Explore More Grand Rapids History with the Museum’s Latest Expansion

The City of Grand Rapids was founded on April 2nd 1850.

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Since then a lot has changed and the Grand Rapids Public Museum has done a great job over the years of documenting and preserving some of the city's oldest history.

Grand Rapids Public Museum Exbibit Expanding

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is getting ready to unveil an expanded version of "Streets of Old Grand Rapids" (Old GR) exhibit.

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The Exhibit has been a museum staple for decades and thanks to the museums $50 million expansion project that began in 2023, 'Streets of Old Grand Rapids' is one of the main exhibits that was able to get upgraded.

In a press release, the Grand Rapids Public Museum talked about the expansion:

“For decades, the ‘Streets of Old Grand Rapids’ exhibit has been a cornerstone of the museum experience, transporting guests to the 1890s through carefully recreated storefronts and environments that reflect the people, industries and everyday life that shaped the region, The second-floor expansion builds on that legacy, offering additional interpretive spaces that deepen the story of Grand Rapids and West Michigan.”​

The expansion will be open to visitors in May and will be included with regular admission to the museum.

If you head to the GRPM to check out the expanded Exhibit you'll also be able to see the recently reopened 1928 Spillman Carousel.

For the past two years it's been closed to the public for restoration work.

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