Video Game Design - SOLD OUT!
Thursdays, Oct 25-Nov 15 | 4-5 pm
Studio 3
Have you ever dreamed of creating your own computer game? In this four-week class, you can make that dream a reality! Using the Scratch software developed by educators at MIT, students will learn the basics of computer programming, and then apply them to create simplistic games that can be edited and accessed from home, even after the class is over! All experience levels are welcome.
Jack Daleske: Museum Educator
Ages 9-14
$25 Members | $30 Public
All supplies provided for classes, workshops, and programs unless otherwise noted. All paid classes, workshops, and programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Death & Destruction Under the Stars | Pub Night
Featuring Lost Coast Brewery
Fri, Oct 26 | 7-9 pm
Planetarium
The cosmos is an awesome place, filled with wonder and mystery. It is also trying to kill you! Learn all the ways space can kill you in this lighthearted look at the death and destruction of the cosmos, just in time for Halloween.
The evening will be in two parts. A star talk using our highly realistic Zeiss ZKP4 star projectors, time to socialize and enjoy the beer and refreshments, than a tour of the universe and its destructive (and creative) ways using our immersive real time software.
Guests will receive up to three craft beers and bratwurst with their ticket price. Please inquire for a vegetarian option at 309.863.3030.
Ages 21+
$30 Members l $36 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
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.
Laser Fright Night | Fright Light & Beatles
Dome Planetarium
Sat, Oct 27
6 pm - Laser Fright Light
7 pm - Laser Beatles
Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Listen to some Halloween themed tunes and your favorite music from The Beatles - while being dazzled with 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.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Chemistry Demonstrations
Sat, Oct 27 | 1-2 pm
Lobby
Stand back, watch out, and enjoy chemistry in action! Bradley University Chemistry Club students provide activities and perform chemistry demonstrations.
Free to members and with general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Musical Entertainment by Peoria Players
Sat, Oct 27 | 2 pm
Lobby
Experience live performances in the Museum's Lobby featuring Peoria Area Performing Arts (PAPAS).
Upcoming Performances
Sat, Nov 10 | Sat, Dec 8 | Sat, Jan 12
Free for Members & with General Admission
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
PreK Robotics
Thursdays, Nov 1-29 | 2-3 pm
Skipping the week of Thanksgiving Nov 22
Classroom 1
Little learners will love this problem solving robotics class!
Ages 3-6
$30 Members | $35 Public
Register online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for classes, workshops, and programs unless otherwise noted. All paid classes, workshops, and programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Astronomy FREE DAY!
Sun, Nov 4 | 1-4 pm
Lobby, Exhibitions, Planetarium
Join us for our family-friendly free day featuring the stellar science of Astronomy! Our education staff and volunteers will provide out-of-this-world hands-on astronomy activities from 1-4 pm!
All museum exhibitions & daytime planetarium shows free & open to the public; Giant Screen Theater film tickets extra.
Sponsored by The Community Foundation of Central Illinois
More info also available at the museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Sloppy Science
Tuesdays , Nov 6-27 | 9:30-10:15 am
Classroom 2
Put on your lab coat and get ready to have some fun! In this class, students will explore the world all around them as they drive into topics related to biology, chemistry, astronomy and paleontology. Combining science and literacy, each class starts with a story related to the day's activity. Many classes are messy, so please wear old clothes. Caregivers must stay with children.
Shelby Lessen: Museum Educator
Ages 3-6
$30 Members | $35 Public
Register online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for classes, workshops, and programs unless otherwise noted. All paid classes, workshops, and programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Elementary Art
Tuesday, Nov 6-27 | 4:30-5:30 pm
Studio 3
Learn about a variety of artist and their styles and creating a piece of artwork in that style. You'll learn the basics of art and take home a new project to take home every week!
Ages 6-10
$30 Members | $35 Public
Register online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for classes, workshops, and programs unless otherwise noted. All paid classes, workshops, and programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Relax Under the Stars | FREE Noon Event!
Wed, Nov 7 | Noon-1 pm
First Wednesday of every month, Noon-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: December 5, January 2, February 6
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Music at the Museum: Music & Art Reimagined
Thu, Nov 8 | 5:15-7:30 pm
Grand Lobby & Galleries
5:15 pm | Cocktails, grand lobby
6 pm | Music Program, galleries
6:45 pm | Dessert with Musicians, grand lobby
Join us for an evening of music and art reimagined in the museum galleries with works by Bach, Fauré, and Popper, featuring cellist Adriana LaRosa Ransom and pianist Lu Witzig. Program highlights include special talks by guest curator Bill Heidrich and Dr. William Wilsen. The event begins with cocktails in the lobby, followed by a musical program in the galleries. After the performance, the musicians will host a sumptuous dessert in the lobby.
Musicians:
Adriana LaRosa Ransom, cello
Lu Witzig, piano
Program:
“Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major,” J.S. Bach
“Elégy Op. 24 for Cello and Piano,” Gabriel Fauré
“Tarantella Op. 33 for Cello and Piano,” David Popper
Presenters:
Bill Heidrich, guest curator “Rodin: Cast in Bronze - The Work of Many Hands”
Dr. William Wilsen, “Interpretation: The Essence of Music”
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Sponsored by the Visionary Society.
The Cosmos in a Heartbeat by Dr. Shane Larson
Fri, Nov 9 | 7:30 pm
Dome Planetarium
A human lifetime is more than a hundred billion times shorter than the current age of the Universe. Whether you are a professional astronomer, or a casual backyard stargazer, you have only a few decades to drink it all in—to wonder how it works and how you got here.
The cosmos is full of strange happenings that we sometimes are lucky enough to witness because we happened to be paying attention to the stories the Universe is telling us. These tales are carried on bursts of light, showers of subatomic particles, and the faint whisperings of gravity, and every day that passes, we’re getting better at deciphering them.
In our lifetimes, we will only ever have a glimpse of the cosmos. But that glimpse is enough to transform our perceptions in dramatic ways and to answer the oldest questions we have about what the Universe is doing all around us.
Family friendly, all ages welcome!
Free to Members | $4 Public
Members, please reserve your free tickets at the link below.
Buy tickets online - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Musical Entertainment by Peoria Players
Sat, Nov 10 | 2 pm
Lobby
Experience live performances in the Museum's Lobby featuring the cast of Elf (playing at Peoria Players Theatre).
Upcoming Performances
Sat, Dec 8 & Sat, Jan 12
Free for Members & with General Admission
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Chemistry Demonstrations
Sat, Nov 10 | 1-2 pm
Lobby
Stand back, watch out, and enjoy chemistry in action! Bradley University Chemistry Club students provide activities and perform chemistry demonstrations.
Free to members and with general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
100 Years of Theater: Peoria and the Nation
Featuring James Wilhelm
Sun, Nov 11 | 2 pm
Auditorium
Long-time Peoria theater activist and star of the acclaimed Illinois Adventure series James Wilhelm will discuss the history of Peoria theater, and how our city played a part in the national scene.
Free for Members & with General Admission | $4 per person (admission to lecture only)
Lecture Only | Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Art Club
Tue, Nov 13 | 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 David Hockney!
Coffee and treats are served. Please bring your own coffee cup!
Free to members & with general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Senior Morning
Wed, Nov 14 | 10-11 am
Auditorium & Galleries
Free for seniors - these educational events take place every other month on Wednesday morning and cover topics from Museum exhibits to educational movies. This month we'll explore the exhibition, TIFFANY: The Collection of Don Shay! After you will be able to explore the museum free with parking in the covered park deck off of Water Street.
9:45 am Doors Open
10:00 am Coffee and danish, muffins, and other light breakfast treats in the Auditorium
10:30 am Program
11:00 am Gallery visit
Registration is not necessary, but groups are encouraged to call ahead so that we will be prepared. Please call Shelby Lessen at 309.863.3015.
Free event for seniors.
More information available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Story Time in the Galleries
Thu, Nov 15 | 10:30-11:15 am
Lobby
Join in the fantastic fun this summer with a local librarian reading a story in the museum's galleries! Come hear a story that relates to an object in the Museum, and then hear more about the gallery from a museum educator. Families should meet in the lobby and will travel together to the gallery.
Program is intended for younger audiences.
Free for members & with paid general admission.
Fantastic Beasts | The Crimes of Grindelwald Premiere
Runs through December 6
Thu, Nov | 2D - 5 pm, 3D - 8 pm
Giant Screen Theater
In an effort to thwart Grindelwald's plans of raising pure-blood wizards to rule over all non-magical beings, Albus Dumbledore enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided world.
PG-13 | 2h 14m
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Return to Hogwarts: Dinner & A Movie
Fri, Nov 16 | SOLD OUT
Sat, Nov 17 | SOLD OUT
Sun, Nov 18 | SOLD OUT
Grand Lobby & Giant Screen Theater
Did you get our owl? Come one, come all to be sorted into your houses in the Grand Lobby at the Riverfront Museum! Return home to the magic of Hogwarts where you’ll enjoy a catered dinner, butter beer straight from the Three Broomsticks, and a screening of “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” in the Giant Screen Theater. Take home a souvenir photograph, house scarf and wand! Guests will be pleased to note that we’re following all Ministry regulations regarding House Elves, who are paid as equals to the witches and wizards.
Wine & Art | Sunflowers by Van Gogh
Sat, Nov 17 | 7-9 pm
Studio 2
Spend the evening relaxing and creating at one of our Wine & Art Night events! Eugene Nana Ekow Maison, local artist, will guide you in creating you own unique version of Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers to take home with you! All materials, wine and light snacks are provided. Seating is limited, so register early!
Ages 21+
$30 members | $36 public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for workshops unless otherwise noted. All paid workshops require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required. If you are interested in scheduling a private Cabernet & Clay for a special occasion or for your organization, contact Shelby at 309.863.3015.
Cabernet & Clay | Hand Built Ceramics
Sat, Nov 17 | 6:30-9 pm
Studio 1
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making something with your own two hands. Local teacher and artist, Al Corpuz, will lead you in a variety of ceramic techniques, including glazing, wheel throwing, and hand-building! Best of all, once you’ve created it, we’ll fire and glaze it for you! All events will include a variety of wine and light snacks, and finished pieces will be ready for pickup within 10 business days.
Ages 21+
$30 members | $36 public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for workshops unless otherwise noted. All paid workshops require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required. If you are interested in scheduling a private Cabernet & Clay for a special occasion or for your organization, contact Shelby at 309.863.3015.
Drama Day Camp with Peoria Players Theatre | After Care Available
Wed, Nov 21 | 8 am-4 pm
Join the Riverfront Museum on Thanksgiving Break at Drama Camp with Peoria Players Theater! Students will watch America's Musical Journey 3D in the Giant Screen Theater! Students will enjoy acting lessons with local teacher and actress Pat White!* They will create a stop motion animation, learn to draw animations, and learn to make movies on the green screen! They will also explore the museum galleries including The Golden Age of Disney: The Collection of Steve Spain and Peoria Players Theater: 100 Years!
After care is available for $4 and runs from 4-5:30 pm. Please provide your student(s) with a nut-free sack lunch.
*Pat White - Pat received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in speech and theatre from IWU and her Master’s degree from Bradley. An accomplished actress, singer and dancer, Pat has performed, choreographed and directed on many central Illinois stages. She brings her charismatic presence and talents to audiences in leading roles such as Once Upon A Mattress, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Sweet Charity, Annie, Gypsy and Hello, Dolly. A certified teacher in English, speech and theatre arts at Bergan High School/Peoria Notre Dame, Pat developed dance and drama programs for Jump Start Gymnastics Academy, Peoria Ballet, Roosevelt Magnet School, Washington Middle School and River City Youth Fitness Center.
Ages 5-12
$50 Members | $60 Public
Register online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
If you need to further customize your camp experience, or if you are looking to apply the Caterpillar, Inc. discount (applicable to non-museum-members only), please call 309-863-3015 for assistance. All supplies provided for classes, workshops, and programs unless otherwise noted. All paid classes, workshops, and 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 & Cheese Under the Stars
Fri, Nov 30 | 7-9 pm
Dome Planetarium
Relax and enjoy a variety of local wine, gourmet cheese and crackers under a spectacular full-dome night sky. Enjoy the latest news from space and take a real-time Uniview tour across the Universe with an astronomy expert as your guide. Guests will receive up to three glasses of wine or soda, and a variety of cheese & crackers with paid admission. Doors open at 6:50 pm.
$30 members | $36 public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Ages 21+. Up to 3 glasses of wine included in ticket. 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.
Bubbly & Bows
Sat, Dec 1 | 10-11:30 am
Studio 2
Ever wanted to know how to tie beautiful bows for your holiday gifts and tree toppers? Join in for a morning of bubbly and bows. Enjoy a mimosa and refreshments while you learn bow tying techniques and some wrapping tips to make your holiday gifts sparkle this year. This fun, casual event is lead by Peoria resident Lori LaFond, who has been wrapping gifts for other busy families for over a decade.
Ages 21+
$30 Members | $36 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Must be age 21+. Pre-registration required. To schedule a private workshop, and or Wine & Art Night, call Shelby Lessen at 309.863.3015. All supplies provided for workshops unless otherwise noted. All paid workshops require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date.
Chemistry Demonstrations
Sat, Dec 1 | 1-2 pm
Lobby
Stand back, watch out, and enjoy chemistry in action! Bradley University Chemistry Club students provide activities and perform chemistry demonstrations.
Free to members and with general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Elementary Pottery | Snowman
Mini Session
Wed, Dec 5 & 12 | 4:30-5:30 pm
Studio 1
Students will explore the artistic medium of clay through creating a hand built snowman using multiple techniques. Students will build the snowman the first class and glaze during the second class. Pieces can be picked up on December 19. Students will walk away with a better understanding of the building, firing, and glazing processes. No previous experience is necessary.
Ages 6-10
$15 Members | $18 Public
Register online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for classes, workshops, and programs unless otherwise noted. All paid classes, workshops, and 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 & Wrap
Wed, Dec 5 | 6:30-8 pm
Studio 2
Grab a friend and join in the holiday fun! You will learn some wrapping, paper folding, and bow making techniques just in time to put your gifts under the tree. Bring a boxed gift of your own to the workshop to wrap and use for inspiration for future wrapping. This workshop is led by Lori LaFond, a local gift wrapper and crafter who has professionally wrapped others' gifts for over a decade.
Ages 21+
$30 Members | $36 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Must be age 21+. Pre-registration required. To schedule a private workshop, and or Wine & Art Night, call Shelby Lessen at 309.863.3015. All supplies provided for workshops unless otherwise noted. All paid workshops require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date.
Relax Under the Stars | FREE Noon Event!
Wed, Dec 5 | 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. If you arrive past Noon, it will be dark in the Dome. Please pause for a few minutes to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark. 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: January 2, February 6, March 6
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Hour of Code
Sat, Dec 8 | Noon-1 pm
Lobby
Hour of Code is a free event where kids of all ages learn computer programming using Scratch, Dash, and Bee Bots in the lobby. Education institutions all over the world are taking part in this one-hour introduction to computer programming.
There’s more info on this website: https://hourofcode.com/us/promote/resources
Free & Open to the Public | Does not include admission to the Museum's Galleries, Planetarium, or Giant Screen Theater
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Musical Entertainment by Peoria Players
Sat, Dec 8 | 2 pm
Lobby
Experience live performances in the Museum's Lobby featuring Lee Wenger on vocals, accompanied by Denise Adams.
Upcoming Performance
Sat, Jan 12
Free for Members & with General Admission
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
3D Ornaments
Sat, Dec 8 | 2-4 pm
Studio 3
Design and create your own 3D printed ornaments from snowflakes to snowmen! No experience required! Participants will have one week to pick-up final printed projects, starting on Saturday, December 15 at the ticket desk.
Ages 10-17
$20 members | $25 public
Register online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for classes, workshops, and programs unless otherwise noted. All paid classes, workshops, and programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Cabernet & Clay | Wheel Thrown Pottery - SOLD OUT!
Sat, Dec 8 | 6:30-9 pm
Studio 1
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making something with your own two hands. Local teacher and artist, Al Corpuz, will lead you in a variety of ceramic techniques, including glazing, wheel throwing, and hand-building! Best of all, once you’ve created it, we’ll fire and glaze it for you! All events will include a variety of wine and light snacks, and finished pieces will be ready for pickup within 10 business days.
$30 members | $36 public
Ages 21+. All supplies provided for workshops unless otherwise noted. All paid workshops require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required. If you are interested in scheduling a private Cabernet & Clay for a special occasion or for your organization, contact Shelby at 309.863.3015.
Art Club
Tue, Dec 11 | 1-2 pm
Boardroom
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 Vivian Maier!
If you would like to discuss a piece please email: slessen@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
Coffee and treats are served. Please bring your own coffee cup!
Free to members and with general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Ceramic Holiday Ornaments
Tue, Dec 11 | 5:30-6:30 pm
Come create your perfect holiday ornament with us and learn some techniques while working with clay! Create up to 8 ornaments, up to 4 may be pre-made and ready for you to glaze. Best of all, we fire and glaze your masterpieces for pick up on December 18.
All ages are welcome, but children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult helper.
*Must pre-register at least 3 days prior to event date, Sat, Dec 8.
$10 member | $12 public
Register online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
All supplies provided for classes, workshops, and programs unless otherwise noted. All paid classes, workshops, and programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Prince & Princess Day
Sat, Dec 15 | 11 am-2 pm
Auditorium
Dress up in your favorite outfit and have a royally good time exploring some science and art activities in the Museum's auditorium!
Free for Members | $4 per person - fee applies to anyone participating in the event's activities.
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Does not include admission to the Museum's Galleries, Planetarium, or Giant Screen Theater.
