Free & Open to the Public!
Peoria Inventions that Changed the World: A Journal Star Panel Discussion
Wed, Oct 30, 6 pm
Giant Screen Theater
Moderated by Dennis Anderson, Executive Editor, Peoria Journal Star
PANELISTS
Chris Kaergard, Associate Editor | Caterpillar R&D
Phil Luciano, News Columnist | Penicillin mass production
Steve Tarter, News Reporter, ret. | Distilleries
Mike Rucker, Duryea Historian | Duryea car
Free & open to the public! Secure your seat by registering ahead - click here!
Join us for a special evening with our greatest keepers of history and storytellers, our journalists, as they discuss the remarkable, life-changing inventions from Peoria that changed the world.
Peoria, founded in 1680, is Illinois' oldest settlement. It's also home to some of the world's greatest minds and inventions: the first gasoline-powered automobile, invented by the Charles and Frank Duryea; the first diesel-powered engine, invented at Caterpillar; the mass-production of penicillin, invented at the Ag Lab (USDA National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR)); the myriad inventions spawned by Peoria distilleries; the game-changing medical education work by Jump Simulation & Education Center, the White Cane for the Blind, invented by Lions Clubs International member George A. Bonham, and many others.
Moderated by Journal Star Executive Editor Dennis Anderson, our panel of Journal Star journalists, including Chris Kaergard, Phil Luciano, and Steve Tarter, along with historian Mike Rucker, will focus on four of Peoria's most important innovators and inventions.
Free & open to the public! Secure your seat by registering ahead - click here!
You may also register in person at the front desk or call 309.686.7000.
Sponsored by the Journal Star & the Visionary Society
Monday, April 27, 226 at 6:30 p.m.
Looking to the future of our nation beyond America’s milestone 250th anniversary, the Peoria Riverfront Museum is proud to produce an exciting new speaker series: America Forward, continuing with renowned architect Jeanne Gang.
In America Forward, nationally renowned leaders and visionaries—each at the peak of their field—will join us for inspiring conversations about the future of our country.
Jeanne Gang will be joining us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum to share her insight into the future of American architecture.
Get tickets on our website HERE
Born in Illinois, Gang is an internationally known architect, and founding partner of Studio Gang. Her numerous projects include the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock; the St. Regis Chicago, which stands as Chicago's third-tallest building and the 82-story Aqua Tower, also in Chicago. The St. Regis is also the tallest building in the world designed by a woman.
She also designed the celebrated Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Sponsored by Linda Beth and Ed Sutkowski, America 250 donors, Visionary Society
Sunday, May 2, 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 Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. as we celebrate Access for All day at the Peoria Riverfront Museum with the Peoria Public School Distinct, as we host Multicultural Day at the 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:
Activities 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Tours - Tours start outside of the designated gallery.
Dome Planetarium
Each Dome Planetarium show is worth 10 Points.
Learn 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
In partnership with PJ Dance Academy
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
In partnership with PJ Dance Academy, and in conjunction with current exhibition Exquisite Creatures , the Peoria Riverfront Museum presents a cultural and artistic event that brings the vibrate and intricate natural forms on display in the exhibition to life through Indian cultural artistry.
Experience classical Indian dance throughout the galleries, an artist showcase and a live Rangoli experience, as well as family-friendly crafts in this special program.
This event is FREE with general admission to the museum!
Reserve your ticket HERE
Schedule:
2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Crafts and Activities | Sun Plaza | 10 Points each
Enjoy crafts and activities inspired by Exquisite Creatures.
2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Live Art Demos | Lobby
Explore other forms of art with local artists
2:30 p.m. | Exquisite Creatures: Art in Motion | Gallery | 25 Points
In-gallery traditional Indian dance performance, ten minutes long.
3:30 p.m. | Exquisite Creatures: Art in Motion | Gallery | 25 Points
In-gallery traditional Indian dance performance, ten minutes long.
4 p.m. | PJ Dance Academy Performance | Lobby | 50 Points
Enjoy an exquisite dance performance by PJ Dance Academy.
Inspired by the natural world celebrated in Exquisite Creatures, Indian dance performance transforms the stage into a living tapestry of color, symmetry, and motion. Drawing on classical and contemporary movement traditions, the choreography echoes the patterns and delicate structures found in the work of Christopher Marley. The result is a mesmerizing fusion of art and nature, where rhythm and gesture mirror the breathtaking beauty of the natural world.
Exquisite Creatures is sponsored by Art Bridges, America 250 donors, Mike Rucker Endowment Fund for Science, Visionary Society and Illinois Arts Council.
PLANET PASSPORT SERIES
Join our planet passport series! Each month, come to the planetarium for a show focused on one planet or place in space. Shows will be included in museum admission, and free for museum members. Non-Members can purchase admission to the museum or a planetarium show ticket to attend. These shows are great for all ages.
New for 2026: Participants should sign up for a Peoria Riverfront Museum Achievement Passport.
For each planet show you attend, you will earn a stamp in your passport and 25 points. Every three stamps you earn, you will gain a little extra prize! At the end of the year, we will host a telescope observing night to celebrate all we have learned. Everyone who participated in the planet passport program will be invited.
Shows will be on the second Thursday (5:30 PM) and second Saturday (10:30 AM) of each month. Each show will be about 45 minutes in length.
Sign up here to get email reminders about this cycle of Planet Passport.
March 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Mercury
April 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Venus
May 9 (10:30 AM) and 14 (5:30 PM) – Earth and Moon
June 11 (5:30 PM) and 13 (10:30 AM) – Mars
July 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Ceres and the Asteroid Belt
August 8 (10:30 AM) and 13 (5:30 PM) – Jupiter
September 10 (5:30 PM) and 12 (10:30 AM) – Saturn
October 8 (5:30 PM) and 10 (10:30 AM) – Uranus
November 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Neptune
December 10 (5:30 PM) 12 (10:30 AM) – Pluto and Kuiper Belt
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.
In this special program celebrating opening weekend of TOYTOPIA , join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for a conversation with Chris Byrne. Author, independent toy analyst, researcher and consultant, Chris has over 35 years of industry experience, and will be presenting on toys that changed the world.
Enjoy this Museum Conversation followed by a Q&A led by the curator of science and director of the dome planetarium Renae Kerrigan.
Museum admission is included in the ticket price.
Tickets:
Adult: $20 | Member Adult: $15
Senior: $18 | Member Senior: $15
Child: $18 | Member Child: $10
Get tickets HERE
Did you know that the Slinky was created by a naval engineer? Or that Play-Doh was originally made as a wallpaper cleaner? Play had always been found in the strangest of places. In this Museum Conversation, toy expert and historian Chris Byrne will explore toys throughout history and their impact they have with children and adults alike. Imagination allows us to see possibility, and from there, we take the actions to make those things real, whether it’s building a fort out of tables and blankets or solving a complicated engineering problem. Play is also how we locate ourselves within our culture, and essentially become who we are.
TOYTOPIA supported by PNC, Ruby K. Warner Charitable Trust, OSF Healthcare Children's Hospital of Illinois, America 250 donors, Visionary Society, Family Fun Club
Wine and Cheese Under the Stars
Artemis
Friday, May 22 | 7-9 PM
Dome Planetarium
Enjoy an evening out in the planetarium. Planetarium Director Renae Kerrigan will be sharing highlights from the historic Artemis II flight around the Moon, and answering your questions. Learn future plans for the Artemis program and the latest news from space. 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.
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
Tickets can be purchased here.
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
May 23
6:00 – Laser K Pop Demon Hunters (all music from the hit movie!)
7:15 – Laser K Pop Demon Hunters (all music from the hit movie!)
8:30 – Laser Taylor Swift
June 12
6:00 – That 80’s Laser Show
7:15 – That 90’s Laser Show
8:30 – Laser Prince
$5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public
Buy tickets online now - Click on the date to purchase tickets.
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.)
Thursday, June 4, 2026 - Sunday, June 7, 2026
Disney classics are back in the Giant Screen Theater!
American Animation: Art on Screen brings to life decades of Disney, with special activities that are fun for the whole family! Experience classic Disney films, shorts, and documentaries on the Peoria Riverfront Museum's Giant Screen Theater, the largest Film Society screen in America.
Renowned Disney author and historian J.B. Kaufman will join us for fascinating pre-film talks and post-film Q&As as well as book signings after select films. Mr. Kaufman is a film historian and author who specializes in Disney animation history and silent films. His books include The Fairest One of All, Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic, and Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse.
New this year!
Introducing Marcy Carriker Smothers and the Walt Disney Hometown Museum of Marceline, MO.
Marcy Carriker Smothers is a foodie, a lover of all things Disney, and an author of several books on the happiest place on earth, including Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food and Walt's Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney.
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum was established in 2001 to help celebrate the 100th Birthday of Marceline’s favorite son, Walter Elias Disney. The original museum was built on the personal collection of Ruth Disney Beecher, Walt’s sister. Ruth maintained a close relationship with her brothers Walt and Roy, and knew the admiration they all shared toward their hometown.
Programming Schedule:
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Friday, June 5, 2026
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Get a special all-day pass, Saturday only!
This pass earns you access to all American Animation: Art on Screen events on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Tickets to individual programs can be purchased below.
Sunday, June 7, 2026
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
American Animation: Art on Screen is sponsored by Visionary Society, Friends of Art, and Illinois Arts Council
PLANET PASSPORT SERIES
Join our planet passport series! Each month, come to the planetarium for a show focused on one planet or place in space. Shows will be included in museum admission, and free for museum members. Non-Members can purchase admission to the museum or a planetarium show ticket to attend. These shows are great for all ages.
New for 2026: Participants should sign up for a Peoria Riverfront Museum Achievement Passport.
For each planet show you attend, you will earn a stamp in your passport and 25 points. Every three stamps you earn, you will gain a little extra prize! At the end of the year, we will host a telescope observing night to celebrate all we have learned. Everyone who participated in the planet passport program will be invited.
Shows will be on the second Thursday (5:30 PM) and second Saturday (10:30 AM) of each month. Each show will be about 45 minutes in length.
Sign up here to get email reminders about this cycle of Planet Passport.
March 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Mercury
April 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Venus
May 9 (10:30 AM) and 14 (5:30 PM) – Earth and Moon
June 11 (5:30 PM) and 13 (10:30 AM) – Mars
July 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Ceres and the Asteroid Belt
August 8 (10:30 AM) and 13 (5:30 PM) – Jupiter
September 10 (5:30 PM) and 12 (10:30 AM) – Saturn
October 8 (5:30 PM) and 10 (10:30 AM) – Uranus
November 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Neptune
December 10 (5:30 PM) 12 (10:30 AM) – Pluto and Kuiper Belt
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
June 12
6:00 – That 80’s Laser Show
7:15 – That 90’s Laser Show
8:30 – Laser Prince
$5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public
Buy tickets online now
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.)
