The iconic 1928 Spillman Carousel will close temporarily to prepare for construction that will seamlessly link to a 7.5-mile urban trail and prominent regional trails
Grand Rapids, MI -The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is announcing closure plans for the Cook Carousel Pavilion as expansion construction moves forward. The carousel will close temporarily beginning January 9, 2024, to allow for significant riverfront construction and carousel pavilion access modifications.
Construction on Museum grounds began in the fall of 2023 and will continue throughout 2024, focused on outdoor areas along the Grand River. The project includes introducing advanced stair and ramp systems that exceed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. It will also seamlessly link a 7.5-mile urban trail to prominent regional trails, such as the White Pine Trail, Kent Trail, and Grand River Greenway. Further enhancements are planned for the Museum's north lawn, incorporating aesthetic elements like a living roof. A standout geologic rock wall will adorn the riverfront, offering visitors an educational insight into the Grand River's geology.
The Cook Carousel pavilion will be modified to allow direct access from the outside and remove its connector walkway, providing a clear walking path for the public along the riverfront. During construction, the GRPM will continue the multi-year restoration project that has been ongoing since 2017, including the restoration of additional menagerie animals.
“The carousel is a beloved artifact that has greeted millions of guests with open arms since it opened 25 years ago,” said Dustin Tyler, VP of Marketing & PR, “We will all miss it while construction is taking place, but we are thrilled that our expansion plans will allow this treasure to become more accessible to the public than ever, upon reopening.”
Current construction plans have the carousel slated to reopen in the spring of 2025. For more information visit grpm.org/expansion.
Grand Rapids Public MuseumThe Grand Rapids Public Museum is a 170-year-old, publicly-owned institution home to more than 250,000 unique artifacts that tell the history of Kent County and beyond. Funded in part by Kent County taxpayers through a 10-year millage (2016), the Grand Rapids Public Museum offers three floors of exhibits, the region’s only planetarium, extensive educational offerings, and protection of The Mounds, a National Historic Landmark. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its primary location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees including Kent County discounts, and exhibit/event listings, visit grpm.org.
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