It is the only museum in the nation affiliated with the Smithsonian that spans art, science, history, and achievement.
The dome planetarium utilizes a high-resolution projection system capable of displaying real-time celestial data.
The museum complex integrates the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum as a partner institution on the same campus.
The giant screen theater is one of the few in the region equipped with both 4K digital projection and traditional film capabilities.
The sculpture garden features 'Presence,' a 15-foot tall, 2,000-pound bronze sculpture by artist Richard Hunt.
The museum's permanent collection includes over 15,000 objects ranging from fine art to local historical artifacts.
The architecture of the building was designed to mimic the geology and industrial heritage of the Illinois River valley.
The museum's 'Peoria History' gallery features a collection of items related to the city's legacy as a major whiskey distillation center.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is the only multidisciplinary museum of its kind in the United States to offer art, science, history, and culture under one roof. The facility features a dome planetarium and a giant screen theater for high-definition educational documentaries. The museum houses a significant permanent collection of fine art alongside rotating exhibitions that change several times a year. Its galleries encompass diverse subjects including Illinois history, natural history, and contemporary art. The building itself serves as a key anchor of the Peoria riverfront development project. It functions as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, facilitating the loan of artifacts from national collections. Visitors can engage with interactive science displays in the dedicated discovery areas. The museum grounds include an outdoor sculpture garden.
The main lobby staircase, which offers a panoramic view of the Illinois River through the glass facade.
Check the museum's rotating exhibition schedule online before arrival to ensure you have time to see specific temporary displays.
Plan your visit to include a show at the planetarium, as seating capacity is limited and fills up quickly on weekends.
Allow extra time to walk through the adjacent Sculpture Garden, especially during clear weather.
Trying to see every permanent gallery and a film in a single hour; the museum is too expansive for a rushed visit.
Closed on Mondays.
No flash photography in galleries with loaned Smithsonian exhibits; maintain quiet voices near artifact displays.
