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.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 11 a.m.
On the anniversary of a day that will live forever in American memory, Andrew Card, chief of staff to George W. Bush will join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum to present a firsthand account of 9/11. From his first alert to the attacks to the immediate response from the white house, Card will take us through the day and give an recounting of his own experience.
Ticketing Tiers
Meet and Greet Opportunity with Mr. Card
Enjoy this exclusive opportunity to meet Andrew Card after his presentation. This ticket price includes both the presentation and a photo opportunity, as well as a chance to get Mr. Card's signature.
Member Ticket- $100
Get Meet and Greet tickets HERE
Presentation Only
Member Ticket- $45
Non-Member Ticket- $55
Get tickets HERE
Sponsored by Visionary Society, Friends of History
Saturday, September 13, 2025 | Free with general admission
Nationally recognized artist Alfred Conteh returns to the Peoria Riverfront Museum in partnership with current museum exhibition Strangers/Kin: Through the Lens of Alfred Conteh.
Join us in the gallery for a talk with Conteh on the story of one of his subjects "Shan." Conteh has long selected subjects from his long-time home of Atlanta, Georgia, but in his trips to Peoria has selected subjects from our very own city here in central Illinois. Now, half of the subjects in Strangers/Kin: Through the Lens of Alfred Conteh are Peorian subjects. Conteh will discuss his selection process, the stories he sees in the people he meets, and how his signature portraits come to fruition.
This gallery talk will be followed by a screening of museum-produced documentary The Unseen Majority. “The Unseen Majority” is a documentary on the brilliant fine artist Alfred Conteh, showcasing his powerful mission to preserve the legacy and positive impact of marginalized communities through his evocative portraits.
Schedule
Gallery Tour | 2 p.m.
Screening of The Unseen Majority | 3 p.m.
Get tickets HERE
The Alfred Conteh documentary, "The Unseen Majority," is sponsored by Oak River Foundation, and Ron Givens and Family.
Strangers/Kin: The Lens of Alfred Conteh is sponsored by Aaron and Amanda Kilgore, Brian and Erica Ray, Derrick Booth and Jean Gordon-Booth, Gretchen Hagan Petrakis, Sally Snyder, Visionary Society, Friends of Bronzeville to Harlem and Illinois Arts Council.
MOVIE 
Saturday, September 13, 2025 | Gallery Talk at 5:30 p.m. | Screening at 6:30 p.m.
In partnership with current exhibition Strangers/Kin: The Lens of Alfred Conteh join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for a special screening of Boyz in the Hood with artist Alfred Conteh,
Conteh will be leading a talk in the gallery prior to the screening, discussing his work in portraiture. His selection process for his subjects has, until recently, only taken place in his long time home of Atlanta Georgia. Now, half of the portraits in the gallery are of Peorian subjects, with Peoria as the only other city to every be featured in Conteh's work.
Schedule
Gallery talk | 5:30 p.m.
Screening of Boyz in the Hood | 6:30 p.m.
Get tickets HERE
Sponsored by Visionary Society, Film Society
Join us for a special member exclusive gallery walkthrough of Strangers/Kin: The Lens of Alfred Conteh with the artist himself. Conteh will give further insights into his artistic process, his visit to Peoria, and how he chooses his subjects.
Get tickets HERE
Members are also free to visit all museum galleries.
Members enjoy sneak peeks and special perks, every second Saturday of the month!
Not a member? Join on our website today,
get details at the ticket counter, or call (309) 686-7000.
Member Saturday sponsored by Visionary Society
September 18, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.
Join us for the Art of Film with guest curator of film Carlos Valladares and director Jerry Schatzberg to discuss Scarecrow.
The 1973 film, starring Gene Hackman and Al Pacino is one of the best-reviewed of Schatzberg’s career. Now, hear a special introduction to the film from Schatzberg himself, giving a firsthand account of the film’s creation, it’s execution, and it’s public reception.
After the screening, guest curator of film Carlos Valladares will further discuss the film.
Get tickets HERE
Sponsored by Kathy and Harry Puterbaugh, Nancy Snowden, Film Society
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
September 19
6:00 – Sargent Pepper (The Beatles)
7:15 – Laser Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
8:30 – Laser 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.)
This program is presented by Sun Collectors with additional support from the Visionary Society and the Planetarium and Science Club.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | Performance 6:30 p.m. | Reception 8 p.m.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is pleased to announce a new series of performances taking place in current exhibition Solitude: The Necessity of Art.
Join us for Sounds in Solitude , a special music series where art and music come together in a beautiful and moving way. In each event, a musician picks artworks from the exhibition Solitude: The Necessity of Art and performs a solo piece inspired by what they see.
Through music, they share their personal response to the art, creating a powerful connection between sound and image. The musician may also perform other pieces that add to the story they want to tell.
A museum curator will join the performance to walk the audience through the selected artworks, giving insight into the art and the creative exchange between the musician and the visuals.
Experience this one-of-a-kind journey where music brings new life to art — and art inspires unforgettable music.
Tickets
Light hors d'oeuvres will be served after the performance. A cash bar will be available.
Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation
Sponsored by Visionary Society, Friends of Performance and Illinois Arts Council.
Yoga Under the Stars
Mon September 22 | 6 PM
Let's get together and celebrate the luminous power of the sun and the Autumn Equinox with Yoga Under the Stars in the Dome Planetarium. Join us for a memorable evening of meditative yoga movement and autumn equinox stargazing in the Dome Planetarium in Downtown Peoria, IL. Upon arrival you'll settle in and get connected to the beauty and wonder of the Autumn Equinox sky above us with a star talk.
Together we'll immerse in a yoga practice under the stars to celebrate our connection to autumn through explorations in balance, transitions, and the art of letting go with breathwork, yoga postures and deep integrative reflection. Let's calibrate our internal clocks with the magnitudinal balance this season provides. Yoga is led by Tammy Mitchell aka TamoVision, a full time yogaeducator specializing in personalized yoga & immersive training at OM on the River Yoga Center in Downtown Peoria. This community class is suitable for beginners & beyond. You'll always be encouraged to take the class at your own pace and to lean into the support of the collective. Please bring a yoga mat & blanket. Let's get balanced and connected under the autumn stars.
Purchase tickets here: $20 Members | $25 Public
All sessions are an hour and 15 minutes in length.
Limited mats are available, please bring a mat and a light blanket. Doors open at 5:45 pm. All supplies provided for programs unless otherwise noted. All paid programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Wine and Cheese Under the Stars
Space Update!
Friday, October 17 | 7-9 PM
Dome Planetarium
Enjoy an evening out in the Dome Planetarium and learn about new space discoveries, including a new moon around Uranus, an asteroid family, new images from the Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes, and more recent space news. Planetarium Director Renae Kerrigan will show you what you can see in the evening sky, and end the night with a flight through our Solar System and beyond.
Each ticket includes up to three glasses of wine or other drinks and a charcuterie box from Bella’s Charcuterie.
Doors open at 6:50 PM
The program will be in two parts, allowing time to socialize and refill your wine glass between the shows.
Ages 21+
$45 members | $55 public
Tickets can be purchased here.
Upcoming event: November 14 | 7-9 PM
Wine and Cheese Under the Stars: Top Space Stories of 2025
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
Saturday Matinee - Oct 11, 18, 25, Nov 1
Noon - Laser Halloween (30 min. Family Friendly)
October 24
6:00 – Laser Halloween Spooktacular
7:15 – Laser Stranger Things
8:30 – Laser Floyd: Welcome to the Machine
November 7
6:00 – Laser Journey (new show!)
7:15 – Laser Stranger Things
8:30 – Laser AC/DC vs Guns n’ Roses
December 19
6:00 – Laser Holiday Magic
7:15 – Laser Journey (new show!)
8:30 – Laser Stranger Things
$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.)
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
November 7
6:00 – Laser Journey (new show!)
7:15 – Laser Stranger Things
8:30 – Laser AC/DC vs Guns n’ Roses
December 19
6:00 – Laser Holiday Magic
7:15 – Laser Journey (new show!)
8:30 – Laser Stranger Things
$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.)
Wine and Cheese Under the Stars
Top Space Stories of 2025
Friday, November 14 | 7-9 PM
Dome Planetarium
Enjoy and evening out in the Dome Planetarium where we will review the top space stories from 2025. Planetarium Director Renae Kerrigan will share gorgeous new images from space, review milestones in spaceflight, and top discoveries from missions exploring the Solar System. We will end the evening with a flight to the edge of space and back.
Each ticket includes up to three glasses of wine or other drinks and a charcuterie box from Bella’s Charcuterie.
Doors open at 6:50 PM
The program will be in two parts, allowing time to socialize and refill your wine glass between the shows.
Ages 21+
$45 members | $55 public
Tickets can be purchased here.
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
December 19
6:00 – Laser Holiday Magic
7:15 – Laser Journey (new show!)
8:30 – Laser Stranger Things
$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.)
