Children's Museums

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Name: Grand Rapids Public Museum
Address: 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, Grand Rapids, MI, US
Telephone: (616) 929-1700
Rating: 4.7

★★★★☆ 4.7 (6449 reviews)

📍 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

📞 (616) 929-1700

🌐 www.grpm.org

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday	9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday	9 AM–5 PM
Thursday	9 AM–5 PM
Friday	9 AM–5 PM
Saturday	10 AM–5 PM
Sunday	10 AM–5 PM

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About Grand Rapids Public Museum

Museum with a planetarium & carousel. History & science museum with exhibits on 3 floors, plus a 1928 carousel, theater & planetarium. Houses the world's largest collection of Detroit Tigers autographed baseballs in the 'Play Ball!' exhibit. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,449 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Natural History Museum
Best For: All ages
Major Features: 250,000+ artifacts and specimens, Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, Backyard Adventures exhibit, historic Streets of Old Grand Rapids
Membership: Yes — free daily admission, planetarium discounts, free parking, access to 300+ museums nationwide
Special Programs: Sensory Sunday, Camp Curious, Late Nights, Museum Adventure After Dark

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Houses the world's largest collection of Detroit Tigers autographed baseballs in the 'Play Ball!' exhibit
🏛️Features a 1928 carousel, a historic mechanical attraction spanning nearly a century
⭐Offers a unique Sensory Sunday program on every 2nd Sunday with adjusted sound and lighting, including turning off the clock tower chimes for sensory-friendly experiences
⭐The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium underwent a major systems upgrade in June 2026 for improved visuals and features Anishinaabe Star Knowledge shows celebrating Native American astronomical traditions
⭐Museum membership pays for itself in less than 2 visits and provides free admission to 300+ museums and science centers nationwide

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Visit on Sensory Sunday (every 2nd Sunday) for a quieter experience with adjusted sound and lighting. Arrive early in the day (before noon) as crowds build throughout the afternoon, and take advantage of designated quiet rooms if needed.
💬Membership pays for itself in less than 2 visits and includes free admission to 300+ museums and science centers nationwide, making it an excellent value if you plan multiple visits or travel to other cities.
💬Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the 3-floor museum with exhibits like The Streets of Old Grand Rapids, Backyard Adventures interactive exhibit, and the recently upgraded Chaffee Planetarium. Budget an additional $5 per person for planetarium shows, which have improved visuals after the June 2026 systems upgrade.
💡The on-site cafe operates more like a small convenience store with seating and offers reasonably priced food compared to the Grand Rapids area, making it convenient for families with young children who need breaks during their visit.
💬U.S. service members and families receive free admission on select weekends, and parking in the Museum's ramp is free (though the ramp occasionally closes for special events, with alternative free parking available nearby).