Grand Rapids Public Museum

Why does a museum collect?

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a collections-based educational organization that explores and celebrates the world and our place in it.  The Museum does this by collecting, preserving, interpreting, exhibiting, and providing access to authentic objects of significance to the community.  These "real things" bring history and science alive in ways that would be impossible with printed pages or electronic screens alone.

What does the Grand Rapids Public Museum collect?

Why don't we exhibit everything?

The Museum's collection of over 245,000 objects is far too large to be exhibited all at one time.  Most large museums only show 10% of their collection at any given time.  The Museum rotates collections to show the greatest number of objects to the public, and to preserve fragile items that can be damaged by long-term exhibition.  Many items owned by the Museum are used for public programs, loaned to other museums, or used by researchers and authors when they are not on display.  Some objects are important to preserve for research, but are too fragile for exhibition.

How are museum collections stored? - CAREFULLY!

• Fragile collections must be stored at a constant temperature and humidity, and in a pollution and chemical free atmosphere.  Special ultraviolet filters are used to prevent light damage.
• Special fire-extinguishing and 24 hour security systems protect collections
• Highly trained staff handle collections carefully to prevent breakage
• Acid-free matierials and specialized shelving and cabinets support objects
• Loading docks, elevators, wide traffic paths, and special equipment allow sage movement of collections
• Meticulous record keeping allows staff to track the location of objects.

Where do museum collections come from?

As a part of city government since 1906, the Museum holds collections in public trust for the citizens of Grand Rapids.  While items are sometimes purchased for specific exhibitions or programs, the vast majority of the Museum's holdings are donated by people like you, one item at a time.  Only a few items are borrowed for short-term exhibitions.  Curators work with donors to document stories about objects and to prevent redundancy within the collection.  A community-based Collection Committee reviews acquisitions to ensure they fit the Museum's mission and can be given proper care, and makes its recommendations to the Museum's governing boards, which accepts them.  Then they are researched, cataloged, photographed, numbered, and stored, ready for use, and preserved for future generations.