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GRAND RAPIDS -- The exhibition commemorates the end of the 20th century with a selection of photographs from the vast and varied holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). NARA photographs vividly capture the sweeping changes of the last one hundred years. They depict both the mundane and high political drama, society's failings as well as its triumphs, war's ugliness as well as its bravery.

GRAND RAPIDS -- Once again the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will open its doors from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. inviting one and all to celebrate the holiday season. This year will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus - along with a few of his reindeer! Holiday music will be provided throughout the afternoon by local choirs. For additional information call the Museum at (616) 254-0400.

GR Ford Museum 272 Pearl Street NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 456-3977

(across the street from the Ford Museum)

Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion presents 40 life-sized and fully operational artifacts, as opposed to miniatures or static displays, grouped into four sections based upon applications linked to the elements of air, water, land and fire. Most of the materials used in the construction of these machines, including wood, rope and glue, were available in da Vinci’s era, and are the ones proposed by him in his codices. The machines were crafted by hand using tools prescribed by the master himself, and then reinforced for the traveling exhibition. Visitors are encouraged to touch and set the machines into motion, combining a fascinating hands-on experience with an exploration of the principles da Vinci employed to create each machine ~ $4 in addition to general admission and Free for Members.

Art Museum Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 10 am - 5 pm; Friday 10 am - 9 pm; Saturday 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday 12 noon - 5 pm ~ Closed Mondays

Art Museum - 101 Monroe Center Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Exhibits

James McNeill Whistler: Organized by Grand Rapids Art Museum Made possible by Wege Foundation October 2, 2009–January 10, 2010 Born in Lowell, Massachusetts and educated at West Point Academy, James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903) left America in 1855 to become a truly international artist. He made his home in London, with frequent trips to Paris and other European capitals. In an era of tourism, Whistler traveled with sketchbooks. He produced both prints and paintings that captured the romance of quiet streets, teeming avenues, and grand vistas in the city.

Tissot’s London 1871-1882: Organized by Grand Rapids Art Museum Made possible by Barbara and Thomas Jackoboice October 2, 2009–January 3, 2010 With the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, French artist James Tissot (1836–1902) chose to relocate to London with its thriving art market and promise of artistic patronage. He was welcomed to the city by supportive friends, including James McNeill Whistler and lived in London for the next decade. Within a few years Tissot became one of the most popular and successful artists in England. ...

Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Map and Directions : Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 1000 East Beltline NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 957-1580 | Toll-Free: 888-957-1580

Christmas Tree display from around the world

November 18, 2009 – January 10, 2010

Excitement surrounds us this time of year as Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World brings the glow of 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and more than 40 international trees and displays. A new feature this year is a Vietnamese Ancestral Altar celebrating the Lunar New Year, Tet Nguyen Dan, along with the return of three important festive displays honoring the Chinese New Year, the Muslim celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, and the unique illumination traditions from the Philippines known as Parols. There will also be extended holiday hours on December 26, 28, 29 and 30th. The entire facility will be open until 9 pm. Have fun reminiscing with family memories throughout the entire Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition, including the Railway Garden, or bundle up and head out to the Children’s Garden for hands-on holiday fun with several interactive daily activities.

Henry Moore: Master Printmaker ~ The Lillian Heidenberg Gift to Frederik Meijer

Gardens & Sculpture Park October 9, 2009 – January 3, 2010

Although celebrated globally as one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, Henry Moore (1898 -1986) was also a master draftsman and printmaker. Although he first experimented with printmaking in the 1930s, it became a significant part of his repertoire beginning in the 1960s. This exhibition draws from a collection of 24 master prints recently presented to Meijer Gardens by Lillian Heidenberg, one of Mr. Moore’s primary gallerists. Moore explored many of his major sculptural themes in etchings and lithographs including seated and reclining figures, mother and child, and animals. This exhibition is the premier presentation of work from this important gift to Meijer Gardens.

Paid for by the Republican Women's Federation of Michigan