Spend the Holidays at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
The holiday season has kicked off at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) this week with special exhibits and activities for the entire family now on display including historic Grand Rapids built from LEGO® bricks, Santas from around the world, holiday planetarium shows and more.
“The Museum is a great place for families as they get into the holiday spirit this season with special displays and activities that will excite all ages,” said Kate Kocienski, VP of Marketing & Public Relations at the GRPM. “In addition to annual favorites, including our historic LEGO® display, visitors can peek into the history of traditions through a festive display of Santas from around the globe and decorations found in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit.”
Historic LEGO® Display
See historic Grand Rapids like never before, built from LEGO® bricks! The 1925-era display, complete with operating trams, gives an up-close view of old time Grand Rapids with historic buildings built to scale, along with a fun search and find activity for all ages. Viewing of this display is included with general admission. This exhibit is built by the West Michigan LEGO® Train Club.
Santa and Elf Hunt
Riddles will help visitors find 15 historic Santas from around the world in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit and learn about the traditions of each culture around Saint Nick. Then, visitors will follow clues to try to find all 12 elves hidden throughout the three floors of the Museum. Each year the elves change their hiding spots. The Santa & Elf Hunt is available in English and Spanish, is included with general admission, and can be picked up in the Museum’s front lobby.
Let it Snow Planetarium Show - Beginning November 26
Let it Snow features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multimedia finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, laser imagery and special effects. Tickets are $4 each with general admission to the Museum, $2 for Museum members and $5 each for planetarium-only tickets. Let it Snow will play November 26 through January 2.
POPnology exhibit
The ultimate sci-fi experience - don’t miss POPnology at the GRPM. Where pop culture meets technology, this exhibit showcases how science fiction has become science fact. Fully immersive, visitors can play over a dozen interactive games and see iconic replicas featured throughout the exhibit including a DeLorean Time Machine, R2D2, E.T. and more. POPnology is on display now through January 30, 2022 and can be added to any Museum visit.
Bats: Masters of the Night exhibit
Often thought of as blood-sucking, squeaky creatures that get tangled in your hair, visitors of Bats: Masters of the Night will find these beliefs to be myths that have held fast throughout the years. The exhibit explains that bats are actually gentle, beneficial little animals. Enter through a Gothic castle to find yourself immersed in the mysterious world of bats. Interact with displays to hear like bats, learn about pollination, their diets and echolocation (sonar ability). Included with general admission to the Museum.
Kent County residents receive reduced admission every day! Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County children 17 and under enjoy FREE general admission. For pricing and tickets, please visit grpm.org.
