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Peoria Riverfront Museum Explore the Peoria Riverfront Museum, the only multidisciplinary museum of its kind in the nation! For more information visit RiverfrontMuseum.org.
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The only multidisciplinary museum of its kind in the nation, Peoria Riverfront Museum uses art, science, history and achievement to inspire confidence, lifelong learning, and talent. Since opening in 2012, the privately funded museum has provided more than 1.2 million experiences through major exhibitions, a permanent collection, interactive galleries, a dome planetarium, giant screen theater, educational programming including curricula-related experiences for all students, and thousands more every week on virtual digital resources. The AAM-accredited, Smithsonian-affiliated nonprofit museum is supported by more than 4,500 members and donors. The private museum is housed in a county-owned LEED Gold-certified building on a campus overlooking the Illinois River.

Connect beyond the screen. The Big Picture Peoria Film Festival is back at the Giant Screen Theater this November!Join ...
10/23/2026

Connect beyond the screen. The Big Picture Peoria Film Festival is back at the Giant Screen Theater this November!

Join us for:
"Big Picture Peoria Film Festival"
Friday, November 20, 2026 - Saturday, November 21, 2026
Get weekend passes today at: PeoriaRiverfrontMuseum.org

Since 2018, the Big Picture Peoria Film Festival has been shining a light on Midwest filmmakers and their stories. The Film Festival brings filmmakers and film lovers together to share their work, make connections, and celebrate independent film with the Peoria community.

Each year, around 30 short films come to life on the giant screen at the Peoria Riverfront Museum across four screenings, including a family-friendly program. Local musicians kick off each screening with live performances and giant-screen visuals, adding another layer of creativity to the experience.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is coming to Peoria!Join us for the 2026 "Whistlestop Tour"Coming to the Peoria Riverfro...
10/23/2026

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is coming to Peoria!

Join us for the 2026 "Whistlestop Tour"
Coming to the Peoria Riverfront Museum on November 13, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more on our website today: PeoriaRiverfrontMuseum.org

Every year, appearing on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building, a tree is selected by a different national forest for the holiday season to represent the nation’s national forests and the communities within them, notably, why it is nicknamed “The People’s Tree."

Welcome back guest curator of film J.B. Kaufman for a new series in the Giant Screen Theater:"Beyond Words: The Art of t...
10/22/2026

Welcome back guest curator of film J.B. Kaufman for a new series in the Giant Screen Theater:
"Beyond Words: The Art of the American Silent Film"
Screening November 6 and 7, 2026
See the full schedule and get tickets on our website today: RiverfrontMuseum.org

Don't miss live accompaniment from Neil Krzeski, studio artist in Piano at Cornell College on November 6, 2026 for the film "Sunrise."

Step into the world of early American cinema with "Beyond Words: The Art of the American Silent Film," a series celebrating the artistry, innovation and expressive power of silent filmmaking. Featuring films from 1927, this series explores a unique era of cinematic storytelling, where visuals, movement and score bring stories to life beyond spoken dialogue.

This series sponsored by Drs. Jane and Darrel Gumm, Kathy and Harry Puterbaugh, Nancy Snowden, Visionary Society, Film Society, Illinois Arts Council.

What if you could own a piece of American history?From Revolutionary War documents to letters written by presidents, the...
10/22/2026

What if you could own a piece of American history?

From Revolutionary War documents to letters written by presidents, the artifacts of our nation's past offer a remarkable connection to the people and events that shaped America. In this museum conversation, learn how these historical treasures are discovered, what makes them valuable and how you can begin collecting and preserving pieces of our history.

"Museum Conversations: Collecting our Nation's History"
Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Get tickets on our website today: RiverfrontMuseum.org

This program is worth 100 Achievement Passport Points

Join us for a special Museum Conversations event featuring museum board member and collector Gretchen Petrakis in conversation with Seth Kaller, nationally recognized rare documents expert, special advisor to the museum, and curator of "The Promise of Liberty."

"The Promise of Liberty" is sponsored by Gilmore Foundation. Ashley and Josh Bellamy, McKinnon Family Foundation

In commemoration of one of the most enduring speeches in American history, the Peoria Riverfront Museum welcomes back ac...
10/21/2026

In commemoration of one of the most enduring speeches in American history, the Peoria Riverfront Museum welcomes back acclaimed Abraham Lincoln interpreter Fritz Klein for a special presentation of the Gettysburg Address and the Peoria speech.

Join us for:
"Museum Conversations: An Evening with President Lincoln"
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Get tickets on our website today: RiverfrontMuseum.org

This program is worth 100 points in your Achievement Passport

Experience this defining moment in American history as it may have been heard more than 160 years ago and discover why Lincoln’s 272 words continue to resonate across generations, alongside discussion about a speech made by Lincoln right here in Peoria, Illinois that would go on to define his career forever. In his Peoria speech, Lincoln first takes a hard stance against slavery, beginning a journey that would change our nation forever.

In today's "Senior Morning" program at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, welcome writer and historian Kirk Wessler of the Gr...
10/21/2026

In today's "Senior Morning" program at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, welcome writer and historian Kirk Wessler of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame for a discussion about legendary athletes from central Illinois

Join us today for:
"Senior Morning: Peoria Plays America"
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 10 a.m. in the Gilmore Auditorium
See the full schedule of Senior Morning programs on our website today: RiverfrontMuseum.org

On the third Wednesday of each month seniors 60+ can enjoy all exhibitions and daytime planetarium shows free of charge.

Sponsored by AARP, Peoria Falcon Circle, Visionary Society

Today, as we celebrate the museum's 14th anniversary, the Peoria Riverfront Museum announced one of the most significant...
10/20/2026

Today, as we celebrate the museum's 14th anniversary, the Peoria Riverfront Museum announced one of the most significant acquisitions in the museum's history: an original, one-of-a-kind ambrotype of Abraham Lincoln, taken right here in Peoria, Illinois.

The ambrotype, which would then go on to be used in Lincoln's early political career and campaigns, was found by close friend of the museum and curator for "The Promise of Liberty," Seth Kaller, in a rare book fair in New York City.

See the ambrotype on display now in "The Promise of Liberty."
Plan your visit on our website today: RiverfrontMuseum.org

Known as the “Peoria Portrait,” it is one of the most famous early photographic images of Lincoln without a beard, and was used in his 1858 U.S. Senate campaign. It is generally agreed that Roderick M. Cole created the image in 1858 at his Peoria studio at the corner of Main and Washington Streets, using the ambrotype process.

"The Promise of Liberty" is sponsored by the Gilmore Foundation, Ashley and Josh Bellamy, McKinnon Family Foundation, America 250 Donors, Visionary Society, Friends of History.

This morning, join the Peoria Riverfront Museum live for a press conference celebrating the museum's 14th anniversary, a...
10/20/2026

This morning, join the Peoria Riverfront Museum live for a press conference celebrating the museum's 14th anniversary, and a very special anniversary acquisition.

Hear from President and CEO John Morris, Chief Curator Bill Conger and more as we go live this morning, Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Join us online: https://www.youtube.com/live/T1XtnSZv_-o?si=YqLJPT7VHWdZAJnA

The Peoria Riverfront Museum will be announcing the acquisition of the most important historic image ever taken in Peoria.
See this special new addition on display in current exhibition "The Promise of Liberty."

Plan your visit on our website today, link in bio.

Part of our latest cycle of "Art of Film," "Happy Hour: The Cinema of Joy" curated by Carlos Valladares, see one of the ...
10/19/2026

Part of our latest cycle of "Art of Film," "Happy Hour: The Cinema of Joy" curated by Carlos Valladares, see one of the best movies in American history, winning seven academy awards, and one honorary oscar.

Join us for William Wyler's 1946:
"The Best Years of Our Lives"
Friday, October 23, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.
Get tickets on our website today: RiverfrontMuseum.org

"Happy Hour: The Cinema of Joy" spotlights films which leave one in a state of exuberance, bliss, joy: musicals, romantic comedies, and even a concert film.
Guaranteed to leave a smile on your face, don't miss this special film series, only at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

See the full film schedule on our website today: RiverfrontMuseum.org

Sponsored by Drs. Jane and Darrel Gumm, Kathy and Harry Puterbaugh, Nancy Snowden, America 250 donors and Film Society

Playing this week on the Giant Screen!The Peoria Riverfront Museum's Giant Screen Theater is a film experience like no o...
10/19/2026

Playing this week on the Giant Screen!

The Peoria Riverfront Museum's Giant Screen Theater is a film experience like no other, from our state of the art Dolby surround sound to the largest Film Society screen in the nation.

Get tickets on our website today: https://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/upcoming-films

Join us for a film-filled week with:
"All the President's Men"
Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

"The Best Years of our Lives (1946)"
Friday, October 23, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas"
Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

"Twilight (2008)"
Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

See all upcoming films on our website today:https://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/upcoming-films

Address

222 SW Washington Street
Peoria, IL
61602

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

(309) 686-7000

Website

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