Things to See and Do: February 4, 2012

Touring the Museum

1928 Spillman Carousel

Take a spin on our carousel, complete with delightful horses and a fully functional band organ.

Anishinabek: The People of This Place

Hear the story of the direct descendants of the original Ottawa, Potawatomi and Chippewa people of West Michigan.

Collecting A-Z

Tour the halls of the Museum while searching for hidden treasures from every letter of the alphabet!

Habitats

Explore the natural environments of Michigan in this life-like exhibit of animals and plants in their natural settings.

Newcomers: The People of This Place

Tour the  Public Museum's newest major permanent exhibition to see more than 600 artifacts and images discussing diversity and our place in West Michigan.

Streets of Old Grand Rapids

Stroll through a full-scale detailed re-creation of Grand Rapids in the 1890s and be transported back in time.

The Furniture City

Explore the Museum's largest and most-studied exhibit featuring a complete history of furniture manufacturing in West Michigan.

Special Exhibits

All Dressed Up - 1950s Style

Get a flashback of 1950s social circles through mid-century party gowns, photos, invitations, yearbooks and mementos.

Fifth Third River Bank Run

See stories of what the River Bank Run has meant to participants and family members.  Free with general admission.

Thank God for Michigan! Stories from the Civil War

While the battles took place in other states, the people of Michigan were deeply involved in the Civil War.  Our new exhibit will unveil uniforms, weapons, photographs, letters, and more from the Museum's vast collection. 

General Interest

DTE Energy Foundation Ethnic Heritage Festival

Join us for a FREE, day-long celebration of music, dance, crafts and food representing the various ethnic groups that call West Michigan home.

Saturday9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Planetarium

Discover Your Universe

Glimpse the future in a show that honors the contributions of astronomers past and present.

Grades 6 - 12, 45 minutes.

Saturday2:00 pm

Solar System Safari

Go on safari to the major features of the Solar System including the Sun, the Moon, the eight planets and Pluto in this jungle-themed space adventure.  Grades 2 - 5, 45 minutes.

Saturday1:00 pm

Under Starlit Skies

Tour the night sky and learn stargazing tips that will help you make sense of  the sky from your own backyard. (45 mins)

Saturday3:00 pm