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GR Legacies & Legends in Bronze

The Grand Rapids Community Legends Project was established by local philanthropist and businessman, Peter Secchia and his family, in 2008 with the intent of keeping local history alive.  They made a pledge to provide downtown Grand Rapids with a selection of no less than 25 bronze tributes of Grand Rapids’ most notable contributors.  11 years later, there are eleven 7-foot tall bronze sculptures placed throughout the urban core that have been gifted by the Project.  In the words of Peter Secchia, “How will you know who you can be, if you do not know who you have been?”  Discover who, what, and where on this blended tour of statue art and local history.

Rad American Women A – Z

It began as great accomplishments of females across the country.  Then, their stories are captured in a book for children.  Finally, the pages of the book come alive in Grand Rapids, painted on outdoor utility boxes.  Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. spearheaded this project…finding funding, gaining city approvals, selecting artists and physically prepping the boxes.  Author, Kate Schatz, includes many bold, visionary women whose names will be recognized by many, but also introduces you to women you might not have heard of.  Join the hunt for the 27 pieces of urban artwork on almost every intersection of downtown Grand Rapids.

Miles and Miles of Murals

Who says art museums must be inside, enclosed with 4 walls, a ceiling and floor?  Swirling all about us in Grand Rapids, in each of our city neighborhoods, vibrant, and intriguing artwork is appearing outside on sides of buildings, underneath highway overpasses, on retaining walls, street surfaces and utility boxes. These are murals, street art, wall art, painted by artists that celebrate beauty, or calls to action, and tributes to heroes.  The murals transform otherwise unnoticeable, or worse, blighted spaces into must-see, energizing attractions.  Viewing these murals is a study in local history, community activism and sheer expressions of creativity… art all the time! 

Rad American Women A – Z

It began as great accomplishments of females across the country.  Then, their stories are captured in a book for children.  Finally, the pages of the book come alive in Grand Rapids, painted on outdoor utility boxes.  Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. spearheaded this project…finding funding, gaining city approvals, selecting artists and physically prepping the boxes.  Author, Kate Schatz, includes many bold, visionary women whose names will be recognized by many, but also introduces you to women you might not have heard of.  Join the hunt for the 27 pieces of urban artwork on almost every intersection of downtown Grand Rapids.

Miles and Miles of Murals

Who says art museums must be inside, enclosed with 4 walls, a ceiling and floor?  Swirling all about us in Grand Rapids, in each of our city neighborhoods, vibrant, and intriguing artwork is appearing outside on sides of buildings, underneath highway overpasses, on retaining walls, street surfaces and utility boxes. These are murals, street art, wall art, painted by artists that celebrate beauty, or calls to action, and tributes to heroes.  The murals transform otherwise unnoticeable, or worse, blighted spaces into must-see, energizing attractions.  Viewing these murals is a study in local history, community activism and sheer expressions of creativity… art all the time!

Steeple Chase 

Learn why Grand Rapids has been called “The City of Churches” on this fascinating tour of religious landmarks.  We’ll pass by churches that date back to 1848 and see multiple architectural styles, soaring spires, expertly crafted stone & brickwork, Tiffany windows and more.  Along the way, you’ll discover the historical importance and contemporary relevance of faith in Grand Rapids.

Steeple Chase

Learn why Grand Rapids has been called “The City of Churches” on this fascinating tour of religious landmarks.  We’ll pass by churches that date back to 1848 and see multiple architectural styles, soaring spires, expertly crafted stone & brickwork, Tiffany windows and more.  Along the way, you’ll discover the historical importance and contemporary relevance of faith in Grand Rapids.

We invent cities.  We create streets and we construct buildings. Whether the structures are historic, brand new, a combination of both, or a glimpse into our future, they provide a creative portrayal of our collective story of our “place”, our built environment.  No one architectural style is more important than another…they are all invaluable pages in our city’s scrapbook.  Each building tells a story as we physically move through time.  Part One includes buildings prior to Urban Renewal.

In the month of November, when we are counting our blessings…

Time, Talent, Treasures Walking Tour 

This is the history of philanthropy in Grand Rapids.  We are a success story of ordinary citizens and courageous leaders who never stop believing in our community and our future.  From our earliest settlers in the nineteenth century until present time, our city has been blessed with a spirit of generosity in vision and action.  Criss-cross downtown to visit those places and spaces which were gifted to us to enjoy.  For better.  For good.  For all. 

Twinklin’ Holiday Lights Walking Tour

Are you feeling festive, fun, and frisky?  Come dressed in your finest holiday sweater or tutu or tights as we celebrate the holiday season together.  Experience downtown Grand Rapids bejeweled and illuminated with both contemporary and nostalgic lighting displays.  The group will trot by uniquely special places, some of which will evoke warm feelings from Christmas’s past.  And as a gesture of community kindness, we will give vouchers for meals at Dégagé Ministries for those we pass who may be in need.