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.
February 21, 2026 | 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Take advantage of an exciting partnership between the W. D. Boyce Council, the Peoria Riverfront Museum, the Caterpillar Visitor Center and Museum, and other downtown Peoria venues. In this afternoon-only event, Scouts can earn one of a wide range of merit badges, some not commonly offered, but made available here thanks to the resources and expertise of our hosts!
Scouts can register and attend individually, but units are encouraged to travel together. Field ("Class A") uniforms are preferred so you can show how your Scout spirit "Plays in Peoria!"
Register for Merit Badge University
Event Times:
Noon - 12:30 p.m.. | Check-in (Main Lobby - Peoria Riverfront Museum)
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Opening (Giant Screen Theater - Peoria Riverfront Museum)
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Merit Badge Classes - Various Downtown Locations
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Peoria Riverfront Museum Open for Scouts
5:00 p.m. | Peoria Riverfront Museum Closes
Merit Badges Offered:
American Business
American Cultures
Citizenship in the World
American Heritage
Cooking
American Labor
Crime Prevention
Art
Cyber Security
Artificial Intelligence
Engineering
Astronomy
Entrepreneurship
Bird Study
Insect Studies
Chemistry
Inventing
Chess
Mining in Society
Citizenship in the Community
Reptile & Amphibian Study
Citizenship in the Nation
Scouting Heritage
Sponsored by Robert and Kathleen Temple
FREE DAY!
Sunday, February 22, 2026 | Noon - 5 p.m.
Future engineers, scientists, and kids of all ages are invited to Engineering Day 2026 at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Exciting and engaging engineering activities will be provided throughout the museum by local engineering groups, who are also sponsoring general admission for this free day at the museum! All exhibitions, daytime planetarium shows and activities are free and open to the public.
The Caterpillar Visitors Center will also be open, free to the public, and will be hosting numerous engineering activities.
Embark on an exciting adventure at the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Caterpillar Visitors Center for a day of hands-on activities and competitions presented by local engineering groups. Thanks to our sponsors, the annual Engineering Day event is free!]
Sign up to be a volunteer HERE
Aligning with Engineers Week 2026, the theme, "Transform Your Future," is both a call to action and a celebration of the limitless possibilities in engineering. It invites us to dream boldly, innovate relentlessly, and create a future shaped by our collective ingenuity.
Engineers Week is more than a celebration; it's a tribute to the creativity and dedication of the individual contributions that are shaping the world. Explore DiscoverE's
resources for hands-on activities and insights into engineering education and careers.
Thank you to our title sponsor Caterpillar. Additional sponsorship by local engineering firms and groups.
ASCE BRIDGE CONTEST
1:30 pm | Giant Screen Theater
Stop in at the Giant Screen Theater to see the Bridge Bust Competition and cheer on local students!
ENGINEERING DEMONSTRATORS
ALCast
ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers)
ASM
Bradley University's Caterpillar College of Engineering & Technology
CAT/FIRST Tech Challenge
Code Ninjas
Dewberry
ICC Engineering
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) demonstrating at Caterpillar Visitors Center
INTEGRIS
iSTEAM
ISU Center for Mathematics, Science, & Technology
ISU School of Information Technology
Maurer-Stutz
OSF Innovation
River City Labs
Robot Casserole
STEMbotics
SWE - Society of Women Engineers Central Illinois Section
University of Illinois 4-H
Sponsored by Caterpillar, Merle and Adeline Dargel Fund for Science and Engineering, local engineering firms and groups and Visionary Society.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Step inside the stories behind the documents that changed the world.
Written by civil rights leaders like Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., these documents tell the story of our nation and the road we still travel to the liberty promised by our founding fathers.
Join special advisor to the museum and guest curator of The Promise of Liberty , Seth Kaller, to discuss how the centerpiece exhibition for the Peoria Riverfront Museum's celebration of America 250 came to be. Kaller will be joined by Peoria Riverfront Museum Board Member, Aaron Kilgore.
Tickets
Member Adult: $15
Adult: $20
Get tickets HERE
Seth Kaller is one of the nation’s foremost authorities on rare historical documents and has personally procured the majority of the extraordinary works featured in the exhibition. On opening day of The Promise of Liberty, he will join the museum’s President and CEO, John Morris, to share how this extraordinary exhibition came to life—from the search for these foundational documents to the stories they tell about the ideals that shaped a nation. The conversation, which will take an in-depth look at documents like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Emancipation Proclamation, among others.
The discussion will also explore why bringing this exhibition to Peoria, Illinois matters, offering insight into the power of experiencing history firsthand and the enduring relevance of liberty, democracy, and civic responsibility today.
This engaging conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at an exhibition of national significance—and a deeper appreciation for the documents that continue to define the American experiment.
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 the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria
Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6 p.m. | FREE program!
Join us in the Peoria Riverfront Museum's Gilmore Auditorium for a discussion on the development of medical professionals in Peoria, with tour following of current gallery Deep Rivers/Long Roads: The Journey of America. Join faculty experts from the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria for an engaging community presentation exploring the critical importance of the development of new medical professionals in Peoria. Training is a vital part of becoming a physician, and an essential component of the healthcare landscape of central Illinois. Join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for an engaging discussion with leaders, faculty and future physicians about how Peoria provides opportunity, education and experience to the doctors of tomorrow.
Reserve your FREE tickets HERE
Sponsored by Visionary Society and Friends of Science and Planetarium
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
February 27
6:00 – That 90s Laser Show (new show!)
7:15 – Laser Daft Punk
8:30 – Laser Lady Gaga
March 13
6:00 – Laser Movie Magic (family friendly, 30 minutes)
7:15 – Laser Beatles
8:30 – Laser Lizzo
$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.)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | Reception at 5:30 p.m. | Talk at 6:30 p.m. | Book signing at 7:30 p.m.
Join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for a special evening as we welcome Christina Shutt, the executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Dr. Ian Hunt, their head of acquisitions, to discuss their new book: Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation in 100 Objects.
This special presentation will be done in conjunction with current museum exhibition The Promise of Liberty , which contains objects like a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, a tintype photograph taken in Peoria, Illinois, and the Peoria speech in which he took a definitive stance against slavery, changing American history forever.
The book puts the spotlight on some of America’s most famous documents and artifacts but also includes lesser-known items that reveal surprising moments in Lincoln’s life or connect us to the people and causes he fought for. Readers will see gorgeous photographs of objects that offer insight on Lincoln’s family life, his remarkable political rise, the painful decisions he made as commander in chief and the lives transformed by the Civil War and the end of slavery.
Tickets:
Adult: $20
Member Adult: $15
Get tickets HERE
Sponsored by America 250 donors, Visionary Society and Friends of History
Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Museum-wide
Thanks to the generous support of Art Bridges Foundation, every second Sunday at the Peoria Riverfront Museum is FREE to the public!
Join us Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. as we celebrate Access for All day at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
This Access for All day at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, enjoy make and take art activities, planetarium shows, films, guided tours, and so much more!Schedule:
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Tours - Tours start outside of the designated gallery.
Film
Apollo 11 | Giant Screen Theater | 12:30 p.m. | 10 PointsLearn more about the museum's Achievement Passport, and how to earn points HERE
Re-member, members get double points! Earn 100 points and receive a FREE prize!
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
March 13
6:00 – Laser Movie Magic (family friendly, 30 minutes)
7:15 – Laser Beatles
8:30 – Laser Lizzo
$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
Artemis II Returns to the Moon
Saturday, March 14 | 7-9 PM
Enjoy an evening out in the planetarium. Planetarium Director Renae Kerrigan will be sharing updates from the Artemis II, the ten day mission sending astronauts around the Moon, farther from Earth than humans have traveled before, and back again. Your evening will also include a tour of the night sky, and a flight to the edge of space and back.
Each ticket includes up to three pours of wine or other beverages, and an individual charcuterie box.
Tickets can be purchased here.
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
A MUSEUM+ Program
Friday, March 27, 2026 and Saturday, March 28, 2026 | Performances at 7 p.m.
Experience “I Hear America Singing” – A Musical Journey Through 250 Years of Liberty Presented by Shot in the Dark Productions | A Signature America 250 Event
FRIDAY TICKETS | SATURDAY TICKETS
As part of the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s commemoration of America 250, we are proud to present I Hear America Singing, an original performance created in partnership with Shot in the Dark Productions. This two-performance celebration brings America’s story to life through the power of song—honoring 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This is the inaugural performance of a show that will go on to travel as a gift to the nation to celebrate 250 years of America, and share our music with the next generation.
This pioneering performance adds the voices of Americans from various walks of life to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, then combined with the performance itself.
Presented in conjunction with the centerpiece of the Peoria Riverfront Museum's celebration of America 250, The Promise of Liberty, guest curated by acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns, this performance also complements a landmark exhibition featuring the largest assemblage of American historical documents ever shown on this scale. Visitors will encounter extraordinary artifacts, including a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, an Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, and the manuscript of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Inspired by Walt Whitman’s famous poem, I Hear America Singing weaves together a dynamic collection of music that reflects the nation’s evolving pursuit of liberty and the promises set forth in 1776. From traditional spirituals and work songs like “Deep River” and “Bound for the Promised Land,” to the works of celebrated composers and songwriters such as Paul Simon, Charles Ives, Jason Robert Brown, and Stephen Schwartz, this performance traces the American journey toward freedom, unity, and hope.
Echoing the voices of Whitman, Lincoln, Langston Hughes, Dr. King, and generations of Americans striving toward a more perfect union, this musical evening invites audiences to reflect, remember, and reimagine the nation’s ongoing quest to fulfill the ideals of its founding.
This signature performance will also be accompanied by Deep Rivers | Long Roads: The Journey of America . This special two month-long exhibition of Americana celebrates the nation’s path toward its own “promised land”—a vision carried forward not only by those who came before us, but by those who will follow.
This performance is made possible through the generous support of Linda Beth and Ed Sutkowski, whose sponsorship powers the museum’s MUSEUM+ initiative—a bold commitment to expanding performance, arts, and cultural experiences for the people of central Illinois.
Join us for two unforgettable performances where history, music, and hope converge—and hear America singing anew.
Sponsored by Linda Beth and Ed Sutkowski, America 250 donors, Visionary Society, Friends of Performance.
Run the Planets!
Interplanetary 5K Race + 1 Mile Fitness Walk
Registration is open for 2026! April 18, 2026
LOCATIONS
Peoria Riverfront Museum (packet pickup), Gateway Building (start & finish Line)
Course: Entirely flat (no hills) along the Riverfront Trail (from Gateway Building to Detweiller Marina)
TIMES
Packet Pickup: Friday, April 17, from 12:30-5:30 PM, and race day starting at 7:30 AM, in the museum's auditorium on the lower level.
April 18, 2026:
• 7:30-8:30 am: Race day registration; packet pickup
• 9 am: 5K Race start
• 9:05 am: 1 Mile Fitness Walk start
• 9:30 am: Kids' 1/2 Mile Fun Run start
• Refreshments after 5K race; awards after the Kids' Fun Run
Participants can choose to receive a race shirt, or skip it for a discount on registration. Must register by March 25 to guarantee a shirt.
FEES
REGISTRATION
Inquires: please contact Renae Kerrigan at rkerrigan@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org or 309.863.3030.
Checks can be mailed to:
Peoria Riverfront Museum
222 SW Water St
Peoria, IL 61602
The Interplanetary 5K is sponsored by the Rucker Family and the Visionary Society
Friday, April 24, 2026 - Sunday, April 26, 2026
Peoria Riverfront Museum | Peoria Zoo | Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum | Wildlife Prairie Park
Membership Swap Weekend is April 24, 2026- April 26, 2026!
If you are a member with the Peoria Riverfront Museum, enjoy FREE general admission to these awesome Peoria-area attractions: Wildlife Prairie Park, the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum, and the Peoria Zoo!
All you have to do is present your membership card & a photo ID and then go enjoy your weekend!
Charges may apply for additional experiences.
