By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern
A popular pastime for many during the holidays it to tour through the holiday displays at the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the trees at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, but with the new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recent partial shutdown has left many asking, are these places still open?
The answer is yes, according to Kate Kocienski, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
“For us, we will continue with our limited capacity,” Kocienski said, adding that the the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be close for the three weeks and the museum’s organ concerts have been switched to virtual.
The same holds true for the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park which will open its “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions” Tuesday, Nov. 24. According to a release from the Gardens, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some exhibition elements and activities will be altered to allow for physical distancing. Also because capacities have been limited — indoor facilities are only allowed to be at 30 percent capacity — there may be times when admission will be slightly delayed during peak times.
Remember masks are required at any indoor facility. Also before visiting call or check the organization’s website.
Here is a rundown of what is currently at the exhibition sites in Grand Rapids:
Grand Rapids Public Museum
“Wild Connections,” more than 20 Lego sculptures done by artist Sean Kenney, opened in November and runs through May 2. Dec. 8 -1 9 is “Incoming!,” interactive experiences exploring space from current NASA missions. The program is narrated by George Takei, best known as Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek. On Dec. 18 will be a virtual organ concert by organist Lance Luce. The 7 p.m. performance will feature a selection of holiday music. Tickets for the concert are $5/ museum members and $10/general admission.
For tickets and other information about the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit www.grpm.org.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum has three exhibits: “Mathias J. Alten: An Enduring Legacy,” which features a collection of paintings by the local artist; “Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts,” featuring the craftsmanship of furniture manufacturers Charles P. Limbert and Albert Stickley and artist Forrest Mann; and opening Dec. 5, “Interwoven Legacy,” featuring the black ash basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish. Black ash basketry is a traditional Anishinaade art form of basket weaving.
For tickets and other information about the Grand Rapids Art Museum, visit artmuseumgr.org.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Lots of holiday favorites are opening at the Gardens this week such as the “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions this Tuesday, Nov. 24. In conjunction with the Holiday Traditions display, there will be Virtual Santa Visits from 5 – 8 p.m every Tuesday from Nov. 24 up until Christmas. and the reindeer will be visiting starting Saturday, Nov. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. and every Saturday leading up to Christmas. The Gardens also will be hosting a “Wee” are Thankful, a Facebook Live event at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 27 for littles ones to learn and celebrate the meaning of thankfulness. The Gardens also will be hosting winter walks and other activities.
For more information or tickets, visit meijergardens.org.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Following national policy, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum has been closed since March 14. Check its website, fordlibrarymuseum.gov for updates.
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.
