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

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.