FREE EVENT!
Thu, May 25 | 6 pm
Auditorium & Gallery 3
Featuring John & Jeff Heintzman
John Heintzman, a long-time Peoria Art Guild volunteer, shares his recollections and insights on the remarkable collection of art assembled by George and Norma Kottemann. The presentation in the auditorium will be followed by a visit to the gallery with John and Jeff Heintzman.
Free lecture & gallery visit.
Art-spiration: Mosaics!
Sat, May 27 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Lobby
Looking for a little art-spiration? Stop by the lobby for a free family-friendly workshop that encourages teamwork, investigation and imagination!
Free to members and with regular paid admission. Call 309-686-7000 for more information.
Docent-Led Gallery Tour
Sat, May 27 | 2 pm
Permanent Collection Gallery
Join knowledgeable Museum docents on a docent-led gallery tour of The George & Norma Kottemann Collection: A 40-Year Passion for Art located in the Folk Art Gallery. For more information about this exhibition - click here.
Free tour with general admission.
For the full schedule of docent led gallery tours - click here.
Thu, Jun 1 | 6-8 pm
Giant Screen Theater
Join the Riverfront Museum and local glass artist Hiram Toraason, as he shares his insight on the glass art of the Kottemann Art Collection. A screening of the documentary “Pilchuck, A Dance with Fire ” will follow at 7 pm.
$5 members | $5 public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Scouting at the Museum: Do It Yourself Gardener
Sun, Jun 4 | 12pm – 3 pm
Location: Classroom 1
Juniors will explore the museum learning garden and learn about the biology that surrounds us. The Scouts will make their potted plants to take home.
There will be a snack break. Scouts are welcome to bring a snack or money for the concession stand. While this workshop is intended for Juniors to earn their DIY Gardener badge, it is open to scouts and family members of all ages.
Scouts $20 | Chaperones $5.50
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Group rates are available for groups of 5 or more and include 1 chaperone per 5 scouts.
Tickets and more info also available at the museum or by phone: 309.868.7000.
Relax Under the Stars | FREE Noon Event!
Wed, June 7 | 12-1 pm
First Wednesday of every month, 12-1 pm
Dome Planetarium
Stressed at work? Need a break from your hectic day? Come to Dome Planetarium and calm down. Enjoy a short star talk, then let your tension float away under starry skies with soothing background music. First Wednesday of every month at noon.
Free parking in the museum's parking garage, just bring in your ticket to be validated at the Front Desk. If you arrive past Noon, it will be dark in the Dome. Please pause for a few moments to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark. Someone will help you find your seats. Food and drink welcome in the Dome.
Please note that all are welcome, but this program may not be suitable for young children. It is designed to give people a quiet time to relax, and periods of long sitting can be difficult for some young ones.
Upcoming Dates: July 5
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Pub Night Under the Stars
Dome Planetarium
Fri, June 9 I 7-9 pm
Beer, pizza, and space, what more could you want? Learn what’s up in the night sky and the latest news from the cosmos as we tour the Universe using our real-time Uniview software. A stellar Planetarium operator will be your guide through this out of this world experience. Guests will receive up to 3 craft beers & pizza included in ticket price.
$30 members | $33 public
Buy tickets online now - click here!
Additional questions? Contact Renae Kerrigan at rkerrigan@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org or 309.863.3030.
Ages 21+ only. Advance registration required.
Scouting at the Museum: Grow Something
Sat, Jun 10th | 12pm – 3pm
Location: Studio 1
Wolf Scouts will explore the museum learning garden and learn about the biology that surrounds us. The Scouts will make their own terrarium to take home. In order to earn the belt loop, they will have to take care of it and track its growth over 30 days.
While this workshop is intended for Wolfs to earn their Grow Something belt loop, it is open to scouts and family members of all ages.
There will be a snack break. Scouts are welcome to bring a snack or money for the concession stand.
Scouts $20 | Chaperones $5.50
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Group rates are available for groups of 5 or more and include 1 chaperone per 5 scouts.
Tickets and more info also available at the museum or by phone: 309.868.7000.
FREE PREVIEW! Giant Screen Theater
Thu, Jun 15 | 6:30 PM
Presented by WTVP, Riverfront Museum, World Affairs Councils of America & the American Academy of Diplomacy
From Ben Franklin to Benghazi, "America's Diplomats" takes you inside the Foreign Service and behind the scenes of U.S. Foreign Policy. Discover the role our diplomats play in shaping American history. Uncover the origins of our Foreign Service and the danger American diplomats face far from home.
The screening and discussion of "America’s Diplomats" is a program of World Affairs Councils of America and the American Academy of Diplomacy. It is also sponsored by Peoria Area World Affairs Council, Peoria Riverfront Museum, and WTVP.
Seating limited. Reserve free tickets online now - click here!
Total Solar Eclipse Lecture
Dome Planetarium
Thu, June 15 | 7 pm
On August 21, 2017, there will be a total solar eclipse visible across the continental United States. For about 3 minutes, the Moon will entirely block out the light of the Sun, but you have to be in the right spot to see it! From Central Illinois, the path of totality is only a 3 to 4 hour drive. Learn the best viewing spots, how to safely watch a solar eclipse, and the science behind the awe-inspiring sight in this free lecture.
Free and open to the public!
Seating is limited - click here to reserve your free seat.
June 17 - September 10, 2017
International Feature Gallery
Let there be light! Step out of the darkness and into this exhibition where visitors will try to sneak past a laser light security block, step inside a giant kaleidoscope, “draw” with infrared “paint”, or make their own powerful telescope! Playing With Light explores our big bright world and the many ways in which science and physics create light!
Hands-on interactives
Laser Dodge, Sticky Light, Kaleidoscope, Bendy Mirror, Computer Vision, Make a Telescope, Change Your View, Color Shadows, Color Mixing, Paint with Infrared, See with a Spectroscope, Fiber Optic Transmission, Freeze Your Shadow, See in Slow Motion, Hologram, Concave Reflections, Polarized Light, and much more.
More on Playing with Light
Created by the renowned Scitech in Perth, Australia, this exhibition with many applications such as vision, the beauty of rainbows, fiber optic communication, holographic security, and laser surgery, light provides the basis for much of our current technology and is largely responsible for the way we view our world.
Using basic physics principles, innovative interactive experiences and a sense of fun, Playing With Light offers the opportunity to explore our world and how it is illuminated through 22 exhibits with a multitude of outcomes.
Key messages include: How light plays a vital role in our daily lives, how science helps us to describe and explain the behavior of light and to discover even more about the world around us, and how play and experimentation are important for learning.
Playing with Light has been designed around a number of key, immersive experiences for people of all ages. It provides wonderful opportunities for parents and caregivers to participate in their children’s learning and play experiences while in the exhibition.
STEM concepts
Physics, and in particular, optics, is a subject that is difficult to demonstrate in the classroom without specialist equipment. This exhibition provides the opportunity to engage both primary and secondary school students.
The subject material provides high quality teaching and learning opportunities outside the classroom for visiting groups. In addition, the attractiveness and highly creative nature of the exhibition provide an opportunity to engage adults of all ages with science and technology.
Playing with Light was created by Scitech and is produced by Imagine Exhibitions Inc.
For more information on Playing with Light - click here!
Art Club: The George & Norma Kottemann Collection
Tue, June 20 | 1-2 pm
Auditorium
Art Club is a monthly meeting of people who love art. We select a different topic each month, and enjoy a casual staff-led discussion (with Powerpoint slides) accompanied by coffee and treats. Participants are encouraged, though not required, to submit discussion suggestions of art that is related to the topic. It's like a book club, but without as much homework! This month's topic is artwork from the current exhibition "The George & Norma Kottemann Collection: A 40-Year Passion for Art".
Coffee and treats are served. Please bring your own coffee cup!
Free with General Admission
LASER LIGHT NIGHTS | Beatles & U2
Dome Planetarium
Sat, Jun 24
6 pm - Laser Beatles
7 pm - Laser U2
Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Listen to your favorite music from The Beatles and U2 - while being dazzled by the multicolored laser light show on the Dome. Enhance your experience - pick up spectrum glasses and refreshments from our concession stand and enjoy the show! 35-50 min. (Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)
Members: $5 one show, $8 both shows | Public: $7 one show, $12 both shows (to get combo price tickets call 309.686.7000 or visit the ticket desk in person)
Buy tickets online now - click here.
For more information call 309.686.7000.
Robo Rumble - FREE DAY!
Sat, Jun 24 | 12-5 pm
Lobby, Sun Plaza, Auditorium
Experience the exciting world of robotics as teams compete for the top ranking in this family-friendly annual event. These robots are ready for battle, are you ready to cheer them on?
All activities, galleries, and planetarium shows will be free and open to the public. Giant Screen Theater is not included.
For more info call 309.686.7000.
Asteroid Day
Museum Lobby and Dome Planetarium
Sat June 30 l 1:15-4:00 pm
Learn about Near Earth Asteroids and why they matter on International Asteroid Day! Check out meteorites that fell from space at an activity station from 1:15 to 2:15, and learn all about asteroids in a special planetarium show at 3:30.
Uniview: Asteroids!
There are millions of asteroids in our Solar System. Asteroid impacts have dramatically shaped our planet in the past, and could do so again at any moment. Fly through the asteroid belt with us in this live and interactive show. 30 min.
Activities are included with regular museum admission.
Silver Screen Saturdays - The Dark Knight
Sat, July 2 | 7 PM
Giant Screen Theater
Prepare for Christopher Nolan’s ’Dunkirk’ with three of the visionary director’s most iconic films!
With the help of allies Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman (Christian Bale) has been able to keep a tight lid on crime in Gotham City. But when a vile young criminal calling himself the Joker (Heath Ledger) suddenly throws the town into chaos, the caped Crusader begins to tread a fine line between heroism and vigilantism.
Arrive early for a special pre-show presentation by Kevin Kizer!
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Silver Screen Saturdays - Inception
Sat, July 8 | 7 PM
Giant Screen Theater
Prepare for Christopher Nolan’s ’Dunkirk’ with three of the visionary director’s most iconic films!
Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a thief with the rare ability to enter people's dreams and steal their secrets from their subconscious. His skill has made him a hot commodity in the world of corporate espionage but has also cost him everything he loves. Cobb gets a chance at redemption when he is offered a seemingly impossible task: Plant an idea in someone's mind. If he succeeds, it will be the perfect crime, but a dangerous enemy anticipates Cobb's every move.
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Teen Night: Revenge of the Nerds
Thu, July 13 | 6-8 pm
Join the Riverfront Museum in a teen night to remember. Explore the galleries after-hours, challenge your friends to Mario Kart in the Giant Screen Theater, experience laser light shows in the Dome Planetarium, and participate in awesome light-related activities in the Lobby! Light snacks and soft beverages included in ticket.
Ages 13+
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Silver Screen Saturdays - Interstellar
Sat, July 15 | 7 PM
Giant Screen Theater
Prepare for Christopher Nolan’s ’Dunkirk’ with three of the visionary director’s most iconic films!
In Earth's future, a global crop blight and second Dust Bowl are slowly rendering the planet uninhabitable. Professor Brand (Michael Caine), a brilliant NASA physicist, is working on plans to save mankind by transporting Earth's population to a new home via a wormhole. But first, Brand must send former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and a team of researchers through the wormhole and across the galaxy to find out which of three planets could be mankind's new home.
Arrive early for a special pre-show presentation about the possibilities of real interstellar space travel!
Buy tickets online now - click here.
