dark: Shark Trivia- 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Calling all trivia fiends and shark experts! Test your shark knowledge as an individual or with a team of up to 6 friends in a special trivia night with Betka-Pope Productions. Join us at 7 p.m. to explore the exhibit to study up before the trivia starts at 8 p.m. and compete for a prize. A cash bar will be available.

This is an 18+ event! Tickets are $15 for one, $40 for four, $50 for five, or $60 for six.

Wednesday,
July 9

Live Talk with Researchers Paraguay Studying Future Fossils

Join us in the GRPM’s Meijer Theater for the incredible opportunity to speak with our staff who are in Paraguay researching future fossils in the Pilcomayo River Megafan.

Science Curator Dr. Cory Redman, Director of Education Erin Koren, and other field researchers in Paraguay will be joining in through a Zoom call with a presentation on their work in the field. You’ll even be able to ask them questions!

This is a free with admission event and no extra tickets to reserve. First come, first served seating!

DreamWorks Shark Tale (2004) Screening in the Meijer Theater - 4 p.m.

Stop by for a family-friendly movie! When a son of a gangster shark boss is accidentally killed while on the hunt, his would-be prey and his vegetarian brother decide to use the incident to their own advantage.

This screening is free with general admission. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Popcorn and refreshments will be available. Registration is required. 

Text: Dreamworks Shark Tale. Image of a yellow, blue, green, and white anthropomorphic fish with arms crossed and a smile on a blue background

Thursday,
July 10

Sharks After Dark: SHARKcuterie Board Making- 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This is the perfect date night at the GRPM. Work individually or in pairs to create your very own charcuterie board scene inspired by the Sharks exhibit, guided by Chef Lauren Greer, a graduate of the Secchia Institute of Culinary Education. Plus, you’ll have time to go explore the exhibit!

Tickets are $30 with a discounted price of $25 for GRPM members. A cash bar will be available.

Friday,
July 11

Sharks After Dark: OPEN LATE!

Enjoy Sharks After Dark as the Museum stays open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last entry at 8:30 p.m.). Enjoy a cash bar and explore the exhibits after hours!

Sharks After Dark: Screening of Sharknado - 7:30 p.m.

When a freak hurricane swamps Los Angeles, nature’s deadliest killer rules sea, land, and air as thousands of sharks terrorize the waterlogged populace.

Free with general admission. Registration is encouraged, but we will also accept walk-in attendees. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. A cash bar will be available.

Not rated (contains blood, graphic scenes, and adult themes). Run time 1h 26m. Not recommended for children under age 17, and children MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday,
July 12

Summer Saturdays: LEGO® Sharks

 The West Michigan LEGO Users Group (WMLUG) is coming back to the GRPM with a massive ocean display and a LEGO® building competition focused on SHARKS.

This time, they’ll be joined by Bricks and Minifigs with a hands on station. Plus, guests can enjoy build stations with LEGO® and Duplo bricks.

The Competition: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Judging: 2:45 p.m.

Winner Announced: 3 p.m.

Sunday,
July 13

Sensory Sunday with Artists Creating Together

On Sensory Sundays, guests can enjoy a low-sensory Museum visit with adjusted lighting and sound in exhibits. We will also be joined by Artist Creating Together who will be leading ukulele classes with visitors.

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.

Planetarium Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium is 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!

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.

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.

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!