Illinois Film Series | Sixteen Candles
Thu, Apr 26 | 6 PM
Giant Screen Theater
A girl's "sweet" sixteenth birthday becomes anything but special, as she suffers from every embarrassment possible.
Member Adult $8.50 | Member Child (3-17) $6.50 | Member Senior (60+) $7.50 | Adult $10.50 | Child (3-17) | $8.50 | Senior (60+) $9.50
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
LASER LIGHT NIGHT | Laser Floyd
Sat, Apr 28
6 pm | Laser Floyd: The Wall
7 pm | Laser Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
Dome Planetarium
Sit back, relax, look up and rock out! Listen to your favorite music - The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, U2, and more - 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)
For the full Laser Light Nights schedule - click here!
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
FREE DAY! Bradley FUSE Interactive Exhibition
Sat, April 28 | 10 am-5 pm
Activities & all Museum exhibits, Dome Planetarium & Giant Screen Theater Free & Open to the Public
Find out more about FUSE: bradleyinteractive.com
Bradley’s 5th Annual FUSE show brings award-winning interactive design & high-tech fun to Riverfront Museum!
Bradley’s 5th annual “FUSE: Play • Watch • Interact” experience takes place throughout the museum and all activities are free and open to the public. Entry is also free to all Museum exhibits, the Dome Planetarium and the Giant Screen Theater.
Bradley’s Interactive Media Department program has produced award-winning games and is ranked among the among world's best. Students are currently working on three NASA-funded projects for CubeSat satellites – miniature satellites used for educational and research – developing an augmented reality testing tool, a mobile satellite control app and an informational game about the science behind CubeSat missions.
The interactive FUSE show, which gets its name from a fusion of art and technology, is intended to engage visitors of all ages with artists and developers, as well as the latest hardware, innovation, and applications.
The FUSE Experience
Video Showcase
The Giant Screen Theater is the only place in Peoria to see a custom, Bradley-designed Compendium Reel featuring current work from award-winning Interactive Media students. The high-resolution video previews departmental projects and the senior Animation students' capstone films.
Creativity Up Close & Personal
Stop by and chat with one of our Interactive Media majors; we love sharing our work and enthusiasm and we’d be honored to meet you. The department's Junior and Senior classes will be on hand to display the work they have created.
Green Screen Magic Experience
To experience a green screen is to be implanted in another world, another realm of reality in which you abide by your own rules. Experience the quintessential video special effect: See yourself placed in a virtual environment. Take center-stage, and allow your imagination to run rampant as you go wherever your mind can take you!
Catapult Projects
Groups of students developed, designed, programmed, and engineered original concepts that offer unique opportunities to watch and interact with not only the exhibits but with the student body who made them.
Cabernet & Clay | Wheel Thrown Pottery - SOLD OUT!
Sat, Apr 28 | 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 | $33 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.
Relax Under the Stars | FREE Noon Event!
Wed, May 2 | 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: June 6, July 4
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Sloppy Science - SOLD OUT!
Wednesdays, May 2-23 | 9:30-10:30 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.
Heather Placko: Museum Educator
Ages 2-5
$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.
Palette and Pencil
Wednesdays, May 2-25 | 6-7:30 pm
Studio 2
Pick up a paintbrush and a pencil, and join us in exploring the basic principles of art and color. Local artist and printmaker Nana Ekow will guide students in developing and refining their basic painting and drawing skills, and teach new techniques and styles. Come gain confidence in your abilities, learn a new skill, and explore different media. All skill levels are welcome!
Eugene Nana Ekow Maison: Museum Instructor, MFA
Ages 17+
$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.
Elementary Pottery
Thursdays, May 3-24 | 4:30-5:30 pm
Studio 1
Students will explore the artistic medium of clay through hand building techniques, wheel work, and glazing. Students will take home at least three completed projects, and will walk away with a better understanding of the building, firing, and glazing processes. No previous experience is necessary, and students are welcome to take this class several times as projects will continue to change.
Shelby Lessen: Museum Educator
Ages 6-10
$35 Members | $40 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.
PreK Pottery
Fridays, May 4-25 | 9:30-10:30 am
Little hands will love squishing and molding, painting and creating with all things ceramic! Parents will be encouraged to find joy in the child's creativity as unique works of art are created each and every week. Caregivers must stay with children.
Heather Placko: Museum Educator
Ages 3-6
$35 Members | $40 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.
Solar Superstorms - SOLD OUT!
Fri, May 4 | 6 pm - Member Preview
Dome Planetarium
Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch
A fury is building on the surface of the Sun – high-velocity jets, a fiery tsunami wave that reaches 100,000 kilometers high, rising loops of electrified gas. What's driving these strange phenomena? How will they affect planet Earth? Find the answers as we venture into the seething interior of our star.
A co-production of Spitz Creative Media, NCSA's Advanced Visualization Lab, and Thomas Lucas Productions, in association with Fiske Planetarium at the University of Colorado (Boulder).
For more info - click here.
NASA Engineering Challenge: Powered and Pumped Up!
Sat, May 5 | 10 am-2 pm
Studio 3
Join in the STEM fun with this NASA Engineering Design Challenge! Children will use the engineering design process to design, build, and improve a stand-alone solar powered pumping system to move water as quickly as possible between two containers. Please provide your student(s) with a peanut-free sack lunch.
Heather Placko: Museum Educator
Ages 10-16
$25 Members | $30 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.
Panel Discussion: History of Labor in Illinois
Sun, May 6 | 2 pm
Giant Screen Theater
Illinois was an important contributor to the Labor Movement. Learn about the key events in Illinois’ history that led to safer working conditions
for all, and the growth of the labor unions. Reception with coffee and light refreshments to follow.
Panelists Include:
Dr. Carl Soderstorm - grandson of labor leader and 40 year president of the AFL-CIO, Reuben Soderstorm
Chris Stevens - reporter for The Labor Paper
Mike Matejka - labor scholar and Legislative Affairs Director for the Great Plains Laborers District Council
Free for members & with general admission.
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Free hands-on family friendly outdoor learning event!
Celebrate Illinois: Learn it! Try it! Street Party
Sun, May 6 | 1-4 pm
Celebrate Illinois hands-on with Central Illinois building and construction trades experts and apprentices! This special family friendly event encourages visitors of all ages to try bricklaying, bending sheet metal - even driving heavy machinery and more!
Among the many activities, visitors will be able to try out a jackhammer, survey equipment, virtual reality goggles, and other tools of the trade, as well as using materials - hammer, bend, and form sheet metal into various shapes, lay bricks and more!
Operating Engineers Local 649 will be hosting a Mobile Training Unit with special heavy equipment experience where visitors can learn to operate actual contraction equipment and talk to current Operating Engineer Apprentices.
Examine projects that have been fabricated by our members over the years and talk with experts.
Trades represented
Sponsored by The Better Built® Network and our Peoria area building and construction trades.
Art Club
Tue, May 8 | 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 the art in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy to accompany the showings of the documentary, "Florence and the Ufizzi Gallery", in the Giant Screen Theater on May 18-20. For tickets or more info about the film - click here.
If you would like to discuss a piece please email: slessen@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
Sandro Botticelli
The Birth of Venus, 1483-1485
tempra on panel
Le Gallerie Degli
Uffizi, Florence
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.
Senior Morning
Wed, May 9 | 10-11 am
Giant Screen Theater & 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 watch the new education film "America's Musical Journey". Enjoy a showing of the film and after the presentation, 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
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.
Our Planetary Experiment by Dr. Daniel P. Schrag
Wed, May 9 | 7:30 pm
Planetarium
The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide due to burning coal, oil and gas represents an unprecedented experiment on the planet Earth. We don’t know exactly how the experiment will unfold, but the history of Earth and its neighboring planets provide hints of what’s to come: Over the next few decades, Earth’s atmosphere will return to a state not seen for millions of years.
The geologic record raises many questions that climate science has yet to answer, and these surprises may expose our greatest vulnerabilities. Taken together, the evidence suggests that the coming century will test the human species like never before, challenging our ingenuity and capacity for innovation as we strive to fend off a global catastrophe.
Daniel Schrag is the Sturgis Hooper Professor of Geology, Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at Harvard University, and director of the Harvard University Center for the Environment.
In the Kavli Fulldome Lectures, Adler visualization experts help leading scientists communicate with the public—both at the museum and around the world—by following a golden rule of storytelling: Show; don’t tell.
Each presentation features dazzling, animated images of real data projected onto the planetarium dome. Instead of raw data in charts and graphs, you might see the orbits of trans-Neptunian objects converge in the distant past or a gravitational wave rippling through spacetime.
For more info - click here.
Free for members | $4 public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Wine & Cheese Under the Stars | Featuring Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
Fri, May 11 | 7-9 pm
Dome Planetarium
Wine & Cheese Under the Stars lets you relax with local wine 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 sparkling juice, and a variety of cheese & crackers with paid admission.
$30 members | $33 public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Ticket & more info 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.
Super Saturday: Scattering Germs
Sat, May 12 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Lobby
Join knowledgeable Museum staff and volunteers exploring science!
Free to members and with general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Florence and the Uffizi Gallery 3D | Co-Sponsored by The Fine Arts Society of Peoria
Fri, May 18 | 6 PM | Members Only Preview
Sat, May 19 | 6 PM
Sun, May 20 | 4 PM
Giant Screen Theater
Florence and the Uffizi Gallery 3D: a journey into the heart of the Renaissance’ is much more than a classic Art documentary: it’s a multi-dimensional, multi-sensory journey into the Italian Renaissance through the most beautiful, representative works of art of the period.
A stimulating “emotional” commentary is given by a major, leading Renaissance figure, our guide Lorenzo the Magnificent, played by Simon Merrells. From a timeless limbo, he takes us through a tour of “his” Florence, the cradle of Renaissance culture, all to the splendid accompaniment of carefully selected music. Also featured are valuable artistic contributions made by experts such as Antonio Natali, the Director of the Uffizi Gallery for almost 10 years; Marco Ciatti, Superintendent of the ‘Opificio delle Pietre Dure’ and Arturo Galansino, Director of Palazzo Strozzi.
Running time: 90 min
For more info - click here.
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Illinois in the Civil War by Bernie Drake
Sat, May 19 | 2 pm
From Camp Lyon and Camp Peoria to the generals buried in Springdale Cemetery, Peoria and Illinois played a significant role in the Civil War. Remember and celebrate the sacrifices of these Peorians and Illinoisans in this bicentennial year.
Free for Members and with General Admission
Cabernet & Clay | Sculpting - SOLD OUT!
Sat, May 19 | 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, Rich Welsh, will lead you in a variety of ceramic techniques, including glazing! 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 | $33 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.
Armed Forces Appreciation Day
Sat, May 19 | 10 am-5 pm
Join the Museum for a day of appreciation with showings of D-Day: Normandy 1944 in the Giant Screen Theater and a lecture at 2 pm on Illinois in the Civil War by local historian, Bernie Drake in the auditorium.
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
From Hubble to Pluto: Astronomy in Illinois
Tue, May 22 | 6:30 pm
Dome Planetarium
The legendary Hubble Space Telescope is named for a Wheaton High School graduate and star basketball player at the University of Chicago – and the discoverer of our expanding universe. Far-out Pluto was discovered by a farm boy born in Streator, Illinois. And the last person to have stepped off the surface of another world was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. Come enjoy this visually stimulating lecture on the history of astronomy in Illinois in the unique environment of the Dome Planetarium. The light refreshments will be coffee, water, and cookies.
Family friendly, all ages welcome!
Free to Members* | $4 Public
*Members must reserve free ticket due to limited seating.
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
New WTVP Documentary!
Free preview screening!
Wed, May 23 | 6 PM
Giant Screen Theater
"The Sinking of the Columbia," a new documentary by WTVP, looks back at the tragedy of the steamer "Columbia" and how it became the worst single disaster on the Illinois River. During the early and moonless morning hours of July 5, 1918, while returning from a July 4th event, the riverboat struck debris in the river, sank and collapsed in on itself, which resulted in the death of nearly 100 people. It was an event that helped bring about a swift end to the popular riverboat excursion business on the river prior to World War One. Brian “Fox” Elis hosts this latest WTVP documentary,
Wine & Art | Painting Monet with Nana Ekow Maison
Sat, May 26 | 7-9 pm
Studio 2
Spend the evening relaxing and creating at one of our Wine & Art Night events! Local artist, Nana Ekow Maison, will guide you in creating you own unique recreation of Water Lilies, Evening Effect by Claude Monet to take home with you! All materials, wine and light snacks are provided. Seating is limited, so register early!
$30 members | $33 public
Water Lilies, Evening Effect
by Claude Monet
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Tickets & more info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Must be age 21+. To schedule a private workshop, and or Wine & Art Night, call Taylor Stef at 309.863.3034. 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.
Art-spiration: Cherry Blossoms
Sat, May 26 | 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 general admission.
More info available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Relax Under the Stars | FREE Noon Event!
Wed, Jun 6 | 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: skipping July, August 1
More info also available at the Museum or by phone: 309.686.7000.
Art Club
Tue, Jun 12 | 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 TBD!
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.
Robo Rumble | FREE DAY!
Sat, Jun 16 | Noon-5 pm
Lobby, Sun Plaza, Auditorium
Experience the exciting world of robotics as area teams demonstrate their robots in this family-friendly annual event. Come out and try your hands on one of these robots, other hands on activities, and connect with these amazing high school students to learn how your kids can get involved with these programs!
All activities, galleries, and planetarium shows will be free and open to the public. Giant Screen Theater is not included.
Participating Groups
FIRST Team 1736 - Robot Casserole
FIRST Team 1756 - Argos
FIRST Team 2040 - DERT
FIRST Team 2081 - Icarus
FIRST Team 4143 - Mars/Wars
FIRST Team 4212 - Techno Ferrets
FIRST Team 5442 - Mechanical Monarchy
& other FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge Teams
FIRST Programs
FIRST Robotics Competition for ages 14-18
FIRST Tech Challenge for ages 14-18
FIRST Lego League for ages 9-14
For more info call 309.686.7000.
Pub Night Under the Stars
Sat, Jun 16 | 7-9 pm
Planetarium
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.
Ages 21+
$30 Members l $36 Public
Buy tickets online now - click here.
Ticket & more info 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.
