Grand Rapids Public Museum Opens Archives To The Public

Have you ever wondered what the museum isn't showing? Sure, the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) has plenty on display across its three floors and features a rotating exhibit every few months. But that's only 5% of the artifacts the museum owns. Most of it sits in storage that only staff ever see...until now.

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Today, the GRPM is doing what few museums ever do: letting you go behind the scenes and see everything in its archives. Yep, everything, permanently, in the newly renovated public space at the Grand Rapids Public Museum Archives. 

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Why The Museum Did This & What You'll Find

The GRPM Archives house ~95% of the museum's collection, and now the public can see 100% of what the museum offers. Most of this collection is actually held at the Community Archives & Research Center at 223 Washington St. SE. 

In a press release, Dale Robertson, president and CEO of the GRPM, said the reasoning was simple: "The Museum’s collections belong to the community, and we should create meaningful opportunities for people to experience, study, and learn from them."

READ MORE: Historic Artifact Found In Grand Rapids Riverfront Expansion

One of a museum's vital roles is preservation, but it's entirely possible to preserve and display crucial artifacts. As for what will be on display, it includes artifacts and specimens such as clothing, furniture, bones, teeth, and other relics, per WOOD TV8.

Grand Rapids Public Museum

It's one of the last big changes being made to the museum before Robertson retires in December. Other recent changes include separating the museum's historic merry-go-round, opening a second floor of its "Old Streets Of Grand Rapids" exhibit, and, of course, its multi-million-dollar overhaul of the riverfront space.

Basically, there's no better time than now to head over to the Public Museum.