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The Nature of Color

Now Open through April 13, 2025

Experience the vibrant world of color from their mindbending physics to the feelings they evoke.

The Nature of Color, a special exhibition organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, reveals how color carries information in nature—where organisms use it to find food, warn off predators, and conceal or reveal themselves—and across cultures, where different colors can signal a wide range of meanings, from good luck to power to a sense of urgency.

Visitors will explore the science of color, how colors make us feel, how they are perceived across cultures, the history of color production, and how plants and animals use color to help them survive and reproduce.

An adult and a child experiment with shadows using colorful light

Inside the Exhibit

Two adults and a child hold out their arms in a room washed in yellowish light, giving them a greyscale appearance.
THE GRAY ROOM

Imagine a world without color… Watch as the lights change from white to yellow and experience yourself in grayscale. 

Family looks at exhibit featuring tall flowers in green room
THE GREEN ROOM
Color in Nature

How does color affect the natural world? Through their colors, many living organisms send loud messages or disappear into the background. Study specimens, photos, and interactives to reveal the incredible force of color on our ecosystems.

THE YELLOW ROOM
Feeling Color

What does the color blue mean to you? Does it make you feel sad or peaceful? Take a series of surveys about your personal relationship with color and learn how color can influence your mood and your decisions.

THE BLUE ROOM
Making Color

Explore two themes: the technology of making dye and the physics of color. Virtually dye and print fabrics at a six-player interactive table, investigate a sample of nearly true black pigment, and discover the world of minerals and organisms that produce colorful lights of their own.

A person plays with panels and lights that project colorful beams against a white wall
THE WHITE ROOM
Color and Light

What makes something orange? Learn how our eyes detect and process some electromagnetic waves as colors. Experiment with primary colors and shine lights through prisms that reveal the rainbows in each beam. 

A long red gown is displayed in the center of a room full of red objects and walls
THE RED ROOM
The Meaning of Color

How many meanings can one color have? From visually distinguishing sports teams from one another to indicating status, the colors we wear can communicate messages about us that vary across time and culture.

INTERACTIVE PAINTING

Color can be lighthearted and fun! Immerse yourself in color as you use your body to virtually paint the walls. Visit kiosks to adjust brush strokes and hues. Use your imagination and create something completely unique.

THE COLOR OF YOU

Angélica Dass’s stunning portraits explore the stunning diversity of human skin color by matching each subject to their coresponding Pantone color. Consider and challenge how people think about skin color and identity as you take in this unique photography project.

The Nature of Color Educator's Guide Cover.

Educators! Take Your Class on a Field Trip into the World of Color

Enhance your group’s visit to The Nature of Color with this fun collection of multidisciplinary activities. Explore the topics of each room in the exhibit from the impacts of color in nature to the cultural and social meanings of color. These guides are an excellent addition before or after your experience at the exhibit. Choose the activities that best suit your group’s needs.

A collage of book covers related to color

Dive Deeper with These Reading Recommendations From Kent District Library

The GRPM and Kent District Library have collaborated to expand your knowledge of color with a variety of English and Spanish book titles for all ages. Explore colors in nature, the physics of color, color in culture, and more by checking out these books today!

Colorful Collection Discovery Hunt

Enjoy a Colorful Adventure Through the GRPM

Color is all around us. Explore these artifacts around the Museum to discover the interesting role that color plays in our world. This discovery hunt will take you through all three floors of the Museum from The Streets of Old Grand Rapids to West Michigan Habitats.

Sponsored By:

David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation logo

Ambassador

Media Sponsors

Closure Notice

The GRPM is closed on Thursday, January 23, due to a burst pipe on the first floor. 

Closure Notice

The GRPM is closed on Tuesday, January 21 2025, due to adverse weather conditions. 

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!