The museum grounds contain the burial site of both President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford.
The replica of the Oval Office is designed to be historically accurate to the specific furniture and layout used by Ford between 1974 and 1977.
The facility houses a permanent exhibit dedicated to the history of the Secret Service.
The museum building was designed by architect Marvin DeWinter and opened to the public in 1981.
It is one of only 15 presidential libraries in the United States administered by the National Archives.
The museum contains a large-scale model of the USS Monterey, the light aircraft carrier upon which Ford served during World War II.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is located along the banks of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. It serves as the final resting place for President Gerald R. Ford and his wife, Betty Ford, whose tomb is situated on the museum grounds. The facility features a full-scale replica of the Oval Office as it appeared during Ford's presidency. Permanent exhibits document Ford's childhood in Grand Rapids, his naval service in World War II, and his ascent to the presidency following the resignation of Richard Nixon. The museum includes an interactive experience simulating a White House press briefing room. It holds a significant collection of documents and artifacts related to the 1970s, including items pertaining to the Bicentennial celebration. The museum was significantly renovated in 2016 to modernize its galleries and interactive technology. It is managed by the National Archives and Records Administration. The building serves as both an educational institution and a cultural hub for the city.
The replica of the Oval Office allows visitors to stand behind the Resolute Desk for a quintessential presidential photograph.
Walk the outdoor riverside path surrounding the museum for views of the Grand River and the city skyline.
Visit the burial site located on the north side of the museum grounds to pay respects.
Check the museum website for temporary rotating exhibitions, which frequently highlight specific aspects of 20th-century American history.
Do not mistake the museum for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, which is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, rather than Grand Rapids.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Maintain a respectful tone near the burial site; photography is permitted in most galleries, though flash photography may be prohibited near fragile documents.
