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Peoria Riverfront Museum: Where Art, Science, and History Converge

Explore art, science, history, and achievement at Peoria Riverfront Museum. Rotating exhibits, planetarium, giant screen theater, and more!

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The Peoria Riverfront Museum is a multidisciplinary museum in downtown Peoria, Illinois, offering a blend of art, science, history, and achievement. With rotating exhibitions, a planetarium, and a giant screen theater, it provides diverse experiences for all ages.

A brief summary to Peoria Riverfront Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions, planetarium showtimes, and Giant Screen Theater screenings.
  • Take advantage of free parking in the museum's covered garage off Water Street with museum admission.
  • Consider visiting during special events or programs for a unique museum experience.
  • If you are a Peoria Public Library cardholder, check out a pass for free admission to the museum's exhibits, galleries, and daytime planetarium shows.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Peoria Riverfront Museum is located at 222 SW Washington St, a short walk from many downtown Peoria locations. From the CityLink Transit Center at 407 SW Adams, walk south on Adams Street, then turn left onto Washington Street. The museum will be on your right. Walking time is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    CityLink buses provide convenient access to the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The #2 North Adams and #4 Sheridan routes have stops close to the museum. A CityLink Day Pass costs $3, offering unlimited fixed route rides for one day.

  • Driving

    The Peoria Riverfront Museum offers free parking in its covered garage off Water Street with museum admission. From I-74 East, take Exit 93 for Washington Street, turn right on Washington, then left on Main Street, and right on Water Street. The entrance to the museum parking garage is on Water Street between Main and Liberty Streets. Additional covered parking is available in garages with entrances on Washington Street.

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Discover more about Peoria Riverfront Museum

The Peoria Riverfront Museum, situated on the Illinois River, stands as a testament to the city's commitment to lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. Since opening in October 2012, the museum has become a hub for art, science, history, and achievement, offering a wide array of experiences through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. The museum's 87,000-square-foot building houses five major galleries and over 30 smaller display spaces, hosting both international exhibitions and selections from its permanent collection of over 15,000 objects. Visitors can explore diverse subjects ranging from American folk art and wildfowl decoy carvings to the history of Peoria and the stories of African American freedom, perseverance, and leadership. The museum also features a 40-foot Digistar 7 dome planetarium and a 70-foot Giant Screen Theater, the largest known film society screen in the U.S. Beyond its exhibitions, the Peoria Riverfront Museum offers a range of educational programs, including classes, camps, lectures, and tours. It also actively engages with the community through outreach efforts and partnerships with local organizations. The museum's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its LEED Gold certification, with ecologically conscious outdoor spaces surrounding the building. The museum's story began with the Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1965. Lakeview Museum officials spearheaded the campaign for the new museum, and its collections, trustees, and staff formed the foundation of the Peoria Riverfront Museum operation when it opened. Today, the Peoria Riverfront Museum stands as a unique public-private partnership, funded by private donations and members while operating in a building owned by Peoria County.

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