Saturday, April 1, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is thrilled to welcome Grammy Award-winning baritone Nathan Gunn back to the museum for a magical performance celebrating The Art of Opera.
Nathan will be accompanied by his wife and artistic partner, Julie Jordan Gunn, and a select group of students from the Lyric Theater at the University of Illinois.
Pre-reception begins at 5:30 p.m.
Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served in the "Nathan Gunn: The Art of Opera" exhibition.
Performance begins at 6:30 p.m.
Members: $60
Non-members: $75
NATHAN GUNN: LIVE at the Museum
with
Viveca Richards, Soprano
Mackenzie Taylor, Soprano
Alejandra Sandoval-Montanez, Mezzo-Soprano
Hector Camacho Salazar, Tenor
Salvatore Castronovo, Baritone
Julie Jordan Gunn, Piano
Featuring selections from:
The Magic Flute
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Emmanuel Shikaneder
Cosí fan tutte
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lorenzo Da Ponte
Carmen
Georges Bizet
Meilhac and Halévy
Rigoletto and La Traviata
Giuseppe Verdi
The Pirates of Penzance
Gilbert and Sullivan
Die Fledermaus
Johann Strauss
Haffner and Genée
"Nathan Gunn: The Art of Opera" is sponsored by Linda Beth & Ed Sutkowski, Visionary Society & Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Wine and Cheese Under the Stars
Artemis
Friday, May 22 | 7-9 PM
Dome Planetarium
Enjoy an evening out in the planetarium. Planetarium Director Renae Kerrigan will be sharing highlights from the historic Artemis II flight around the Moon, and answering your questions. Learn future plans for the Artemis program and the latest news from space. Your evening will also include a tour of the night sky, and a flight to the edge of space and back.
Each ticket includes up to three pours of wine or other beverages, and an individual charcuterie box.
Doors open at 6:50 PM
The program will be in two parts, allowing time to socialize and refill your wine glass between the shows.
Ages 21+
$45 members | $55 public
Tickets can be purchased here.
Laser Light Nights are back at the DOME featuring an all new experience!
Sit back, relax and rock out with our new laser light system from "the worldwide leader in planetarium laser light shows," Laser Fantasy! Experience the full 3D excitement! The system features a graphics laser projector with special effects, a haze machine & a new beam projector, plus a fresh playlist of 20+ performances, from Beyoncé to The Beatles! Pick up show-enhancing spectrum glasses and refreshments at concessions!
SHOW SCHEDULE
May 23
6:00 – Laser K Pop Demon Hunters (all music from the hit movie!)
7:15 – Laser K Pop Demon Hunters (all music from the hit movie!)
8:30 – Laser Taylor Swift
June 12
6:00 – That 80’s Laser Show
7:15 – That 90’s Laser Show
8:30 – Laser Prince
$5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public
Buy tickets online now - Click on the date to purchase tickets.
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.
(Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)
Thursday, May 28 and October 8, 2026 | Doors Open at 6 p.m., Performance at 7 p.m.
Get down and boogie with us!
Join us on the Peoria Riverfront Museum's Sun Plaza for a summer music series inspired by Preston Jackson's Bronzeville to Harlem: An American Story . This series event will take place on two Thursdays this season, one in May and one in October, featuring a great group of artists from the Chicago area as well as regional and local musicians performing with Preston Jackson himself.
Ticket prices
Members- $15
Non-Members- $20
Ticket price includes admission to Preston Jackson's Bronzeville to Harlem: An American Story.
Schedule of events
May 28, 2026 | Lowdown Brass Band
Get tickets HERE
Lowdown Brass Band is a Chicago-based all-horn ensemble that blends hip hop, soul, and reggae with traditional New Orleans brass. They are known for their high-energy performances that combine street beat rhythms with jazz, creating a modern, genre-bending, brassy night of entertainment.
October 8, 2026 | Preston Jackson and Friends
Get tickets HERE
Preston Jackson (lead guitar) gathers with long-time collaborators John Miller (bass), Mike Nellas (bass/keyboards), Manny Lopez II (trumpet), Manny Lopez III (percussion) and the one and only Judy Page on vocals for a jazzy, bluesy close to the season. This iconic Peoria-based band plays the classic standards we all know and love. Not to be missed!
Sponsored by Linda Beth and Ed Sutkowski, Visionary Society, Friends of Bronzeville to Harlem and Friends of Performance
Thursday, June 4, 2026 - Sunday, June 7, 2026
Disney classics are back in the Giant Screen Theater!
American Animation: Art on Screen brings to life decades of Disney, with special activities that are fun for the whole family! Experience classic Disney films, shorts, and documentaries on the Peoria Riverfront Museum's Giant Screen Theater, the largest Film Society screen in America.
Renowned Disney author and historian J.B. Kaufman will join us for fascinating pre-film talks and post-film Q&As as well as book signings after select films. Mr. Kaufman is a film historian and author who specializes in Disney animation history and silent films. His books include The Fairest One of All, Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic, and Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse.
New this year!
Introducing Marcy Carriker Smothers and the Walt Disney Hometown Museum of Marceline, MO.
Marcy Carriker Smothers is a foodie, a lover of all things Disney, and an author of several books on the happiest place on earth, including Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food and Walt's Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney.
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum was established in 2001 to help celebrate the 100th Birthday of Marceline’s favorite son, Walter Elias Disney. The original museum was built on the personal collection of Ruth Disney Beecher, Walt’s sister. Ruth maintained a close relationship with her brothers Walt and Roy, and knew the admiration they all shared toward their hometown.
Programming Schedule:
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Friday, June 5, 2026
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Get a special all-day pass, Saturday only!
This pass earns you access to all American Animation: Art on Screen events on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Tickets to individual programs can be purchased below.
Sunday, June 7, 2026
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
American Animation: Art on Screen is sponsored by Visionary Society, Friends of Art, and Illinois Arts Council
PLANET PASSPORT SERIES
Join our planet passport series! Each month, come to the planetarium for a show focused on one planet or place in space. Shows will be included in museum admission, and free for museum members. Non-Members can purchase admission to the museum or a planetarium show ticket to attend. These shows are great for all ages.
New for 2026: Participants should sign up for a Peoria Riverfront Museum Achievement Passport.
For each planet show you attend, you will earn a stamp in your passport and 25 points. Every three stamps you earn, you will gain a little extra prize! At the end of the year, we will host a telescope observing night to celebrate all we have learned. Everyone who participated in the planet passport program will be invited.
Shows will be on the second Thursday (5:30 PM) and second Saturday (10:30 AM) of each month. Each show will be about 45 minutes in length.
Sign up here to get email reminders about this cycle of Planet Passport.
March 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Mercury
April 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Venus
May 9 (10:30 AM) and 14 (5:30 PM) – Earth and Moon
June 11 (5:30 PM) and 13 (10:30 AM) – Mars
July 9 (5:30 PM) and 11 (10:30 AM) – Ceres and the Asteroid Belt
August 8 (10:30 AM) and 13 (5:30 PM) – Jupiter
September 10 (5:30 PM) and 12 (10:30 AM) – Saturn
October 8 (5:30 PM) and 10 (10:30 AM) – Uranus
November 12 (5:30 PM) and 14 (10:30 AM) – Neptune
December 10 (5:30 PM) 12 (10:30 AM) – Pluto and Kuiper Belt
A MUSEUM+ Program
Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at the Peoria Riverfront Museum! The Peoria Pops take the stage on the Sun Plaza for an evening of patriotic tunes celebrating America 250 in conjunction with standout exhibition The Promise of Liberty.
This full symphony orchestra will be playing true-blue American music against the beautiful riverfront setting, accompanied by special guest Benjamin Franklin, as embodied by premier American political reenactor Mitchell Kramer. Franklin was part of the 'Committee of Five,' a special group appointed to draft the Declaration of Independence.
See a 1776 broadside of the Declaration of Independence, the same that our ancestors would have seen in the earliest days of our nation on exhibition in The Promise of Liberty.
America 250The Peoria Riverfront Museum is celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation in 2026. Join us all year long for exhibitions on American art, science, history and achievement, including The Promise of Liberty, an exhibition guest curated by documentarian Ken Burns. Featuring a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and more, this exhibition will be the largest collection of some of the most important documents in American history on display during America 250.
Sponsored by Linda Beth and Ed Sutkowski, America 250 donors, Visionary Society, Friends of Performance
Featuring a speech from world premier American political reenactor Mitchell Kramer as Benjamin Franklin
Friday, June 12, 2026 | Doors open at 5:30 p.m. | Program at 6 p.m.
Join us for a special evening with one of our founding fathers, as embodied by Mitchell Kramer, as well as a special appearance from special advisor to The Promise of Liberty, Seth Kaller.
Within the context of the Peoria Riverfront Museum's celebration of America 250, and our standout exhibition of American history The Promise of Liberty , learn about America's early days through the eyes of Benjamin Franklin; a scientist, inventor, statesman and political philosopher.
TicketsAdult: $20 | Member Adult: $15
Senior: $18 | Member Senior: $12
Child :$15 | Member Child: $10
Get tickets HERE
Mitchell Kramer is an accomplished actor and historian who has become widely recognized for his portrayal of Benjamin Franklin.
With a career spanning several decades, Mitchell has performed as Franklin for numerous organizations throughout the country including many appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America.
America 250
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation in 2026. Join us all year long for exhibitions on American art, science, history and achievement, including The Promise of Liberty, an exhibition guest curated by documentarian Ken Burns. Featuring a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and more, this exhibition will be the largest collection of some of the most important documents in American history on display during America 250.
Sponsored by America 250 donors, Visionary Society, Friends of History
Laser Light Nights are back at the DOME featuring an all new experience!
Sit back, relax and rock out with our new laser light system from "the worldwide leader in planetarium laser light shows," Laser Fantasy! Experience the full 3D excitement! The system features a graphics laser projector with special effects, a haze machine & a new beam projector, plus a fresh playlist of 20+ performances, from Beyoncé to The Beatles! Pick up show-enhancing spectrum glasses and refreshments at concessions!
SHOW SCHEDULE
June 12
6:00 – That 80’s Laser Show
7:15 – That 90’s Laser Show
8:30 – Laser Prince
$5 Visionary Society Members | $7 Members | $10 Public
Buy tickets online now
Tickets & more info also available at the Museum or by phone at 309.686.7000.
(Note: These shows contain lyrics to popular songs and some may not be suitable for all ages.)
Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Museum-wide
Thanks to the generous support of Art Bridges Foundation, every second Sunday at the Peoria Riverfront Museum is FREE to the public!
Join us Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. as we celebrate Access for All day at the Peoria Riverfront Museum with the Peoria Public School Distinct, as we host Multicultural Day at the museum!
This Access for All day at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, enjoy make and take art activities, planetarium shows, films, guided tours, and so much more. We're partnering with OSF Children's HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois and OSF Steam to bring an autism resource fair, fun activities for the whole family and more to our community, completely free of charge.SCHEDULE
Autism Pathways Resource Fair | Gilmore Auditorium | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Mingle with local businesses and counselors who specialize in those on the Autism Spectrum.
EXPLORE Toytopia | Gallery | 25 Points | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
With a photo scavenger hunt, explore the new exhibit, Toytopia! Collect 25 points at the Ticket Desk.
EXERCISE your voting rights with some fun "Would You Rather?" Scenarios | Gallery | 50 Points | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Peoria Public Library will offer you a chance to let your voice be heard. "100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?" You decide! No minimum voting age! Voting and answering some toy trivia will earn you a passport stamp and a small prize.
EXPLORE with OSF JUMP Center | Lobby | 50 Points | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a surgeon or part of a surgical team? Come visit the OSF STEAM booth for hands-on, kid-friendly fun exploring the world of surgery! Try interactive games, explore augmented reality, and discover how surgeons and their teams help people every day.
No blood, no loud noises, and definitely nothing super yucky! Just a safe, playful space to learn, explore, and have fun at your own pace!
PLAY on the Plaza | Sun Plaza | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy the sunshine and play with giant versions of toys on the plaza.
Hang 10 Calm Room | Boardroom | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Feeling a little overwhelmed? Check out the Calm Room available on the ground floor of the museum (right next to the Resource Fair!)
TOURS | Tours start outside of the designated gallery.
The Promise of Liberty
| 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. | 100 Points
Join gallery guides in “The Promise of Liberty” for a spotlight tour of the gallery.
Exquisite Creatures
| 1p.m., 2:30 p.m. | 100 Points
Join gallery guides in “Exquisite Creatures” for a spotlight tour of the gallery.
Giant Screen Theater Film
Superpower Dogs| 12:30 p.m. | 25 points
Dome Planetarium
Each Dome Planetarium show is worth 10 Points.
Learn more about the museum's Achievement Passport, and how to earn points HERE
Re-member, members get double points! Earn 100 points and receive a FREE prize!
Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program
Yoga Under the Stars
Join us for a one-of-a-kind yoga experience beneath the stars at the Dome Planetarium. This guided flow will invite you to slow down, ground deeply, and reconnect to yourself as we welcome summer. Under the glow of the night sky, we’ll move through intentional poses that restore balance, release tension, and create space for renewal as we step into a new season. Whether you’re a regular on the mat or brand new to yoga, this evening offers a peaceful reset, a moment to breathe, reflect, and realign beneath the celestial canopy.
This session will be led by Tammy Mitchell.
Participants are asked to bring their own mats.
Each session will be an hour and 15 minutes long.
Summer Solstice - June 20
Doors open at 5:45, Event starts at 6 PM
$20 Members | $25 Public
All sessions are an hour and 15 minutes in length.
Limited mats are available, please bring a mat and a light blanket. Doors open at 5:45 pm. All supplies provided for programs unless otherwise noted. All paid programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
A MUSEUM+ Program
Thursday, June 25, 2026 in the Giant Screen Theater | Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Conversation begins at 6 p.m., Reception at 7:30 p.m.
In conjunction with current exhibition The Promise of Liberty , the Peoria Riverfront Museum is thrilled to welcome Dr. Christopher Brown, a professor at Columbia University, NY, and a historian that has been featured in Ken Burns' newest documentary The American Revolution.
In this special Museum Conversation at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, hear from Brown live and in person on the problem of slavery in the Age of Revolutions. The paradox is familiar – a new nation born declaring that “all men are created equal” that was at the same time dependent upon and committed to the perpetuation of human bondage. In this talk, Christopher Brown places the American paradox in international context, suggesting along the way what made the American experience distinct and how the institution of slavery became, for the first time during the era of the American Revolution, the subject of political conflict.
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Adult: $25
Child: $15
Member Adult: $20
Member Child: $10
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
