Art Prize is an exquisite connection for artists and art lovers to come together from across the globe to share inspiring art and discuss new concepts while exploring the great city of Grand Rapids.Creative energy simply buzzes throughout the venues and the feeling of joy is ever-present.
Artists create installations and display their art in a variety of venues throughout downtown Grand Rapids, MI. The public can view the art for free during ArtPrize. Where is the artwork displayed? We have a list of our favorite places below!
First time visiting ArtPrize and Grand Rapids? See our insider tips, parking suggestions and guide on how to get around Art Prize like a local.
The show, for me, is absolutely phenomenal. I get so inspired speaking with the artists and those viewing the art. Plus we get to visit beautiful Grand Rapids, MI!
We have maps for ArtPrize including venues that your children will love!
We always start at The B.O.B. (20 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids), as it houses around 70-80 pieces of art within the two story eclectic venue. See who can spot the walls covered in smashed cans!! Plus it's a great place to grab lunch.
There is a good restaurant on the second floor that offers a buffet of salad, pizza and pasta for around $12. Very fresh, healthy options.
Don't miss the basement as artists are on hand creating work and it's fun to discuss their creative process. Plan to spend at least an hour here.
Right next door to The B.O.B is the Venue Tower Apartments with about 30 entries. There are paintings, a holographic exhibit and an exhibit with sounds.
You can see this in about 10 minutes so it's worth a quick stop. Plus they have a restroom.
Be sure to continue along the very long highway to the left of the entrance of the Devos Place on the second level as ArtPrize entries are along this hall that connects to The Amway Grand Plaza hotel.
The String Project is one of my favorite pieces that is the hallway between The Devos Place and the Amway Grand. Very cool idea that the world is connected and what we do can affect others. Love the concept.
To the left of this art piece is a tube that crosses a road and takes you into the Amway Grand Plaza hotel. Continue along!!
The majority of the art is located to the right of the reception desk. Restrooms are located to the right of the reception desk. Be sure to check out the amazing chandeliers!!
We felt it necessary to play with the giant red cast alligators. Lots of shenanigans ensued!
Take time to relax and enjoy the area and the fantastic views of the city and the river!
You can then wander around the museum and visit their gift shop. Be sure to take photos of their fantastic outdoor fountain and visit the outdoor venues also. All for free.
Time spent here varies as it depends upon your interest level and if you explore the museum or gift shop. Plan around 30-60 minutes.
This is a short stop but worth it for the quality of the art displayed inside. Arts are also on hand to meet.
Be sure to visit Art Prize if it's the only art show you do this year.
You can spend anywhere from an afternoon to three days visiting all the venues! I recommend starting with the big venues and then wander down Monroe Center NW, as I stated above. This will give you around 6-7 hour of art viewing. Enjoy!
ArtPrize organizers changed the yearly show to every other year so the next ArtPrize show will be in September of 2020. Am I bummed?....absolutely.