Gerald R Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Kent County, United States | Museum

Welcome to the Gerald R Ford Museum, Grand Rapids, United States. 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 of Grand Rapids. Also instrumental in the planning of the Museum was the Gerald R. Ford Commemorative Committee chaired by Jordan Sheperd. 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 the 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.

The main exhibition floor is devoted to President Ford's life and career and to the nature of the presidency. Candid photographs of Gerald Ford and his family also offer the visitor a view of the man at informal moments. A full-scale replica of the Oval Office, furnished as it was when Gerald Ford was president, is one of the highlights of the Museum. Special exhibits on the 1976 bicentennial and the role of Mrs. Ford are also popular.  Visitors can see gifts presented by heads of state and other foreign dignitaries, as well as personal gifts to President Ford from the American people.  The Gerald R Ford Museum also offers a program of changing exhibits, sometimes borrowed from other institutions such as the Smithsonian, to enhance its permanent displays.  In addition to exhibit areas, the Museum houses an auditorium seating 280 persons, a sales desk area, staff offices, special Museum storage for the permanent collection, and exhibit preparation areas.

The Gerald R Ford Museum and Library have been active in sponsoring scholarly conferences and community activities, often in conjunction with other organizations such as The University of Michigan and the Domestic Policy Association.