Summary

Size:

44,000

Type:

Municipal

Budget:

$11,000,000

Date Completed:

09/07/2001

Description

Funds for the construction of the museum were raised through the efforts of the Gerald R. Ford Commemorative Committee, the University of Michigan, the State of Michigan, Kent County and the City of Grand Rapids.  There were more than 14,000 individual donors. 

The 44,000 square foot sleek two-story triangular museum, which was built at a cost of $11 million including site preparation, was designed by Marvin DeWinter Associates. 

The Museum is the pivotal attraction in a 20-acre park complex along the west bank of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. 

Dedicated in September 1981 with a gala celebration attended by President and Mrs. Reagan, the Museum has a 300-foot glass wall providing a panoramic view of the river and skyline of Grand Rapids.  A reflecting pool and fountain welcomes visitors at the front entrance and a broad pedestrian bridge links the Museum with downtown hotels and shops.