 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2007) |
 Van Andel Museum Center | |
 | |
| Established | 1854 |
|---|---|
| Location | 272 Pearl Street Grand Rapids, Michigan / |
| Coordinates | 42°57′56″N 85°40′37″W / 42.96556°N 85.67694°W |
| Type | Public museum |
| President | Dale Robertson |
| Website | www |
The Grand Rapids Public Museum, located on the bank of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, is among the oldest history museums in the United States. It was founded in 1854 as the "Grand Rapids Lyceum of Natural History".[1] In 1971, the Public Museum became the first museum to be accredited by the American Association of Museums.[2][3]
The museum includes a cafe, a gift shop, and a 1928 Spillman carousel, which is situated in a pavilion over the Grand River.[1][4] A Wurlitzer #157 Band Organ that plays 165 rolls provides the carousel's music. The Museum building also houses the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.[1] [2]
The current Pearl Street N.W. location, built in 1994,[2] replaced the former Art Deco location on Jefferson Avenue S.E.; that building now serves as a high school and is connected to the GRPM Collections and the City of Grand Rapids Archives.
The GRPM brings in a variety of traveling exhibitions annually ranging among topics related to science, history and culture.
- ^ a b c "Sites & History". Grand Rapids Public Museum. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ a b c Claus, Nicholas A. (April 2012). "The Grand Rapids Public Museum: What's In A Building?". Grand Valley Journal of History. 1 (2) – via ScholarWorks@GVSU.
- ^ "Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids, Michigan at MuseumsUSA.org". www.museumsusa.org. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ Pinarski, Phil (January 3, 2024). "Why the GR Public Museum's carousel is closing next week". WOODTV. Retrieved April 27, 2024.