The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s riverfront transformation project is part of its “Expanding Curiosity” mission, taking learning beyond gallery walls outside to the riverbanks.
The improvements offer an outdoor classroom, overlooks, hands-on environmental exhibits, improved access to the river’s edge, and connectivity to the Grand River Greenway, an 85-mile non-motorized trail system.
Museum President and CEO Dale Robertson spoke at Thursday’s opening event about truly inclusive public spaces.
”You can self-select. As opposed to having one place for wheelchairs, you have multiple spots. It’s a unique design that gives agency because we have as a core mission accessibility, which means physical and cognitive accessibility.”
The $50 million project funded through public-private partnerships includes renovation of the historic 1928 Spillman Carousel which reopened in February after a multi-year restoration.
The carousel now features a specialized chariot and ramp allowing guests with mobility concerns to ride for the first time.
A public opening celebration date will be announced soon.
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