Peoria Riverfront Museum

Peoria Riverfront Museum
Name	Peoria Riverfront Museum
Established	2012
Location	Peoria, Illinois, United States
Type	Multidisciplinary museum
Director	John D. Morris
Architect	Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Website	https://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/

Peoria Riverfront Museum. It is a multidisciplinary cultural institution located in Downtown Peoria along the Illinois River. The museum complex, which opened in October 2012, consolidates arts, science, history, and achievement under one roof through a partnership between several longstanding local organizations. It serves as a major educational and tourist destination for Central Illinois, featuring a state-of-the-art planetarium, a giant screen theater, and diverse gallery spaces.

History

The museum's origins trace to the early 2000s with the formation of a collaborative vision among several established Peoria institutions, including the Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Peoria Historical Society. A pivotal fundraising campaign, supported by significant donations from local philanthropists like Raymond H. and Beverly S. Weitzenhoffer and Caterpillar Inc., enabled the project. The museum was constructed on a former surface parking lot as part of a broader revitalization of the Peoria Riverfront, opening to the public on October 20, 2012, replacing the older Lakeview Museum. Its development was championed by community leaders and former Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis.

Architecture and facilities

The building was designed by the renowned architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, known for projects like the Apple Fifth Avenue cube in New York City. The structure features a distinctive modern design with extensive use of glass and steel, intended to reflect the industrial heritage of the Midwestern United States while offering panoramic views of the Illinois River. Key facilities include the Susan G. and W. G. Swager Giant Screen Theater, the William M. and Katherine G. Stroud Planetarium, and the Beverly and Raymond H. Weitzenhoffer Jr. Gallery. The complex also houses the Peoria Historical Society collections and the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Hall of Fame.

Exhibitions and collections

The museum presents a rotating schedule of major traveling exhibitions alongside displays from its permanent collections. It has hosted significant shows from institutions like the Smithsonian Institution, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Norman Rockwell Museum. Permanent holdings include the Michele and Donald D'Amour Collection of American illustration, regional artifacts managed by the Peoria Historical Society, and the IHSA sports history archives. The art collection features works by notable artists such as Andy Warhol, Thomas Hart Benton, and Robert Rauschenberg.

Educational programs and outreach

Educational initiatives are central to the museum's mission, serving over 50,000 students annually from across Illinois. Programs are developed in alignment with Illinois Learning Standards and include planetarium shows, science workshops, and art classes. The museum partners with District 150 (Peoria Public Schools) and regional districts for field trips and outreach. Special initiatives include the Museum School program, summer camps, and adult learning lectures often featuring experts from institutions like Bradley University and the University of Illinois.

Governance and funding

The museum operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of trustees drawn from the Peoria business and civic community. Primary funding sources include membership dues, ticket revenue, private donations, and grants from foundations like the Turner Foundation and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. The museum also receives operational support from the Peoria Park District and maintains a crucial partnership with Caterpillar Inc., which has been a major benefactor since the institution's founding.

Impact and recognition

Since its opening, the museum has significantly contributed to the cultural and economic vitality of Downtown Peoria, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and hosting events like the Peoria International Film Festival. It has received awards for architectural design and community impact from organizations such as the American Institute of Architects. The institution is credited with enhancing Peoria's profile as a regional destination, supporting tourism alongside other attractions like the Peoria Civic Center and the Peoria Zoo.

Category:Museums in Illinois Category:Peoria, Illinois Category:Buildings and structures in Peoria County, Illinois Category:2012 establishments in Illinois