Peter Wege Gun Collection on Display at Grand Rapids Art Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) has been collecting for 160 years and prides itself on being the community’s institution of collective memory – where people, their stories and things are gathered together and meaning is shared. The Museum is pleased to announce a recent addition to the collection, the Peter M. Wege Gun Collection, which is now on public display in the “Be Curious” gallery for a limited time. The Wege Gun Collection includes a variety of firearms and knives Mr. Wege collected throughout his lifetime.

From original Civil War pieces, to modern hunting arms, to replicas of some of the most famous weapons in the world, the Wege Gun Collection presents an impressive display which can be appreciated from several vantages. The collection covers a wide swath of history, and contains everything from primitive flintlocks up to sophisticated modern automatic weapons. Significant pieces include an original Colt Navy Revolver from the Civil War and a dagger from Nazi Germany.

By collecting and preserving replicas of the weapons worn by Buffalo Bill, Wyatt Earp, or George Custer, Wege's collection showcases the importance of these heroes in constructing the American identity we all share.

The collection can be seen on display in the GRPM’s Be Curious gallery on the second floor. Viewing of this collection is included with general admission. For more information please visit www.grpm.org.