Exhibits

Special Exhibits

Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and Stories

Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and Stories

Learn the stories of human tragedy, heroism, survival and discovery behind a selection of the tens of thousands of vessels that lie wrecked on the bottom of the Great Lakes. 

Kent Garden Club 100th Anniversary Exhibit

A new exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Kent Garden Club.

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.  This special exhibit showcases uniforms, weapons, photographs, letters, and more from the Museum's collection. 

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition focuses on the legendary RMS Titanic’s compelling human stories told through 150 authentic artifacts and extensive room re-creations.  

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 exhibition to see more than 600 artifacts and images discussing diversity 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.