Saturday, April 1, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is thrilled to welcome Grammy Award-winning baritone Nathan Gunn back to the museum for a magical performance celebrating The Art of Opera.
Nathan will be accompanied by his wife and artistic partner, Julie Jordan Gunn, and a select group of students from the Lyric Theater at the University of Illinois.
Pre-reception begins at 5:30 p.m.
Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served in the "Nathan Gunn: The Art of Opera" exhibition.
Performance begins at 6:30 p.m.
Members: $60
Non-members: $75
NATHAN GUNN: LIVE at the Museum
with
Viveca Richards, Soprano
Mackenzie Taylor, Soprano
Alejandra Sandoval-Montanez, Mezzo-Soprano
Hector Camacho Salazar, Tenor
Salvatore Castronovo, Baritone
Julie Jordan Gunn, Piano
Featuring selections from:
The Magic Flute
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Emmanuel Shikaneder
Cosí fan tutte
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lorenzo Da Ponte
Carmen
Georges Bizet
Meilhac and Halévy
Rigoletto and La Traviata
Giuseppe Verdi
The Pirates of Penzance
Gilbert and Sullivan
Die Fledermaus
Johann Strauss
Haffner and Genée
"Nathan Gunn: The Art of Opera" is sponsored by Linda Beth & Ed Sutkowski, Visionary Society & Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 5:15 p.m.
The state of the museum is strong! Join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum as we look back on a fantastic year, and look forward to another one, even better.
"State of the Museum" presentation led by Board Chair Todd Baker and President and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum, John Morris.
RSVP by Friday, June 20, 2025
Visionary Society Concierge | 309-863-3066
Development@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org
If you cannot attend in person, stream the State of the Museum live HERE or check in with the QR code below.
Peoria Riverfront Museum
The only multidisciplinary museum of its kind in the nation, the Peoria Riverfront Museum uses art, science, history and achievement to inspire confidence, lifelong learning, and talent. Since opening in 2012, the privately funded museum has provided more than one million experiences through major exhibitions, a permanent collection, interactive galleries, a dome planetarium, giant screen theater and educational programming including curricula-related student visits. The AAM-accredited, Smithsonian-affiliated private nonprofit museum is supported by more than 5,000 members and donors, and is housed in a county-owned LEED Gold-certified building on a campus overlooking the Illinois River.
Thursday, June 25, 2026 in the Giant Screen Theater | Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Conversation begins at 6 p.m., Reception at 7:30 p.m.
In conjunction with current exhibition The Promise of Liberty , the Peoria Riverfront Museum is thrilled to welcome Dr. Christopher Brown, a professor at Columbia University, NY, and a historian that has been featured in Ken Burns' newest documentary The American Revolution.
In this special Museum Conversation at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, hear from Brown live and in person on the problem of slavery in the Age of Revolutions. The paradox is familiar – a new nation born declaring that “all men are created equal” that was at the same time dependent upon and committed to the perpetuation of human bondage. In this talk, Christopher Brown places the American paradox in international context, suggesting along the way what made the American experience distinct and how the institution of slavery became, for the first time during the era of the American Revolution, the subject of political conflict.
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Adult: $25
Child: $15
Member Adult: $20
Member Child: $10
The Promise of Liberty is sponsored by the Gilmore Foundation, Ashley and Josh Bellamy, McKinnon Family Foundation, America 250 Donors, Visionary Society, Friends of History
In partnership with Illinois Humanities
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 2 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
In partnership with Illinois Humanities, the Peoria Riverfront Museum is proud to present a celebration of Illinois, and its role in shaping American history on the 250th anniversary of the day that the Declaration of Independence was read to the public for the very first time.
This day is completely FREE to the general public, including all activities and museum galleries.Tours of The Promise of Liberty will be available at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
A tour of Joyful Resistance will be available at 3:30 p.m.
Schedule
2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Activities and crafts on the Sun Plaza
Join us on the Sun Plaza and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence with fun crafts and activities for the whole family!
2 p.m. | National Parks Adventure
In this Smithsonian educational documentary narrated by Robert Redford tours the awe-inspiring landscapes, historic sites and untames wilderness of America's great parks.
3 p.m. | Reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Sun Plaza
Join us on the Sun Plaza for a special reading of the Declaration of Independence in its entirety, read aloud by community representatives. See history come to life, as you hear the same words that were read when our nation began, 250 years ago.
4:30 p.m. | Dueling pianos with Mark De Zwaan and Dr. Ji Hyun Kim
A duel of the spouses! Bradley University assistant professor of music and his wife, Dr. Ji Hyun Kim go head to head with dueling pianos.
6 p.m. | Panel Discussion in the Giant Screen Theater
Hear perspectives from across our state with a panel discussion moderated by Gabriel Lyon, executive director of Illinois Humanities and Illinois America 250 Commission Chair. This talk will feature four panelist: Shermann "Dilla" Thomas, Dennis Stroughmatt, Preston Jackson and Rose Miron.
Reserve your place HERE
This event in partnership with Illinois Humanities
Sponsored by America 250 donors, Visionary Society, Friends of History
PLANET PASSPORT SERIES
Join our planet passport series! Each month, come to the planetarium for a show focused on one planet or place in space. Shows will be included in museum admission, and free for museum members. Non-Members can purchase admission to the museum or a planetarium show ticket to attend. These shows are great for all ages.
New for 2026: Participants should sign up for a Peoria Riverfront Museum Achievement Passport.
For each planet show you attend, you will earn a stamp in your passport and 25 points. Every three stamps you earn, you will gain a little extra prize! At the end of the year, we will host a telescope observing night to celebrate all we have learned. Everyone who participated in the planet passport program will be invited.
Shows will be on the second Thursday (5:30 PM) and second Saturday (10:30 AM) of each month. Each show will be about 45 minutes in length.
Planet Passport Series - Cycle Three!
March 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Mercury
April 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Venus
May 9 (10:30 AM) and 14 (5:30 PM) – Earth and Moon
June 11 (5:30 PM) and 13 (10:30 AM) – Mars
July 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Ceres and the Asteroid Belt
August 8 (10:30 AM) and 13 (5:30 PM) – Jupiter
September 10 (5:30 PM) and 12 (10:30 AM) – Saturn
October 8 (5:30 PM) and 10 (10:30 AM) – Uranus
November 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Neptune
December 10 (5:30 PM) 12 (10:30 AM) – Pluto and Kuiper Belt
Saturday, July 11, 2026 - Sunday, July 12, 2026
Join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for a special weekend with artist Felandus Thames. Thames, born in Jackson, Mississippi, has had his work featured in many esteemed collections, including the Mississippi Museum of Art, Mystic Seaport Museum, the San Antonio Spurs, Florence Griswold Museum, and The Studio Museum of Harlem.
Two works by Thames are featured in current America 250 exhibition Joyful Resistance
Now, spend a weekend learning about color, form and the inspiration behind artistic genius. Featuring an artist's workshop, a celebration of art and music, a conversation in the Giant Screen Theater and a tour through Joyful Resistance, this weekend will unlock the artist in you!
Schedule of Events
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Warhol and Beyond: Color as Pigment and Material | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Gilmore Auditorium
This artist workshop with guidance and input from Thames himself will guide you through the creation of your own small, beaded portrait of a historical figure. Learn how Thames views color within the context of the work of other artists like Andy Warhol and Josef Albers, whose mastery of color and contrast and are still relevant today.
This workshop has an extremely limited capacity and is restricted to youth ages 13 or older and adults. Registration is required.
Members: $5 | Non-members: $10 | Sign up HERE
Joyful Resistance: A Celebration of Art, Music and Movement | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | In the Museum Lobby and Galleries
Join us to celebrate the art, history and creative legacy embodied in current exhibition Joyful Resistance. New additions have been made to the exhibition, and there's no better time to view them! Enjoy remarks from exhibition curator Everley Davis and artist Felandus Thames as well as vinyl spinning live by Jonathan Wright. Crafts and activities as well as refreshments will be provided.
Members: $5 | Non-members: $10 | Sign up HERE
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Museum Conversations: Felandus Thames | 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in the Giant Screen Theater
Join us for an artist talk moderated by Strictly Hip-Hop's Marc Supreme and featuring artist Felandus Thames. This conversation is part of our "Access for All" Free day, no additional charge to attend.
Joyful Resistance Gallery Tour | 2:30 p.m. in the Gallery
Join us and talk through Joyful Resistance with curator Everley Davis and artist Felandus Thames for a casual conversation about the works on view.
Register HERE
Joyful Resistance sponsored by Art Bridges Foundation, Ron and Carrie Givens and Family, Darlene Violet, Sharlyn Munns, America 250 supporters, Visionary Society, Illinois Arts Council, Friends of Bronzeville to Harlem
Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program
Laser Light Nights are back at the DOME featuring an all new experience!
Sit back, relax and rock out with our new laser light system from "the worldwide leader in planetarium laser light shows," Laser Fantasy! Experience the full 3D excitement! The system features a graphics laser projector with special effects, a haze machine & a new beam projector, plus a fresh playlist of 20+ performances, from Beyoncé to The Beatles! Pick up show-enhancing spectrum glasses and refreshments at concessions!
SHOW SCHEDULE
July 18
6:00 – Laser K Pop Demon Hunters (all music from the hit movie!)
7:15 – Laser N’Sync with Britney (new show!)
8:30 – Laser ABBA
August 15
6:00 – Laser Elton John
7:15 – Laser Journey
8:30 – Laser Michael Jackson
September 26
6:00 – That 80’s Laser Show
7:15 – Laser Aerosmith
8:30 – Laser Led Zeppelin Whole Lotta Led
$5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public
Buy tickets online now
click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.
(Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)
PLANET PASSPORT SERIES
Join our planet passport series! Each month, come to the planetarium for a show focused on one planet or place in space. Shows will be included in museum admission, and free for museum members. Non-Members can purchase admission to the museum or a planetarium show ticket to attend. These shows are great for all ages.
New for 2026: Participants should sign up for a Peoria Riverfront Museum Achievement Passport.
For each planet show you attend, you will earn a stamp in your passport and 25 points. Every three stamps you earn, you will gain a little extra prize! At the end of the year, we will host a telescope observing night to celebrate all we have learned. Everyone who participated in the planet passport program will be invited.
Shows will be on the second Thursday (5:30 PM) and second Saturday (10:30 AM) of each month. Each show will be about 45 minutes in length.
Planet Passport Series - Cycle Three!
March 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Mercury
April 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Venus
May 9 (10:30 AM) and 14 (5:30 PM) – Earth and Moon
June 11 (5:30 PM) and 13 (10:30 AM) – Mars
July 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Ceres and the Asteroid Belt
August 8 (10:30 AM) and 13 (5:30 PM) – Jupiter
September 10 (5:30 PM) and 12 (10:30 AM) – Saturn
October 8 (5:30 PM) and 10 (10:30 AM) – Uranus
November 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Neptune
December 10 (5:30 PM) 12 (10:30 AM) – Pluto and Kuiper Belt
Laser Light Nights are back at the DOME featuring an all new experience!
Sit back, relax and rock out with our new laser light system from "the worldwide leader in planetarium laser light shows," Laser Fantasy! Experience the full 3D excitement! The system features a graphics laser projector with special effects, a haze machine & a new beam projector, plus a fresh playlist of 20+ performances, from Beyoncé to The Beatles! Pick up show-enhancing spectrum glasses and refreshments at concessions!
SHOW SCHEDULE
$5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public
Buy tickets online now
click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.
(Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)
PLANET PASSPORT SERIES
Join our planet passport series! Each month, come to the planetarium for a show focused on one planet or place in space. Shows will be included in museum admission, and free for museum members. Non-Members can purchase admission to the museum or a planetarium show ticket to attend. These shows are great for all ages.
New for 2026: Participants should sign up for a Peoria Riverfront Museum Achievement Passport.
For each planet show you attend, you will earn a stamp in your passport and 25 points. Every three stamps you earn, you will gain a little extra prize! At the end of the year, we will host a telescope observing night to celebrate all we have learned. Everyone who participated in the planet passport program will be invited.
Shows will be on the second Thursday (5:30 PM) and second Saturday (10:30 AM) of each month. Each show will be about 45 minutes in length.
Planet Passport Series - Cycle Three!
March 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Mercury
April 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Venus
May 9 (10:30 AM) and 14 (5:30 PM) – Earth and Moon
June 11 (5:30 PM) and 13 (10:30 AM) – Mars
July 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Ceres and the Asteroid Belt
August 8 (10:30 AM) and 13 (5:30 PM) – Jupiter
September 10 (5:30 PM) and 12 (10:30 AM) – Saturn
October 8 (5:30 PM) and 10 (10:30 AM) – Uranus
November 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Neptune
December 10 (5:30 PM) 12 (10:30 AM) – Pluto and Kuiper Belt
Sit back, relax and rock out with our new laser light system from "the worldwide leader in planetarium laser light shows," Laser Fantasy! Experience the full 3D excitement! The system features a graphics laser projector with special effects, a haze machine & a new beam projector, plus a fresh playlist of 20+ performances, from Beyoncé to The Beatles! Pick up show-enhancing spectrum glasses and refreshments at concessions!
SHOW SCHEDULE
September 26
6:00 – That 80’s Laser Show
7:15 – Laser Aerosmith
8:30 – Laser Led Zeppelin Whole Lotta Led
$5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public
Buy tickets online now - Click on the date to purchase tickets.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.
(Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)
