MOON
September 14 through November 10
MOON features a one-of-a-kind 13-foot (4-meter) diameter illuminated moon made especially for the museum by UK artist Luke Jerram. Lit from within the giant moon displays exacting 120-dpi detailed imagery of the lunar surface created by NASA imagery. Objects from NASA and space-related artifacts will also be on display.
The museum gratefully acknowledges our MOON sponsors, Commerce Bank and the Corporate Visionary Society Council.
Vantage Points: Contemporary Photography from the
Whitney Museum of American Art
September 14 through November 10
The first exhibition of its kind in the nation, Vantage Points: Contemporary American Photography , is a collaboration between the Whitney Museum of American Art , founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and regarded as the foremost institution of contemporary American art; Art Bridges , founded by Alice Walton (daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton), whose mission is to bring outstanding American art to the public; and the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The exhibition features photographs by 20 of the most influential artists of the 1970s through the 2000s, including Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorp, Sally Mann, Diane Arbus, Gregory Crewdson, William Eggleston, Nan Goldin and Richard Avedon.
Vantage Points is the first contemporary photography exhibition hosted by the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
The photographs in Vantage Points provide an examination of the impact of photography at a time where the camera has become a mode of both cultural and creative expression for all, elaborating on techniques, meaning, and context in the genre of contemporary photography. Vantage Points tells the stories of subject and photographer, and of photography as an art form.
The museum gratefully acknowledges our Vantage Points: Contemporary American Photography sponsors, Art Bridges Foundation, the Oak River Foundation and the Visionary Society.
Space Family Night | New American Spaceships
Sat, Sep 21 | 6 pm
Dome Planetarium
Remember the Space Shuttle? It flew American astronauts from Florida to space for 30 years! But the last Shuttle flight was 8 years ago, when construction of the International Space Station was completed. Now there are new spaceships preparing to launch American astronauts from Florida to space yet again: Dragon; Starliner; Orion. Learn how these 21st century spaceships will pave the way for us to return to the Moon and then on to Mars.
Light refreshments will be provided.
$2 Members | $8 Member Family (immediate family only)
$5 Public | $12 Public Family (immediate family only)
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Music Under the MOON
Sun, Sept 22 | Noon-1 pm
MOON Gallery
Join us for light background music in "MOON" performed by local students under the direction of Dr. Chee Hyeon Choi of Bradley University!
Free for members and with general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Yoga Under the Moon | Family Yoga
Tue, Sept 24 | 5:30-6:30 PM
MOON Gallery
Led by Janie Backs of Soulside Healing Arts.
Strap on your moon boots and come flow with the fam! Breathe to find calm in the chaos and practice poses that build strength for big family adventures. Experience our MOON exhibition in a totally new way, practicing moon salutations in the gallery with Peoria Riverfront Museum’s one-of-a-kind illuminated moon made by UK artist Luke Jerram. Moms, dads, caregivers, and kids welcome!
Members: $12 Adult, $6 Child | Public: $16 Adult, $8 Child
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the session. Limited mats are available, please bring a mat.
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. More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Homeschool Fridays
Fridays, September 27-October 18
Fall Session Overview
12:30-2 pm
Ceramics | Ages 8-13
1:15-2 pm
Little Artists | Ages 3-6
Palette & Pencil | Ages 6-8
Painting with Past Masters | Ages 13+
2:20-3:05 pm
Garden Adventures | Ages 4-7
Dash Robots 2.0 | Ages 8-12
Renaissance Man | Master of All | Ages 8-14
Palette & Pencil | Ages 9-17
For more info on Homeschool Friday classes - click here.
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 & Cheese Under the Stars | Exoplanets
Sat, Sep 28 | 7-9 pm
Dome Planetarium
The first planet orbiting a star outside of our Solar System was discovered in 1992. Since then, scientists have discovered 4,023 and counting! Could any of these distant worlds support life? Learn about some of the most incredible planets discovered so far while enjoying cheese and wine in our beautiful planetarium.
Enjoy a variety of wines, and cheese & crackers under our spectacular 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. Ages 21+
$30 members | $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.
Wine & Art | Andy Warhol
Sat, Sep 28 | 7-9 pm
Studio 2
Spend the evening relaxing and creating at one of our Wine & Art Night events! Local artist, Eugene Nana Ekow Maison, will guide you in creating your own unique version of Andy Warhol's Marilyn! All materials, wine and light snacks are provided. Seating is limited, so register early!
Ages 21+
$30 Members | $36 Public
Register online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also 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 Wine & Art for a special occasion or for your organization, contact Heather at 309.863.3046.
Space Kids: To The Moon & Beyond!
Tuesdays, Oct 1-22 | 9:30-10 am
Planetarium
Come space-out in the Planetarium each week as we explore the Moon and other wonders of outer space. We’ll read Moon-themed books, do Moon-themed activities, and use our Luke Skymaster star projector to turn the Planetarium into outer space for field trips to the Moon!
Nick Rae: Museum Educator
Ages 3-6
$30 Members | $35 Public
Register online now - click here.
Registration & 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.
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Wednesdays, Oct 2-23 | 6-8:30 pm
Studio 1
This 4-week class is perfect for those who have little or no experience working on a pottery wheel. We'll cover the basics of wheel throwing in a fun, easy going atmosphere. Class size is limited to the # of wheels available in order to allow maximum amount of practice time to each participant.
Taught by local artist Katie VandenBerg.
Ages 18+
$95 Members | $115 Public
Register online now - click here.
Registration & 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.
Ceramics for Kids
Wednesdays, Oct 2-23 | 4-5:30 pm
Studio 1
This 4-week class will focus on hand built ceramics with time for each student to try out the wheel at least once. After the instructor shares ceramic techniques, students will create at least two unique projects based on those techniques that will have ample allowance for creative freedom. Projects will be fired and glazed. Taught by local artist Katie VandenBerg.
Ages 8-13
$50 Members | $60 Members
Register online now - click here.
Registration & 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.
Relax Under the Stars | FREE Noon Event!
Wed, Oct 2 | Noon-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: November 6, December 4
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
MOON Family Day
Sat, Oct 5 | 11 am-2 pm
Lobby
Join us for a family day celebrating our newest exhibition, MOON, with stellar lunar activities!
Free for members & with paid general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco
Sat, Oct 5 | 7 PM
Giant Screen Theater
Presented by GummFest | Co-sponsored by The African American Hall of Fame Museum
Jimmie Fails dreams of reclaiming the Victorian home his grandfather built in the heart of San Francisco. Joined on his quest by his best friend Mont, Jimmie searches for belonging in a rapidly changing city that seems to have left them behind. As he struggles to reconnect with his family and reconstruct the community he longs for, his hopes blind him to the reality of his situation.
A wistful odyssey populated by skaters, squatters, street preachers, playwrights, and other locals on the margins, The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a poignant and sweeping story of hometowns and how they’re made—and kept alive—by the people who love them.
Rated R | 2h 1m
Buy tickets online now - click here.
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Cabernet & Clay | Hand Built Ceramics
Sat, Oct 5 | 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 Heather at 309.863.3046.
Art Club
Tue, Oct 8 | 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 the Moon in Art!
If you would like to discuss a piece please email: goden@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.
Laser Fright Night | Fright Light & Beatles
Dome Planetarium
Sat, Oct 12
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.
Moon Exploration | After Care Available
Mon, Oct 14 | 8 am-4 pm
Join the Riverfront Museum on Columbus Day to explore our Moon in space! Students will love learning about our Moon, constellations, our solar system, and beyond. Students will learn the science of space in hands on activities and make a take home art project! They will also explore the museum galleries.
After care is available for $4 and runs from 4-5:30 pm. Please provide your student(s) with a nut-free sack lunch. A mid-morning snack is provided each day of camp, and a 30 minute lunch.
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.
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.
Yoga Under the Moon | Mindful Flow
Tue, Oct 15 | 5:30-6:30 PM
MOON Gallery
Led by Hannah Ramlo of Soulside Healing Arts.
Experience the calming practice of moon salutations with attention to breath. This class moves through postures at a refreshing pace to increase strength, mobility, and balance. Meditation and breath work are interspersed throughout. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to practice yoga in the gallery with Peoria Riverfront Museum’s one-of-a-kind illuminated moon made by UK artist Luke Jerram. All levels welcome!
$12 Members | $16 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Tiny Tot Explorers
Thu, Oct 17 | 11-11:30 am
Join us every third Thursday for Tiny Tot Explorers! Preschoolers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a story and hands-on art or science activities related to the book. Each month will have a different theme that correlates to one or more of the museum’s pillars of art, science, history and achievement!
October is Black Cat Awareness Month, so our theme will be…Cats!
Free for members and with general admission.
Pub Night Under the Stars | Black Holes
Fri, Oct 18 | 7-9 pm
Planetarium
This year, scientists directly observed a black hole for the first time, using the Event Horizon Telescope. Learn all about these monsters of the cosmos while you enjoy beer and food with friends.
These evenings are held 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 using our immersive real time software.
Guests will receive up to 3 craft beers, delicious food, and sides included in ticket price. To request vegetarian option, call 309.863.3048.
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.
Chemistry Demonstrations
Sat, Oct 26 | 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.
Wine & Art | Henri Matisse, La danse
Sat, Oct 26 | 7-9 pm
Studio 2
Spend the evening relaxing and creating at one of our Wine & Art Night events! Local artist, Eugene Nana Ekow Maison, will guide you in creating your own unique version of Henri Matisse's La danse! All materials, wine and light snacks are provided. Seating is limited, so register early.
Ages 21+
$30 Members | $36 Public
Register online now - click here.
Registration & more info also 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 Wine & Art for a special occasion or for your organization, contact Heather at 309.863.3046.
Wine & Cheese Under the Stars | Apollo 12
Sat, Nov 2 | 7-9 pm
Dome Planetarium
November of 2019 is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 12 mission – the second landing on the Moon. Explore the Apollo landing sites, see pictures from the missions, and learn about the past, current, and future exploration of the Moon while enjoying cheese and wine.
Enjoy a variety of wines, and cheese & crackers under our spectacular 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.
Ages 21+
$30 members | $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.
Relax Under the Stars | FREE Noon Event!
Wed, Nov 6 | 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 4
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Chemistry Demonstrations
Sat, Nov 9 | 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.
Senior Morning Lecture Series | Apollo 11: First Steps Edition
Wed, Nov 13 | 10-11 am
Auditorium, Giant Screen Theater, & Galleries
This month's topic is Apollo 11: First Steps Edition! This documentary shows the real-life story of what it took to walk on the moon. Enjoy treats and coffee in the auditorium, view the film in the Giant Screen Theater, then you will be able to explore the museum. Free 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
For the full schedule of Senior Morning Lecture Series - click here.
To learn more about Senior Free Days - click here.
Registration is not necessary, but groups are encouraged to call ahead so that we will be prepared. Please call Gennifer Oden at 309.863.3016.
Free event for seniors.
More information available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Peoria Riverfront Museum gratefully acknowledges our Senior Morning Lecture Series & Senior Free Days sponsor, Kim Blickenstaff.
Tiny Tot Explorers
Thu, Nov 21 | 11-11:30 am
IL River Classroom
Join us every third Thursday for Tiny Tot Explorers! Preschoolers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a story and hands-on art or science activities related to the book. Each month will have a different theme that correlates to one or more of the museum’s pillars of art, science, history and achievement!
November is National Novel Writing Month, so our theme will be…Authors!
Free for members and with general admission.
