Visit the New Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids, Michigan has a new art museum. The Grand Rapids Art Museum called Gram is the state of the art in museums today. This is the first LEED (leadership in energy and environment) art museum in the world.

I must admit that the view when I first came upon the art museum was breath taking. The new modern design was so rare compared to most of the structures in downtown Grand Rapids. Its structure is concrete and glass, but there was nothing cold about it. It felt so light and airy, totally different from the old Grand Rapids Art Museum. The old museum was so crowded and dark; you would miss half of what there was to view. The gallery space is now 18000 square feet and big difference from the 6000 square feet at the old museum.

The new GRAM was absolutely gorgeous on the inside. The natural lighting and openness really set the mood for an enjoyable experience. I have visited both the old Grand Rapid Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago and I must say they pale in comparison to the new Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Along the right side of the lobby going in there is a reflecting pool, whose water flows over a 12 foot high waterfall. The reflecting pool is both visible inside and from the outside. This definitely sets the mood before entering to enjoy the vast works of art on display. The old lobby was 700 square feet and the new lobby is 4500 square feet.

The newest addition to the museum is the café. The cuisine is strictly a taste of Michigan. Whatever is in season at the time will be what is served. In the winter months it will feature more corn dishes and beans. Eventually the café will serve Michigan wines and regional micro-brew beer.

What is really a big change is the availability for parking. No more walking a long distance in fowl weather to get to the museum. Here in Michigan that is a big plus, especially in our winter months.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is going to be a big draw for our family for a very long time. The price for admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children 6-17 and children 5 and under get in free, an inexpensive and enjoyable afternoon for the whole family.