Grand Rapids Art Museum and Children's Museum Waive Admission Costs for Furloughed Federal Employees

Effective today, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) and Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (GRCM) will join a growing list of institutions across the nation in offering free admission for furloughed federal employees and their families during the U.S. government shutdown.

To qualify, individuals simply must present a form of federal identification to receive free admission for themselves and 3 guests.

“In appreciation of the dedicated individuals who work in the federal government sector, and to recognize the hardships they are experiencing during the government furlough, we’re honored to join the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum in supporting the members of our community during this time.” commented GRAM Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen.

Grand Rapids joins art, public, and history museums, as well as cultural institutions such botanical gardens and wildlife preserves across 29 states and the District of Columbia that are now offering free admission to furloughed federal workers. 

“We are so thankful for all that federal workers do for our community and country. The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is a place where families and community come together, and we are honored to provide a place for learning and play during this unfortunate situation.” said GRCM CEO Maggie Lancaster. 

"Museums are designed to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit and build lifelong museum-going habits," Friis-Hansen continues. "Just like our Museums for Allinitiative, we don't want cost to prohibit anyone from accessing the arts. Our museums and cultural institutions are critical for the vibrancy of our community, and this offer for furloughed federal employees furthers GRAM's commitment to providing inclusive and accessible experiences for visitors year-round"

Click here for a link to a list of museums, most of which are Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) members, offering free admission during the shutdown, as well as institutions that are free at all times. Arts organizations in Detroit, Flint and Kalamazoo are also participating.

About the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Connecting people through art, creativity and design. Established in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Art Museum is internationally known for its distinguished design and LEED® Gold certified status. Established in 1910 as the Grand Rapids Art Association, GRAM has grown to include more than 5,000 works of art, including American and European 19th and 20th-century painting and sculpture and more than 3,000 works on paper. Embracing the city’s legacy as a leading center of design and manufacturing, GRAM has a growing collection in the area of design and modern craft. For GRAM's hours and admission fees, visit artmuseumgr.org or call 616.831.1000.

About the Grand Rapids Children Museum
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is committed to building minds through play in the West Michigan community. The hands-on Museum attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually with two floors of open-ended play experiences for children aged birth to ten. Rotating and permanent exhibits, interactive programming, and unique special events provide children, parents, caregivers and teachers an ever-changing, creative environment to play, imagine and learn. GRCM is a 501c3 nonprofit and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Regular admission is $8.50 per person. Discounted admission of $1.75 is available on Thursday Family Night, from 5 to 8 pm. Members and children under 1 are free. For more information and hours, please visit www.grcm.org.