100+ Years of Building Community Through Art

More Than a Museum
As a beacon of the arts in an art-loving city, GRAM is more than a world-class museum. We believe art is essential for everyone. It connects and inspires. It gives us a greater understanding of different perspectives and experiences. It helps us reflect on current issues. And it expresses universal themes that help us see each other as one human community. Our exhibitions, events, and educational programming span topics, mediums, and genres to connect with and invite a wide variety of audiences. We are an arts venue, resource, and educational institution for the entire Grand Rapids community, the State of Michigan, and beyond. Welcome to your art museum.
Our Mission
Connecting people through art, creativity, and design.
Our Vision
Leading and inspiring West Michigan to be the most creative and imaginative community in the world.

Samuel Nalangira performing during GRAM on the Green
Our History
On June 1, 1910 a constitution was adopted establishing the Art Association of Grand Rapids, which eventually became the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Mrs. Cyrus E. Perkins, founding president and cultural leader, stated:
“I want to emphasize the fact that this is a city-wide movement. Membership is open to all citizens and everyone is urged to interest their friends and acquaintances who want to further the establishment of a strong Art Association, which shall eventually lead to a valuable art collection for our city.”
Cyrus E. Perkins
Founding President and Cultural Leader
Over 100 years later, GRAM continues to build on the ideas and aims articulated at our origin, while expanding the reach of our mission and vision.

The exterior of Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Building
Leed Gold Certified
GRAM is the world’s first LEED® Gold certified art museum. The 125,000 square foot (11,600 m) building, which features 20,000 square feet (1,900 m) of gallery and exhibition space, was certified LEED ® Gold in 2008.
London-based Munkenbeck+Marshall Architects was appointed architect for the new building in 2002 and developed the design from initial concept to construction document phase. In summer 2004, the museum board hired architect Kulapat Yantrasast of wHY Architecture to complete the project.

New Creative Learning Center Opens at Grand Rapids Art Museum

Grand Rapids Art Museum Presents Message from Our Planet: Digital Art from the Thoma Collection

Grand Rapids Art Museum Welcomes Cindy Meyers Foley as New Director and CEO

Art in Bloom Returns to the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Institutional Documents
GRAM is committed to transparency and welcomes you to view our recent financial and institutional documents. Below, you will find downloadable PDFs.
- 2020 – 2021 GRAM Cultural Data Profile
- 2019 – 2020 GRAM Cultural Data Profile
- 2018 – 2019 GRAM Cultural Data Profile
- 2017 – 2018 GRAM Cultural Data Profile
- 2016 – 2017 GRAM Cultural Data Profile
- 2015 – 2016 GRAM Cultural Data Profile
- 2014 – 2015 GRAM Cultural Data Profile
- 2013 – 2014 GRAM Cultural Data Profile
- 2012 – 2013 GRAM Cultural Data Profile
- 2011 – 2012 GRAM Cultural Data Profile
- 2020 – 2021 GRAM Audited Financial Statement
- 2019 – 2020 GRAM Audited Financial Statement
- 2018 – 2019 GRAM Audited Financial Statement
- 2017 – 2018 GRAM Audited Financial Statement
- 2016 – 2017 GRAM Audited Financial Statement
- 2015 – 2016 GRAM Audited Financial Statement
- 2014 – 2015 GRAM Audited Financial Statement
- 2013 – 2014 GRAM Audited Financial Statement
- 2012 – 2013 GRAM Audited Financial Statement