Not Going Away for Spring Break? Plenty of Fun to be Found at Grand Rapids Public Museum

Not everyone goes away to a tropical climate for spring break. Many, many people and families stay home, with mom and dad hoping to find activities for the kids to occupy their time.

Here's an idea: Spend your spring break at the Grand Rapids Public Museum!

Whether on a stay-cation or planning to travel to Grand Rapids, the GRPM has activities planned from April 6 to 11 for families this year. Visitors can enjoy the Real Pirates exhibition, Through the Eyes of Weidenaar interactive exhibition, planetarium shows and activities for the whole family all week long!

The GRPM will have special extended evening hours Spring Break week and will be open until 8 p.m. April 6 through 10.

Visitors will have a final chance to see the blockbuster exhibition Real Pirates as the exhibit is set to close Sunday, April 19. The one-of-a-kind exhibition features more than 200 authentic items recovered from the Whydah – real treasure last touched by real pirates. Ranging from cannons to coins, the Ship’s massive bell and personal items that the pirates wore, visitors are given an unprecedented glimpse into unique economic, political and social circumstances of the early 18th-century Caribbean. Sunk in a fierce storm in April 1717, the Whydah was located in 1984 by underwater explorer Barry Clifford and his team. To purchase tickets in advance, please visit grpm.org.

Through the Eyes of Weidenaar is open now through July 5! Commemorating the works of local artist and internationally renowned printmaker, Reynold Weidenaar, the exhibition showcases a large portion of the GRPM’s unparalleled collection of Weidenaar’s prints, plates, tools and personal effects. The collection, a majority of which was donated by Jay and Betty Van Andel, speaks to the history of Grand Rapids from the artists’ point of view. The exhibition focuses specifically on how Weidenaar incorporated local scenes, humor, and his own personal worldview and politics into his art. Admission to Through the Eyes of Weidenaar is free to members.

Free with admission activities will take place in the Museum’s Galleria from Monday, April 6, through Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities including creating your own pirate hat, pirate themed games, make your own print and much more. Please note that the GRPM will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 5.