Grand Rapids Public Museum

Rule Changes

Receives renewed millage funding

Kent County voters approved a 10-year renewal of the property tax that funds John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The millage pays for animal care, artifact preservation, exhibits, infrastructure and school programs.

Updated 2 hours ago

Built World

Reopened its Anishinaabek exhibit to the public on October 12, 2026

The Grand Rapids Public Museum reopened its Anishinaabek exhibit on Indigenous Peoples' Day, October 12, 2026, after taking it off the floor in January 2025. The gallery is now called "Anishinaabek: The Original People of This Place," still built around the theme "We are Still Here."

Updated 6 days ago

Built World

As of September 2026: Undergoing $50 million expansion; archives now open to public

The Grand Rapids Public Museum has collected artifacts since 1854. Most of its 250,000 objects sat in a climate-controlled warehouse on Washington Street, visible mainly to researchers with appointments.

Updated Sep 18